Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

A patient says, "They're all against me, everything is wrong." The nurse says, "I'm not sure I follow. Who is against you?" Which technique is this?

1. AOffering self
2. BSeeking clarification
3. CReflecting feelings
4. DGiving recognition

Which statement about confidentiality in mental health nursing is correct?

1. AOnly physical health information is confidential; mental health information may be shared with relatives on request
2. BConfidentiality never has any exceptions
3. CPatient information is kept confidential, with exceptions such as a serious risk of harm to the patient or others
4. DInformation can be shared with anyone who asks

A patient smiles and laughs while describing the death of her son. How is this affect described?

1. AIncongruent
2. BRestricted but appropriate
3. CEuthymic
4. DCongruent

What is the main difference between disulfiram and naltrexone in alcohol dependence?

1. ADisulfiram reduces craving; naltrexone causes vomiting when alcohol is drunk
2. BNaltrexone is used only for alcohol withdrawal; disulfiram is used only for treating an alcohol overdose
3. CBoth work in exactly the same way, so they are fully interchangeable
4. DDisulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction to alcohol; naltrexone reduces craving and reward

Why is giving approval, such as saying "That's good" about a patient's decision, considered non-therapeutic?

1. AIt always makes the patient angry and more likely to become aggressive towards staff
2. BIt suggests that the patient's choices are judged against the nurse's standards
3. CIt shows that the nurse is not listening at all
4. DIt is against the law in mental health settings

A 24-year-old woman with bipolar disorder is starting valproate. What is the most important teaching point?

1. AIt can seriously harm an unborn baby, so effective contraception and specialist advice are essential
2. BIt must be taken with grapefruit juice to be absorbed
3. CIt will cause her to lose weight quickly, so she should eat extra meals and snacks every day
4. DIt is safe in pregnancy and needs no special precautions

A patient with anorexia nervosa is admitted with a BMI of 14, dizziness and low potassium. Which goal is the priority in the first days?

1. AImproving body image through group discussions
2. BPlanning her return to university and her studies after discharge
3. CGaining insight into family relationships through therapy
4. DMedical stabilisation, with careful refeeding and correction of electrolytes

A patient with dementia repeatedly walks towards the ward exit, saying he must go to work. What is the most appropriate action?

1. ALock him in his room so that he cannot leave
2. BTell him firmly that he has been retired for 20 years
3. CWalk with him, acknowledge his concern and gently redirect him to an activity
4. DUse a physical restraint in a chair for the rest of the day so that he stays safe and cannot reach the exit