Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which level of anxiety involves disorganised thinking, an inability to communicate clearly and possible loss of contact with reality?

1. AModerate anxiety
2. BPanic
3. CNormal everyday anxiety
4. DMild anxiety

How does naltrexone help people with alcohol dependence?

1. AIt causes vomiting and flushing if the person drinks alcohol
2. BIt replaces alcohol in the brain and prevents withdrawal seizures
3. CIt blocks opioid receptors and reduces the craving and pleasure from drinking
4. DIt speeds up the breakdown of alcohol in the liver so that the person never feels drunk

What is systematic desensitisation?

1. ASudden and prolonged exposure to the most feared situation at once
2. BA medicine that reduces anxiety within minutes of being taken
3. CTeaching the patient to avoid the feared situation completely, so that the anxiety never has to be felt again
4. DGradual exposure to a feared situation, step by step, while using relaxation

A patient says, "I feel like I'm dying inside." Which nurse response best uses the technique of exploring?

1. A"Let's talk about something more cheerful."
2. B"Tell me more about what that feeling is like for you."
3. C"Everyone feels that way sometimes."
4. D"You shouldn't say things like that."

A severely depressed older patient says, "My insides have rotted away; I am already dead." Which type of delusion is this?

1. APersecutory
2. BGrandiose
3. CErotomanic
4. DNihilistic

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

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

A patient on daily methadone maintenance has had abdominal surgery. Which statement about his pain management is correct?

1. AHe should get no opioids at all, because of his history
2. BHis usual methadone should continue, and additional analgesia is usually needed for acute pain
3. CHis usual methadone dose will fully control his post-operative pain, so no other analgesia should be given
4. DHis methadone should be stopped while he is in hospital

A nurse notices that a colleague smells of alcohol, has slurred speech and is about to give medicines. What should the nurse do?

1. AWait until the end of the shift, then talk privately with the colleague
2. BReport the concern immediately to the nurse in charge, following policy, to protect patients
3. CSay nothing, because it is not her responsibility
4. DGive the colleague some strong coffee and let her continue with the medicine round if she says she feels fine