Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

According to DSM-5, how long must symptoms last for a major depressive episode to be diagnosed?

1. AAt least 6 months
2. BAt least 2 weeks
3. CAt least 2 years
4. DAt least 2 days

In the stages of change model, a person who does not see their drinking as a problem and has no intention of changing is in which stage?

1. AMaintenance of change
2. BPreparation
3. CPrecontemplation
4. DContemplation

Which statement about nicotine replacement therapy is correct?

1. AIt works by making cigarettes taste so unpleasant that the person no longer wants to smoke them
2. BIt contains tar and carbon monoxide in smaller amounts than cigarettes
3. CIt provides nicotine without the harmful smoke, to reduce withdrawal and cravings
4. DIt must never be combined, for example a patch with gum

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which patient need should a nurse on a mental health ward address first?

1. AA patient who feels lonely and wants more visitors
2. BA patient who wants to improve her self-esteem
3. CA patient who wants to find a new hobby
4. DA patient who has not eaten or drunk anything for two days

Which statement about buspirone for anxiety is correct?

1. AIt is highly addictive
2. BIt must be taken with alcohol
3. CIt works within minutes during a panic attack, like a benzodiazepine
4. DIt takes weeks to work and is not useful as an as-needed drug

In the mental status examination, what is assessed under "insight"?

1. AWhether the patient understands that they have a mental health problem and needs help
2. BThe speed of the patient's speech
3. CWhether the patient can make safe everyday decisions about money, meals and self-care
4. DThe patient's orientation to time and place

A patient with PTSD is having a nightmare and thrashing in bed. What is the safest way for the nurse to wake him?

1. AShake him firmly by the shoulders until he is fully awake
2. BHold his arms down firmly so that he cannot hit anyone or hurt himself while he is still asleep
3. CStand at a safe distance, say his name clearly and tell him where he is
4. DTurn on all the lights and shout loudly so that he wakes up quickly

A woman taking carbamazepine for bipolar disorder uses an oral contraceptive pill. What should the nurse teach?

1. AShe should take the pill and the carbamazepine at exactly the same time each day so that both of them stay fully effective
2. BCarbamazepine can make the pill less effective, so she should discuss contraception with the prescriber
3. CThe two drugs do not interact in any way
4. DCarbamazepine increases the effect of the pill, so she can take it every other day