Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which symptoms are early signs of lithium toxicity?

1. ANausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a coarse tremor
2. BItching and a rash
3. CWeight gain and dry mouth only
4. DHigh blood pressure, flushing and a severe headache

A patient is very dramatic, dresses to draw attention and is uncomfortable when she is not the centre of attention. Which personality disorder does this suggest?

1. AAvoidant
2. BSchizoid
3. CParanoid
4. DHistrionic

Which of these is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

1. AAuditory hallucinations
2. BLack of motivation (avolition)
3. CFlat affect
4. DPoverty of speech (alogia)

What advice about salt and fluid should a patient taking lithium receive?

1. AKeep a steady, normal salt intake and drink enough fluid, especially in hot weather or illness
2. BTake salt tablets daily
3. CFollow a strict low-salt diet and drink as little fluid as possible, especially in hot weather
4. DDrink as little water as possible

Which nursing action at mealtimes is most appropriate for a patient with anorexia nervosa?

1. ASupervise the meal and observe the patient for an agreed period afterwards
2. BTalk with the patient at length about calories during the meal
3. CLet the patient eat alone in her room for privacy
4. DAllow the patient to choose to skip meals if she says she feels full or unwell

A patient has taken a benzodiazepine daily for many months. Why must it not be stopped abruptly?

1. AThe patient would become allergic to it
2. BSudden withdrawal can cause severe anxiety, insomnia and seizures
3. CIt would cause immediate weight gain
4. DThere is no risk; benzodiazepines can be stopped at any time without tapering

The family of a patient with schizophrenia asks how they can tell if he is becoming unwell again. Which signs should the nurse teach them to watch for?

1. AA better appetite and more interest in his hobbies
2. BTalking more openly with his family about his feelings and his plans for the future
3. CPoor sleep, withdrawal from others and increasing suspiciousness
4. DMild dry mouth in the first week of a new medicine

A patient who takes fluoxetine in the evening says he has had trouble falling asleep since starting it. What should the nurse suggest?

1. ADrink a small glass of wine or beer before bed to help him fall asleep
2. BDiscuss with the prescriber whether he can take it in the morning instead
3. CStop the fluoxetine at once and tell the prescriber at his next appointment
4. DTake a double dose at night to make him sleepy