Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

A teenager starts dressing and speaking like a famous singer she admires. Which defence mechanism is this?

1. AProjection
2. BRationalisation
3. CSuppression
4. DIdentification

Does asking a patient directly about suicidal thoughts increase their risk of suicide?

1. AYes; it puts the idea into their head
2. BNo; asking directly is safe and helps to assess risk
3. CYes; it should only be done by a psychiatrist after a full assessment
4. DIt is only safe in adolescents

A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) must avoid which kind of food?

1. ARice and pasta
2. BFresh vegetables
3. CFoods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and cured meats
4. DFresh milk and plain yoghurt, because of their calcium content

What should a patient taking disulfiram be taught?

1. ASmall amounts of beer are safe
2. BAvoid all alcohol, including hidden sources such as some mouthwashes and sauces
3. CIt cures alcohol dependence after one dose
4. DIt works only if alcohol is drunk with it, so a small amount of wine is needed daily

The parents of a 9-year-old starting methylphenidate ask about side effects. What should the nurse teach?

1. AIt is sedating, so expect the child to sleep more and to be drowsy during lessons at school
2. BGive it just before bedtime so that it works overnight
3. CGive it in the morning, and watch for poor appetite, weight loss and trouble sleeping
4. DIt causes weight gain, so offer fewer snacks during the day

A patient with narcissistic personality disorder demands that only the senior doctor should speak to him, because the nurses are "beneath him". What is the best approach?

1. AArrange for only the senior doctor to see him from now on
2. BTell him that he is not as important as he thinks he is
3. CAvoid him as much as possible, because he is rude and unpleasant to the nursing staff
4. DRespond respectfully but firmly, and keep the same expectations as for other patients

A patient with borderline personality disorder says, "If you don't make Anna my nurse again tomorrow, I'll cut myself." What is the most appropriate response?

1. ATell her that if she cuts herself again, she will be discharged from the ward at once without any follow-up
2. BIgnore the threat, because she is only trying to manipulate staff
3. CAgree to assign Anna to her every day so that she stays safe
4. DTake the statement seriously, assess her risk and explain that nursing assignments are decided by the team

On a mental health ward, which task is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to a healthcare assistant?

1. AAccompanying a stable patient to the dining room and recording his food intake
2. BEvaluating whether a PRN medicine given an hour ago has worked
3. CCarrying out the full admission suicide risk assessment of a newly admitted patient
4. DTeaching a patient about the side effects of lithium