Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Which medicine may be used as part of the treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome?

1. AHaloperidol
2. BLithium
3. CFluoxetine
4. DDantrolene

A patient is having a panic attack. What should the nurse do?

1. AEncourage the patient to join a busy group activity
2. BStay with the patient, speak calmly in short, simple sentences and provide a quiet space
3. CLeave the patient alone to calm down
4. DExplain in detail how panic disorder develops so that the patient understands the attack

A patient says, "I'm scared about my surgery tomorrow." Which nurse response is an example of false reassurance?

1. A"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
2. B"What worries you most about tomorrow?"
3. C"You sound frightened."
4. D"Tell me more about how you're feeling."

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"You shouldn't say things like that."
3. C"Everyone feels that way sometimes."
4. D"Tell me more about what that feeling is like for you."

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

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

A patient taking valproate is starting lamotrigine. Why must lamotrigine be increased especially slowly?

1. AValproate raises lamotrigine levels, which increases the risk of a serious rash
2. BThe two drugs together cause severe hair growth
3. CValproate makes lamotrigine work faster, so the dose must be increased quickly
4. DLamotrigine will lower the valproate level until it has no effect

In the working phase of the relationship, a patient who has been talking openly starts missing sessions and changes the subject whenever her childhood is mentioned. What is the best interpretation?

1. AShe no longer needs any help, so the sessions should end at once
2. BThe nurse has made a serious mistake and should hand her care to a colleague immediately
3. CShe may be showing resistance as painful topics come closer, which the nurse can gently explore
4. DShe is being rude to the nurse on purpose and should be warned

An 83-year-old becomes confused and constipated and cannot pass urine. She takes amitriptyline, oxybutynin and an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine. What is the most likely cause?

1. ASudden-onset Alzheimer's disease
2. BA sign that she needs a higher dose of amitriptyline
3. CThe normal effects of ageing
4. DThe combined anticholinergic effects of her medicines