Mental health nursing worksheet with answers

Free printable Mental health nursing worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

A patient's depression returns every winter and improves in spring. Which treatment is specific to this pattern?

  1. ALithium carbonate
  2. BBright light therapy
  3. CSeclusion in a quiet room
  4. DElectroconvulsive therapy
2.Easy

Which symptoms are early signs of lithium toxicity?

  1. AWeight gain and dry mouth only
  2. BHigh blood pressure, flushing and a severe headache
  3. CNausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a coarse tremor
  4. DItching and a rash
3.Easy

Anticholinergic drugs such as benztropine or procyclidine are given to patients taking antipsychotics to treat which problem?

  1. AExtrapyramidal side effects such as dystonia and pseudoparkinsonism
  2. BWeight gain and raised blood glucose
  3. CRaised prolactin and breast enlargement
  4. DLow white blood cell count
4.Medium

A patient stopped paroxetine suddenly a few days ago. She now has dizziness, irritability, flu-like symptoms and brief "electric shock" feelings. What is the most likely cause?

  1. ASerotonin syndrome
  2. BNeuroleptic malignant syndrome
  3. CA relapse of her depression into a severe psychotic depression
  4. DAntidepressant discontinuation syndrome
5.Medium

Which effect is expected and temporary after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

  1. AShort-term confusion and memory loss around the time of treatment
  2. BParalysis of the legs
  3. CPermanent loss of all long-term memories from before the treatment
  4. DLoss of speech for months
6.Medium

A 7-year-old with autism is admitted to a children's ward. Which nursing action is most helpful?

  1. APut him in a busy bay with lots of noise and activity to keep him stimulated
  2. BAvoid his parents' advice, because staff know best how to care for him
  3. CKeep to his usual routines where possible and prepare him for any changes
  4. DChange his daily routine often, to help him get used to change
7.Hard

A man has odd beliefs about being able to read minds, dresses eccentrically and has few friends because others make him anxious. He has never had sustained hallucinations or delusions. Which diagnosis fits best?

  1. ASchizophrenia
  2. BAntisocial personality disorder
  3. CHistrionic personality disorder with odd dress
  4. DSchizotypal personality disorder
8.Hard

A patient taking an MAOI returns from a party with a severe headache at the back of the head, a stiff neck and palpitations. What should the nurse do first?

  1. ACheck the blood pressure and notify the prescriber urgently
  2. BGive a cup of strong coffee for the headache
  3. CGive her next MAOI dose early
  4. DAdvise her to lie down and sleep it off

Answer key

  1. 1. B · Bright light therapy
  2. 2. C · Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a coarse tremor
  3. 3. A · Extrapyramidal side effects such as dystonia and pseudoparkinsonism
  4. 4. D · Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
  5. 5. A · Short-term confusion and memory loss around the time of treatment
  6. 6. C · Keep to his usual routines where possible and prepare him for any changes
  7. 7. D · Schizotypal personality disorder
  8. 8. A · Check the blood pressure and notify the prescriber urgently

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