PMH-BC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

During a mental status examination, which of the following best assesses a patient's judgment?

• AAsking the patient to interpret a proverb.
• BAsking the patient what they would do if they found a stamped, addressed envelope on the…
• CAsking the patient to spell 'world' backwards.
• DAsking the patient to name the current president.

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient with borderline personality disorder. Which intervention is most important to include to address the patient's tendency for splitting?

• AProviding clear and consistent boundaries.
• BEncouraging the patient to lead group therapy sessions.
• CAllowing the patient to choose their own medication schedule.
• DRotating staff members assigned to the patient daily.

A patient taking clozapine presents with a sore throat, fever, and malaise. The nurse should suspect which of the following life-threatening adverse effects?

• ANeuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• BAgranulocytosis
• CSerotonin syndrome
• DTardive dyskinesia

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of psychoeducation for a patient newly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which statement by the patient indicates a good understanding of the illness?

• A"I only need to take my medication when I feel like I'm getting sick."
• B"My family is the cause of my illness, so I should avoid them."
• C"I can stop taking my medication once the voices go away."
• D"Stress can make my symptoms worse, so I should learn new coping skills."

Which screening tool is most commonly used to assess for alcohol withdrawal?

• ABeck Depression Inventory (BDI)
• BClinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS)
• CClinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-Ar)
• DAbnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)

A patient with social anxiety disorder is learning to challenge automatic negative thoughts. Which of the following is a classic cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique for this purpose?

• APsychoanalysis
• BFree association
• CCognitive restructuring
• DEmpty chair technique

A patient has been involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric unit. Under which condition can the patient refuse psychotropic medication?

• AIf the patient is a minor.
• BIf the patient has been adjudicated incompetent by a court.
• CIf the patient is not considered a danger to themselves or others.
• DInvoluntary admission automatically negates the right to refuse medication.

A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, current episode manic. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to see?

• AAnergia, anhedonia, and hypersomnia.
• BFlat affect, alogia, and avolition.
• CFlight of ideas, grandiosity, and decreased need for sleep.
• DPervasive sadness, guilt, and social withdrawal.

A patient taking fluoxetine (Prozac) is prescribed tramadol (Ultram) for pain. The nurse should be vigilant for the development of which potentially fatal condition?

• AHypertensive crisis
• BNeuroleptic malignant syndrome
• CSerotonin syndrome
• DAgranulocytosis

When creating a safety plan for a patient with suicidal ideation, which is the most critical first step?

• AIdentifying warning signs of an impending crisis.
• BEstablishing a therapeutic rapport with the patient.
• CRemoving all lethal means from the patient's environment.
• DListing coping strategies the patient can use.

A key feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is:

• ARecurrent, unexpected panic attacks.
• BFear of specific objects or situations.
• CExcessive worry about multiple events or activities.
• DPersistent thoughts that cause marked anxiety.

A patient is becoming increasingly agitated and is clenching their fists. Which initial nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• ATell the patient to calm down immediately.
• BPlace the patient in seclusion.
• CMaintain a safe distance and use a calm, clear voice.
• DAdminister a stat dose of an antipsychotic medication.

What is the primary short-term goal for a patient hospitalized with severe anorexia nervosa?

• AImproving body image.
• BResolving family conflicts.
• CNutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration.
• DDeveloping coping skills for anxiety.

An 80-year-old patient presents with an acute onset of confusion, inattention, and fluctuating levels of consciousness. The patient's family reports the patient was 'fine' yesterday. Which diagnosis should the nurse suspect?

• AAlzheimer's disease
• BVascular dementia
• CDelirium
• DDepression

A patient is prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder. Which instruction is essential for the nurse to provide?

• A"You can restrict your salt intake to lose weight."
• B"It's important to maintain a consistent fluid and salt intake."
• C"You should double your dose if you feel a manic episode coming on."
• D"Stop taking the medication if you experience mild hand tremors."

Which of the following is an example of objective documentation?

• A"Patient seems angry and uncooperative."
• B"Patient's spouse reports the patient has been sleeping poorly."
• C"Patient paced the hallway for 15 minutes, clenching and unclenching fists."
• D"Patient is probably experiencing auditory hallucinations."

In group therapy, the concept of 'universality,' as described by Irvin Yalom, refers to:

• AThe leader's ability to direct the group's actions.
• BMembers learning about themselves through observing others.
• CMembers recognizing that they are not alone in their problems.
• DThe sense of belonging and acceptance within the group.