Assessment of Mental Health Conditions: Practice Quizzes for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which diagnostic test is commonly used to assess brain activity in patients with psychiatric disorders?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Question 2

When working with a patient who is experiencing anxiety, which of the following communication techniques is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Active listening and empathy

Answer

Providing reassurance

Answer

Setting limits

Answer

Confronting the patient

Question 3

When taking a history from a patient with a suspected psychiatric disorder, which of the following questions is most important to ask?

Accepted Answer

What is your current mood and affect?

Answer

What is your medical history?

Answer

What is your social history?

Answer

What is your family history?

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Orientation to time and place

Answer

Registration

Answer

Attention and calculation

Question 5

What is a core symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness and anhedonia

Answer

Increased energy

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 6

Which class of medications is primarily used to treat schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 7

What is the overarching goal of nursing care for patients with psychiatric disorders?

Accepted Answer

To promote the patient's recovery and well-being

Answer

To achieve a cure for the patient's disorder

Answer

To control the patient's symptoms

Answer

To prevent the patient from causing harm to themselves or others

Question 8

Which defense mechanism involves the unconscious displacement of unacceptable thoughts and feelings onto a less threatening object or person?

Accepted Answer

Projection

Answer

Repression

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Sublimation

Question 9

Which therapeutic approach focuses primarily on helping patients gain insight into unconscious conflicts and patterns?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Interpersonal therapy

Answer

Supportive psychotherapy

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a vital component of a patient's psychiatric history?

Accepted Answer

Physical examination findings

Answer

Presenting problem

Answer

Past psychiatric history

Answer

Social history

Question 11

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is primarily used to assess a patient's:

Accepted Answer

Neurological function

Answer

Mental status

Answer

Pain level

Answer

Respiratory status

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of disorganized speech?

Accepted Answer

Clear and concise communication

Answer

Flight of ideas

Answer

Tangentiality

Answer

Clang associations

Question 13

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a standardized tool used to assess primarily:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive function

Answer

Mood disorders

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Personality disorders

Question 14

When communicating with a patient experiencing auditory hallucinations, it is appropriate to:

Accepted Answer

Validate the patient's experiences

Answer

Challenge the patient's beliefs

Answer

Medicate the patient with antipsychotics

Answer

Place the patient in isolation

Question 15

A mental status examination includes:

Accepted Answer

Assessment of thought processes

Answer

Review of medical history

Answer

Evaluation of physical health

Answer

Social support assessment

Question 16

A patient with depression may experience:

Accepted Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Answer

Euphoric mood

Answer

Increased energy levels

Answer

Racing thoughts

Question 17

Which diagnostic test is commonly used to assess for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Beck Anxiety Inventory

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 18

When interviewing a patient with a suspected psychotic disorder, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Listen attentively

Answer

Directly confront delusions

Answer

Avoid eye contact

Answer

Interrupt the patient frequently

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Answer

Avolition

Question 20

An appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing acute anxiety is:

Accepted Answer

Encouraging deep breathing exercises

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication

Answer

Isolating the patient in a quiet room

Answer

Restraining the patient

Question 21

The therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is characterized primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy and respect

Answer

Hierarchy and control

Answer

Coercion and manipulation

Answer

Distance and indifference

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 23

During a patient assessment, you observe the patient speaking excessively, changing topics abruptly, and exhibiting pressured speech. Which of the following mental status findings is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Flight of ideas

Answer

Echolalia (repeating what others say)

Answer

Perseveration (repetitive thoughts or actions)

Answer

Circumstantiality (indirect or roundabout speech)

Question 24

Which type of delusion involves a belief that one has special powers or abilities?

Accepted Answer

Grandiose

Answer

Persecutory

Answer

Nihilistic

Answer

Somatic

Question 25

The most prevalent type of mood disorder in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Bipolar Disorder

Answer

Cyclothymic Disorder

Answer

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Question 26

The first-line treatment for depression typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 27

Which type of anxiety disorder is the most prevalent?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Phobia

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Question 28

For managing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which class of medication is utilized?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 29

A patient with a history of depression presents with symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and an inability to experience pleasure. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 30

For a patient experiencing a panic attack, what is the primary nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Providing reassurance and relaxation techniques

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medication

Answer

Restraining the patient

Answer

Contacting the psychiatrist

Question 31

According to the legal definition, what is the criteria for insanity?

Accepted Answer

Inability to discern right from wrong

Answer

Inability to control one's behavior

Answer

Inability to comprehend the implications of one's actions

Answer

None of the aforementioned

Question 32

Which among the following is NOT a recognized form of psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Medication administration

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Gestalt therapy

Question 33

What is the foundational goal of psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Providing support and education

Answer

Treating psychiatric conditions

Answer

Managing symptoms

Answer

Preventing psychiatric conditions

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a component of a comprehensive mental status examination?

Accepted Answer

Detailed medical history

Answer

Appearance and general demeanor

Answer

Thought process and content analysis

Answer

Evaluation of judgment and insight

Question 35

A patient expressing thoughts of harming themselves should be assessed for:

Accepted Answer

Risk of suicide

Answer

Risk of homicide

Answer

Substance misuse

Answer

Mood disturbances

Question 36

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is primarily used to measure:

Accepted Answer

Severity of depression

Answer

Levels of anxiety

Answer

Degree of cognitive impairment

Answer

Presence of suicidal ideation

Question 37

Which of the following is a known risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Combination of all the above

Answer

Family history of anxiety disorders

Answer

Experiencing childhood trauma

Answer

Specific personality traits

Question 38

What is a defining characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing, excessive worry about various topics

Answer

Sudden, intense panic attacks

Answer

Low mood and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

Question 39

A patient exhibits disorganized speech, hallucinations, and delusions. Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to evaluate for organic causes?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Chest X-ray

Answer

Blood sugar test

Answer

Urinalysis

Question 40

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 41

A patient describes experiencing flashbacks and nightmares about a traumatic event that occurred in the past. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 42

Which class of medication is commonly used to treat the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotic

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressant

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Question 43

A patient with borderline personality disorder is engaging in self-harm behaviors. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate and evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Create a safety plan with the patient

Answer

Ignore the behaviors

Answer

Administer sedative medication

Answer

Punish the patient

Question 44

A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom?

Accepted Answer

Inflated self-esteem

Answer

Psychomotor retardation

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Depressed mood

Question 45

Which of the following ethical principles is essential in the assessment of psychiatric disorders?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Assuming all patients are dangerous

Answer

Using intrusive assessment techniques

Answer

Judging patients based on their symptoms

Question 46

A patient with a psychiatric disorder has the right to refuse treatment. How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy

Answer

Tricking the patient into taking medication

Answer

Lie to the patient about the need for treatment

Answer

Coerce the patient into treatment

Question 47

To determine the severity of an anxiety disorder, it is most important to ask the patient:

Accepted Answer

How has your anxiety affected your daily life and relationships?

Answer

Do you have a family history of anxiety disorders?

Answer

When did your anxiety symptoms begin?

Question 48

In a mental status examination, findings such as difficulty maintaining eye contact, monotone speech, and flat affect are most suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 49

When assessing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia, the most appropriate question to ask the patient is:

Accepted Answer

Can you describe the voices you hear, what they say, and how they make you feel?

Answer

Do you think the voices are real or imagined?

Answer

Have you ever been hospitalized for your schizophrenia?

Question 50

In a patient experiencing a manic episode, which behavior is most likely to be observed?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and activity, racing thoughts, and pressured speech

Answer

Social withdrawal, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness

Answer

Fearful avoidance of social situations and excessive worrying

Question 51

During an interview, a patient's frequent topic changes and inability to focus suggest:

Accepted Answer

Distractibility

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Thought blocking

Answer

Delusions

Question 52

A patient's insight refers to their:

Accepted Answer

Understanding and awareness of their mental health condition

Answer

Level of anxiety and distress

Answer

Ability to recall past events

Question 53

Symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest suggest:

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 54

When assessing mood, it's essential to consider:

Accepted Answer

Both subjective and objective observations

Answer

Only observable behaviors and expressions

Answer

Medical and family history

Answer

Only the patient's self-reported mood

Question 55

In a psychiatric assessment of a patient with substance abuse history, the most important question is:

Accepted Answer

What substances are you currently using and their daily intake?

Answer

Legal issues related to substance use

Answer

Family history of substance abuse