Mental Health Disorders in Medical-Surgical Nursing: Quizzes and Study Guide

Question 1

In the medical-surgical setting, which of the following is a typical manifestation of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Rapid heart rate

Answer

Slow breathing

Answer

Lower blood pressure

Answer

Weight gain

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Healthy appetite

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 3

When administering an antipsychotic medication, which nursing intervention is most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for extrapyramidal side effects

Answer

Administer the medication with meals

Answer

Avoid giving the medication at bedtime

Answer

Taper the medication gradually upon discontinuation

Question 4

When communicating with a patient experiencing delusions, which approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's beliefs

Answer

Dispute the patient's beliefs

Answer

Ignore the patient's beliefs

Answer

Divert the patient's attention from the beliefs

Question 5

When assessing a patient with a potential mental health disorder, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain a comprehensive history, including past psychiatric history and family history.

Answer

Focus solely on the patient's presenting symptoms.

Answer

Reassure the patient that everything will be okay.

Answer

Avoid discussing the patient's concerns openly.

Question 6

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry

Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Slowed speech

Question 7

Which of the following evidence-based interventions is particularly beneficial for patients with depression?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging social interaction and participation in pleasurable activities

Answer

Discouraging negative thoughts

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication

Answer

Limiting sleep to improve mood

Question 8

What is the paramount objective of therapeutic communication when interacting with individuals with mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

To build rapport and foster trust

Answer

To challenge their beliefs

Answer

To provide advice and solutions

Answer

To confront their behaviors

Question 9

Which class of medications is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 10

In addition to pharmacological interventions, which non-pharmacological approach is commonly utilized in managing psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 11

When evaluating a patient for a possible mental health disorder, which of the following is the most comprehensive approach?

Accepted Answer

Considering both the patient's self-report and objective observations

Answer

Relying solely on the patient's self-report

Answer

Focusing primarily on the patient's physical symptoms

Answer

Ignoring any information that the patient provides

Question 12

Which of the following is a realistic goal for a patient with an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Improved management of anxiety symptoms

Answer

Complete elimination of all anxiety symptoms

Answer

Complete resolution of the underlying cause of anxiety

Answer

Prevention of future anxiety episodes

Question 13

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient with psychosis who is experiencing hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

Providing reality orientation

Answer

Challenging the patient's beliefs

Answer

Ignoring the hallucinations

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication

Question 14

Which class of medication is typically used as first-line treatment for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Opioids

Question 15

When caring for a patient with a mental health disorder who is exhibiting disruptive behavior, which nursing response is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Setting clear limits and boundaries

Answer

Isolating the patient

Answer

Using physical restraints

Answer

Ignoring the behavior

Question 16

In a medical-surgical setting, what is the MOST important way a nurse supports patients with mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Speaking up for patients' needs and ensuring they get proper care

Answer

Giving medications to manage symptoms

Answer

Completing detailed assessments and diagnosing mental health conditions

Answer

Giving supportive counseling and therapy to patients

Question 17

Which of the following is a common symptom of anxiety in the medical-surgical setting?

Accepted Answer

Restlessness or agitation

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Confusion

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 18

What is the primary goal of medication therapy for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the severity and frequency of anxiety symptoms

Answer

To eliminate anxiety symptoms completely

Answer

To prevent future anxiety episodes

Answer

To cure the underlying cause of anxiety

Question 19

Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganization of speech

Question 20

In a medical-surgical setting, which medication is most effective for quickly alleviating a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Answer

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Answer

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Question 21

What is the primary responsibility of a nurse in helping patients with mental health disorders access community resources?

Accepted Answer

Connecting patients with appropriate community mental health services

Answer

Providing individual counseling and therapy

Answer

Prescribing medications for mental health conditions

Answer

Educating patients and families about mental health conditions and resources

Question 22

Which of the following is a key assessment finding for major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

Answer

Euthymic mood

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Excessive energy

Question 23

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worrying

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Depressed mood

Answer

Delusions

Question 24

What is a key nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

Accepted Answer

Remaining calm and providing reassurance

Answer

Leaving the patient alone

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication

Answer

Restraining the patient

Question 25

Which class of medications is commonly used as a first-line treatment for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants

Question 26

What is a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Compulsions

Answer

Mania

Question 27

Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing delusions?

Accepted Answer

Reality orientation

Answer

Confrontation

Answer

Seclusion

Question 28

What term describes the sudden onset of severe psychosis with hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech?

Accepted Answer

Acute psychosis

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Schizoaffective disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 29

What is a primary goal of treatment for mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Symptom management

Answer

Cure

Answer

Prevention

Question 30

Which of the following nursing diagnoses is appropriate for a patient with a mental health disorder?

Accepted Answer

Risk for self-harm

Answer

Impaired skin integrity

Answer

Hyperthermia

Answer

Constipation

Question 31

Select the most common symptom of anxiety disorders:

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Delusions of reference

Answer

Loss of appetite

Question 32

When a patient is experiencing a panic attack, which nursing intervention should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Remain calm and provide reassurance to the patient

Answer

Administer anti-anxiety medication immediately

Answer

Offer cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques

Answer

Restraint the patient to prevent harm

Question 33

Which symptom is a hallmark characteristic of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Disorganized speech and behavior

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Question 34

What is the primary objective of medication therapy in managing depression?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms and improve mood

Answer

To eliminate negative thoughts completely

Answer

To guarantee a permanent cure for the disorder

Question 35

When a patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations, what is the primary nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Speak calmly, provide reality orientation, and encourage the patient to discuss their experiences

Answer

Restraint the patient for safety

Answer

Administer antipsychotic medication promptly

Answer

Ignore the hallucinations and focus on other aspects of care

Question 36

Within the medical-surgical setting, what is the nurse's central role in promoting mental health?

Accepted Answer

Assess for potential mental health concerns, offer support and education, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Answer

Provide extensive counseling and psychotherapy

Question 37

When developing a care plan for patients with mental health disorders, which factor should be given the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Individual needs and preferences of the patient

Answer

Insurance coverage limitations

Answer

Hospital policies and protocols

Answer

Expectations of the patient's family

Question 38

As a nurse caring for patients with mental health disorders, what is your primary ethical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Respecting their rights, supporting their autonomy, and ensuring their safety

Answer

Judging their behavior and making decisions on their behalf

Answer

Protecting society from potentially harmful individuals

Question 39

Upon discharge from the hospital, which teaching point is imperative for a patient with depression?

Accepted Answer

Recognize early warning signs of depression and seek professional help promptly.

Answer

Abstain from caffeine and alcohol.

Answer

Exercise regularly.

Question 40

During a panic attack, which intervention is most beneficial for a patient experiencing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Guide the patient through deep breathing exercises.

Answer

Administer benzodiazepine medication promptly.

Answer

Allow the patient to be alone until they calm down.

Answer

Motivate the patient to confront their fears immediately.

Question 41

Which symptom is characteristic of psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Delusions.

Answer

Headache.

Answer

Fatigue.

Question 42

When evaluating a patient suspected of having a mental health disorder, which inquiry is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Are you contemplating harming yourself or others?

Answer

What medications are you currently taking?

Answer

How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?

Question 43

In developing a nursing care plan for a patient with a mental health disorder, which objective takes precedence?

Accepted Answer

Guarantee safety and well-being.

Answer

Educate the patient about their condition.

Answer

Enhance mental health status.

Answer

Foster coping mechanisms.

Question 44

Which class of medications is frequently prescribed for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Answer

Antipsychotics.

Answer

Mood stabilizers.

Question 45

Which non-pharmacological approach is commonly utilized for treating anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy.

Answer

Deep brain stimulation.

Question 46

Which ethical and legal principle guides the care of patients with mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent before administering any treatment.

Answer

Restraining patients without their consent.

Answer

Sharing patient information with family members without authorization.

Question 47

As a nurse, which role is crucial in caring for individuals with mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for their rights and well-being.

Answer

Diagnosing mental health disorders.

Answer

Prescribing medications.

Answer

Performing surgical procedures.

Question 48

Which of the following is the predominant symptom of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry or fear

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 49

A significant risk factor for depression is:

Accepted Answer

A history of trauma

Answer

Intellectual disability

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Strong social support

Question 50

In caring for a patient with psychosis, the nurse's primary concern is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the safety of the patient and others

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medications

Answer

Educating the patient about their condition

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 51

Which communication technique is most effective when interacting with an anxious patient?

Accepted Answer

Active listening without judgment

Answer

Challenging the patient's irrational thoughts

Answer

Reassuring the patient that everything will be fine

Answer

Interpreting the patient's feelings and providing advice

Question 52

An early sign or prodrome of psychosis may include:

Accepted Answer

Progressive social withdrawal or isolation

Answer

Persistent delusions of grandeur

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Bizarre or disorganized speech

Question 53

The key distinction between hallucinations and delusions is that:

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations involve sensory experiences, while delusions are false beliefs.

Answer

Hallucinations are always vivid and detailed, while delusions can be vague and fleeting.

Answer

Hallucinations can only be visual, while delusions can be auditory or visual.

Answer

Hallucinations are more common in schizophrenia, while delusions are more prevalent in bipolar disorder.

Question 54

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing depression?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging engagement in activities that bring joy or pleasure

Answer

Confronting the patient about their negative thoughts

Answer

Administering sedatives without a physician's order

Answer

Isolating the patient from social interactions

Question 55

When caring for a patient at risk of suicide, the nurse's immediate priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish and maintain a safe environment

Answer

Contact the patient's family or significant others

Answer

Provide reassurance and support to the patient

Answer

Assess the patient's risk factors and develop a safety plan

Question 56

An indication of improvement in a patient with depression may include:

Accepted Answer

Increased energy levels and motivation

Answer

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Answer

Difficulty sleeping and maintaining sleep

Answer

Persistent feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness