Mental Health Assessment: Quizzes for Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

Question 1

Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry

Answer

Depressed mood

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 2

What is NOT included during a comprehensive mental health assessment?

Accepted Answer

Neurological examination

Answer

Evaluation of mood

Answer

Assessment of affect

Answer

Analysis of thought processes

Question 3

A patient displays a flat affect and reports a lack of interest in activities. Which mood disorder is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia disorder

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Avolition

Answer

Alogia

Answer

Anhedonia

Question 5

What is a key aspect of cultural sensitivity in mental health assessment?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and respecting cultural differences

Answer

Using a family member as an interpreter

Answer

Avoiding questions about religion

Answer

Focusing on the patient's cultural background

Question 6

A patient with a history of depression is prescribed an antidepressant. What adverse effect should the nurse closely monitor for?

Accepted Answer

Increased suicidal thoughts

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Dry mouth

Answer

Weight loss

Question 7

Which assessment tool is used to screen for depression?

Accepted Answer

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

Answer

Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)

Answer

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Question 8

What therapeutic approach is most effective for a patient presenting with both anxiety and depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Client-centered Therapy

Answer

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Question 9

Which characteristic is NOT commonly associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Feelings of worthlessness

Question 10

When assessing affect, what term describes the range of emotional expression?

Accepted Answer

Affect range

Answer

Mood

Answer

Thought content

Question 11

Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the patient to verbalize their feelings

Answer

Administer anti-anxiety medication immediately

Answer

Restrain the patient until they calm down

Question 12

When assessing mood, which of the following is a subjective measure?

Accepted Answer

Patient's self-report

Answer

Facial expression

Answer

Family observation

Question 13

Which thought process indicates a risk for violence?

Accepted Answer

Preoccupation with revenge

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive thoughts

Answer

Negative self-talk

Question 14

What is the primary goal of mental health nursing?

Accepted Answer

To improve the overall well-being of the patient

Answer

To prescribe medications for mental health conditions

Question 15

Which of the following is a type of psychotic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Mood disorder

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a physical symptom of anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Social withdrawal

Question 17

Which sleep disturbance is closely linked to both anxiety and mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Hypersomnia

Answer

Sleep apnea

Answer

REM sleep behavior disorder

Question 18

Which of the following is a typical characteristic of depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech and behavior

Question 19

During assessment of affect, what aspect holds the most importance?

Accepted Answer

Congruence with the situation

Answer

Consistency with mood

Answer

Intensity of the emotion

Answer

Duration of the emotion

Question 20

Which thought disorder involves speech that is rapid, incoherent, and switches topics frequently?

Accepted Answer

Flight of ideas

Answer

Delusion

Answer

Hallucination

Answer

Echolalia

Question 21

Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and apprehension

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and rituals

Answer

Depressed mood and anhedonia

Question 22

For a patient experiencing a panic attack, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Teaching relaxation techniques

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medication

Answer

Confronting the patient with their fears

Answer

Restraining the patient to prevent self-harm

Question 23

Cognitive function is the primary focus of which assessment tool?

Accepted Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Answer

Emotional State Examination (ESE)

Answer

Physical Health Assessment (PHA)

Answer

Social Support Assessment (SSA)

Question 24

As a nurse, what is your initial step when caring for a patient with a mental health disorder?

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Diagnosis

Answer

Planning

Answer

Implementation

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Persistent sadness or emptiness

Answer

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Answer

Irritability

Question 26

The term 'affect' refers to a person's:

Accepted Answer

Emotional state

Answer

Thought processes

Answer

Behavioral tendencies

Answer

Physical sensations

Question 27

Which of the following disorders is characterized by persistent, irrational anxiety and worry?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer

Psychosis

Question 28

The nursing intervention most appropriate for a patient experiencing auditory hallucinations is:

Accepted Answer

Listening attentively and validating the patient's experience

Answer

Confronting the patient about the hallucinations

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication

Answer

Using physical restraints

Question 29

Which of the following assessment tools is specifically designed to assess risk of harm to self or others?

Accepted Answer

Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Answer

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination

Question 30

The concept of 'therapeutic presence' in mental health nursing involves:

Accepted Answer

Being physically and psychologically present with the patient

Answer

Maintaining a professional distance

Answer

Setting clear boundaries with the patient

Answer

Intervening only when necessary

Question 31

In mental health settings, when are nurses legally and ethically bound to breach patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When a patient poses an imminent threat to themselves or others

Answer

When a patient's family requests information about their condition

Answer

When a patient's insurance company requests protected health information

Answer

When a patient is being discharged from the hospital

Question 32

When assessing for signs and symptoms of depression, the presence of anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is a characteristic symptom. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of clinical depression?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Psychomotor retardation

Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Suicidal ideation

Question 33

During a mental status exam, thought process disturbances are evaluated. Delusions, false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, are a common indication of which mental health disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychosis

Answer

Mood disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Personality disorder

Question 34

Physiological symptoms frequently manifest in anxiety disorders. Which of these is a common indicator of heightened anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Oliguria

Question 35

When evaluating a patient for suicide risk, it is crucial to identify warning signs. Which of the choices presented does NOT constitute a potential risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Stable mood and positive outlook

Answer

Hopelessness and worthlessness

Answer

Recent significant losses

Answer

Social isolation and withdrawal

Question 36

A patient presents with complaints of persistent feelings of being overwhelmed, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. They also report frequent headaches. What is the most prudent initial action for the nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment, including screening for anxiety and depression.

Answer

Evaluate the patient's physical symptoms and refer them to a physician.

Answer

Reassure the patient and recommend over-the-counter sleep aids.

Question 37

Nonverbal cues often provide valuable insights into a patient's emotional state. Which observation most likely indicates that a patient is experiencing significant anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Fidgeting, restlessness, and avoidance of eye contact

Answer

Expansive gestures, pressured speech, and elevated mood

Answer

Slowed movements, monotone speech, and constricted affect

Answer

Suspiciousness, guardedness, and difficulty concentrating

Question 38

A patient with a known history of depression is expressing feelings of hopelessness and self-harm. What is the most pressing question the healthcare professional should ask next?

Accepted Answer

Do you have a specific plan for hurting yourself?

Answer

Are you taking your prescribed medications consistently?

Answer

Have you made any attempts to harm yourself in the past?

Answer

How long have you been feeling this way?

Question 39

Which instrument is commonly employed to screen for alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Answer

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Question 40

A patient presents with persistent feelings of worry and anxiety, difficulty controlling their concerns, and physical symptoms like muscle tension and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are most suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 41

Establishing rapport with patients is essential in mental health assessment. Which approach is most effective in fostering a positive and trusting relationship?

Accepted Answer

Use a non-judgemental, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach.

Answer

Maintain a neutral demeanor and avoid expressing emotions.

Answer

Focus exclusively on the patient's symptoms and medical history.

Answer

Establish clear boundaries and limit personal disclosures.

Question 42

Which of the following is a significant risk factor for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to a traumatic event, such as physical assault or a natural disaster

Answer

Family history of anxiety or depression

Answer

Low socioeconomic status

Question 43

A patient experiencing auditory hallucinations believes the voices they hear are real. Which nursing intervention is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's experience but maintain your own reality.

Answer

Argue with the patient and try to convince them the voices are not real.

Answer

Ignore the hallucinations and focus on other aspects of the patient's care.