WorksheetsMental Health Nursing Worksheet
Total questions: 23
Worksheet time: 35mins
Match personality disorder to description
Avoidant
Shy, timid
Borderline
Self-mutilating behaviors
Histrionic
Flamboyant attire
A client with somatic symptom disorder frequently requests reassurance about minor aches. What is the best nursing intervention?
Provide brief, consistent responses and redirect to coping strategies
Reassure repeatedly about physical symptoms
Refer immediately for additional tests
Ignore the client’s requests
A client with bulimia nervosa is being discharged. Which short-term goal is measurable and appropriate?
Client will attend weekly therapy sessions
Client will reduce purging episodes from 5 per week to 2 per week
Client will improve self-esteem
Client will avoid discussing symptoms
A client with bulimia nervosa presents with frequent vomiting and dental erosion. Which intervention has the highest priority?
Oral care and dental evaluation
Avoid discussing binge episodes
Focus on long-term weight goals
Increase exercise to reduce anxiety
Which long-term goal is appropriate for a client recovering from opioid use disorder?
Client will abstain from opioid use for one year
Client will reduce use by half
Client will substitute opioids with over-the-counter medications
Client will be able to discuss addiction with family
A 21-year-old client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, “I just can’t go on anymore.” Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
“You have a lot to live for. Think of your family.”
“It sounds like you’re feeling hopeless right now. Can you tell me more about what’s making life feel unbearable?”
“Don’t say that. Things will get better soon.”
“You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder says, “I always fail at everything I try. Nothing will ever get better.” Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
“You’re wrong. You’ve succeeded at things before.”
“It sounds like you’re feeling discouraged right now.”
“Cheer up! Things aren’t that bad.”
“You should focus on your strengths instead of your failures.”
A client tearfully tells the nurse, “I feel so worthless. My spouse doesn’t appreciate me at all.” Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
“It sounds like you’ve been feeling undervalued and rejected in your relationship.”
“That’s not true; your spouse probably cares about you.”
“Maybe you should just do more to make them notice you.”
“Everyone feels unappreciated sometimes; get over it.”
A client who has been diagnosed with major depression tearfully asks the nurse, “Will I be okay?” Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
“Can you tell me more about what worries you the most?”
“You just need to take your medications and you’ll feel better soon.”
“Everyone goes through tough times; try not to think about it so much.”
A client with schizophrenia has recently started taking clozapine (Clozaril). Which nursing action is most important to include in the plan of care?
Monitor the client’s white blood cell count regularly to detect potential agranulocytosis
Encourage the client to restrict fluid intake to prevent water retention
Assess for extrapyramidal side effects such as tremors and rigidity
Teach the client to avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and cured meats
A client with alcohol use disorder expresses interest in joining an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. What statement shows understanding of the requirements to join the AA?
“I can control my drinking if I just try harder each day.”
“I realize that my attempts to manage my drinking on my own haven’t worked.”
“I will substitute wine with a less potent alcoholic beverage.”
“I just need to cut down gradually on my own.”
A client with morbid obesity and obstructive sleep apnea is being prepared for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Encourage deep breathing exercises after the procedure
Preoxygenate and closely monitor respiratory status
Provide distraction techniques to reduce anxiety
Review the client’s medication list for interactions
A client receiving haloperidol reports sudden neck stiffness, upward rolling of the eyes, and severe jaw tightness. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Administer IM diphenhydramine as prescribed
Encourage fluids and fiber intake
Provide distraction techniques
Notify the provider for long-term medication adjustment
A client taking risperidone develops a shuffling gait, tremors, and drooling. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
Assess for tardive dyskinesia
Encourage increased fluid intake
Apply heat to muscles for relief
Administer benztropine (Cogentin) as prescribed
A client newly started on fluphenazine develops muscle rigidity and a high fever. Which action should the nurse implement first?
Hold the antipsychotic and notify the provider
Encourage the client to walk around the unit
Administer lorazepam for anxiety
Document the findings and continue observation
A child with ADHD is using toys to express feelings during a therapy session. Which type of therapy is the nurse observing?
Cognitive therapy
Behavior therapy
Psychoanalysis
Play therapy
A client with antisocial personality disorder becomes verbally aggressive toward another client. Which is the best immediate nursing action?
Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcement
Escort the client out of the unit
Set clear limits by stating the behavior is unacceptable and consequences will follow
Provide extra privileges to reduce frustration
A client in a psychiatric unit repeatedly tries to manipulate staff to gain extra privileges. What is the most effective nursing strategy?
Punish the client immediately
Avoid interacting with the client
Maintain consistent limits and communicate consequences clearly
Give in to avoid conflict
Which type of therapy focuses on rewarding desired behaviors and reducing undesired behaviors?
Psychoanalysis
Cognitive therapy
Behavior therapy
Play therapy
A client with borderline personality disorder engages in frequent self-harm. Which is the most appropriate short-term goal?
Demonstrate self-esteem improvement
Complete a group therapy session without interruption
Remain safe and free from self-harm during hospitalization
Express feelings about family conflicts
A client refuses to participate in group therapy. Which nurse intervention is most therapeutic?
Force the client to attend
Criticize the client for noncompliance
Explore the reasons for refusal and collaboratively discuss options
Remove privileges until the client participates
A client taking clozapine for schizophrenia develops a fever and sore throat. Which nursing action is priority?
Advise the client to rest and hydrate
Continue routine monitoring
Administer acetaminophen
Notify the provider immediately for possible agranulocytosis
A client in cognitive-behavioral therapy reports persistent negative thoughts despite medication. Which intervention should the nurse include?
Stop the therapy
Increase medication dosage immediately
Help the client identify distorted thinking patterns and develop alternative responses
Advise the client to avoid thinking about negative situations
