A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau's views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?

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Mental Health Exam 1 Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau's views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: When his anxiety decreases to a mild level. According to Peplau, anxiety can be a driving force for learning and growth. When anxiety is at a moderate level, it indicates a level of readiness for learning. Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety decreases to a mild level ensures that the patient is still motivated to learn and engage in the teaching process. Waiting until the anxiety stabilizes (option A) may lead to missed opportunities for effective teaching. Expecting the patient to be completely free of anxiety (option C) is unrealistic and may delay the teaching process. Waiting until the patient's anxiety escalates to the panic level (option D) would not be conducive to effective learning as it may impair the patient's ability to process and retain information.

Question 2 of 9

A family has a long history of conflicted relationships among the members. Which family member's comment best reflects a mentally healthy perspective?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates a mentally healthy perspective by showing willingness to take responsibility for one's actions and make positive changes for the benefit of the family. This reflects self-awareness, accountability, and a proactive approach to improving relationships. Choice A acknowledges personal mistakes but lacks commitment to change. Choice B reminisces about the past without addressing present conflicts. Choice D shows avoidance and resignation, lacking effort to address underlying issues. Therefore, choice C is the best option for promoting mental health and resolving family conflicts.

Question 3 of 9

A group of students are reviewing the goals identified by the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The students demonstrate understanding of this report when they identify which of the following as a goal?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. The New Freedom Commission emphasizes consumer and family empowerment in mental health care. 2. Involving consumers and families as driving forces ensures individualized and effective care. 3. This approach aligns with person-centered care principles. 4. Empowering consumers and families promotes collaboration and shared decision-making. 5. This goal enhances mental health outcomes and promotes recovery. Summary: Choice B is correct because it reflects the emphasis on consumer and family involvement in mental health care by the New Freedom Commission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the key focus of consumer and family empowerment in the Commission's goals.

Question 4 of 9

The nurse makes a home visit to a client who has dysthymic disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low energy. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, which often leads to decreased energy levels. Individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience fatigue, lack of motivation, and difficulty engaging in activities. Intense concentration (B) is not typically associated with dysthymic disorder, as individuals may have difficulty focusing due to their low energy and mood. Agitation (C) is more commonly seen in conditions such as anxiety disorders, rather than dysthymic disorder. Normal appetite (D) may or may not be present in individuals with dysthymic disorder, as appetite changes can vary among individuals.

Question 5 of 9

A female client is diagnosed with female orgasmic disorder and is receiving treatment by a qualified sex therapist. The client and her partner are being taught sensate focus. Which of the following would the couple be required to do first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Participate in nongenital contact. This is the first step in sensate focus, a technique used to treat female orgasmic disorder. Initially, the couple focuses on non-sexual touching to build intimacy and reduce performance pressure. Option A is incorrect as sexual intercourse is not the initial focus. Option B is incorrect as genital touching is also not the first step. Option D is incorrect as masturbation is not typically part of sensate focus exercises between partners.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is assessing a patient with a psychiatric illness. The nurse interprets which patient statement as reflecting the concept of cognitive triad?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it reflects the cognitive triad, a concept in cognitive therapy. The patient is displaying negative beliefs about themselves (I always mess things up), the world (my whole world is a mess), and the future (my future will be a big mess). This pattern of negative thinking about oneself, the world, and the future is characteristic of the cognitive triad. Choice B is incorrect because it describes someone else (the sister) and does not reflect the patient's negative self-view. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the bosses and not the patient's own thoughts. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a superstitious belief about bad things happening in threes, which is unrelated to the cognitive triad.

Question 7 of 9

Which assessment finding for a patient diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness and living in the community merits priority intervention by the psychiatric nurse? The patient

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because missing Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can indicate a potential relapse for the patient, posing a significant risk to their mental health. Attending regular meetings is crucial for maintaining sobriety and managing mental illness. Option A is not a priority as the patient's financial situation is stable. Option C is not an immediate concern as living with other patients in partial hospitalization programs may provide support. Option D, while important for the patient's emotional well-being, does not present an immediate risk that requires priority intervention.

Question 8 of 9

How can nurses use informatics and technology innovation in their practice?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because utilizing telehealth services allows nurses to provide care remotely, improving access and efficiency. Telehealth utilizes technology to deliver healthcare services, enhancing communication and monitoring. This option aligns with the use of informatics to improve patient outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as avoiding electronic health records limits efficiency, relying on paper records is outdated and inefficient, and ignoring technology trends hinders progress and innovation in healthcare practice.

Question 9 of 9

A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau's views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: When his anxiety decreases to a mild level. According to Peplau, anxiety can be a driving force for learning and growth. When anxiety is at a moderate level, it indicates a level of readiness for learning. Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety decreases to a mild level ensures that the patient is still motivated to learn and engage in the teaching process. Waiting until the anxiety stabilizes (option A) may lead to missed opportunities for effective teaching. Expecting the patient to be completely free of anxiety (option C) is unrealistic and may delay the teaching process. Waiting until the patient's anxiety escalates to the panic level (option D) would not be conducive to effective learning as it may impair the patient's ability to process and retain information.

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