Test your knowledge of mental health disorders with this comprehensive mock test. Designed for nursing students and professionals, this free practice test features 30 multiple-choice questions and answers covering various topics in psychiatric nursing. From identifying symptoms and characteristics of mood disorders to prioritizing interventions and understanding medication management, this test will help you assess your understanding of mental health concepts. Enhance your exam preparation with this valuable resource and gain confidence in your psychiatric nursing skills. Take the free test now and boost your mental health nursing knowledge!

Subject: Psychiatric Nursing

Time: 45 Minutes

1. Which of the following is characterized by recurrent episodes of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity?

a) Major depressive disorder

b) Bipolar disorder

c) Generalized anxiety disorder

d) Schizophrenia

2. A client is experiencing symptoms of extreme sadness, loss of interest in activities, and significant weight loss. These symptoms have persisted for the past six months. The nurse suspects:

a) Major depressive disorder

b) Obsessive-compulsive disorder

c) Panic disorder

d) Borderline personality disorder

3. The nurse is assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is in the manic phase. Which behavior would the nurse expect to observe?

a) Fatigue and lack of motivation

b) Excessive talking and grandiosity

c) Social withdrawal and isolation

d) Preoccupation with order and perfection

4. Which of the following medications is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

a) Fluoxetine

b) Sertraline

c) Lithium

d) Buspirone

5. A client with major depressive disorder has been prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?

a) Weight gain

b) Dry mouth

c) Hypertension

d) Sedation

6. Which of the following statements about dysthymic disorder is correct?

a) It is a less severe form of major depressive disorder.

b) It is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.

c) It is characterized by chronic, mild depression lasting for at least two years.

d) It is a form of anxiety disorder.

7. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

a) Encouraging socialization with peers

b) Assisting with problem-solving and decision-making

c) Monitoring for signs of escalating mania

d) Administering an anxiolytic medication

8. Which of the following is a key feature of cyclothymic disorder?

a) Hallucinations and delusions

b) Rapid cycling between mania and depression

c) Chronic, low-grade depression

d) Panic attacks and phobias

9. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected mood disorder. Which assessment finding is most indicative of bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder?

a) Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

b) Suicidal thoughts and intent

c) History of manic episodes

d) Psychomotor agitation

10. A client with a history of major depressive disorder has been prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant. The nurse should educate the client about which potential side effect?

a) Sexual dysfunction

b) Weight gain

c) Insomnia

d) Orthostatic hypotension

11. Which of the following is a potential nursing diagnosis for a client with bipolar disorder during the manic phase?

a) Risk for suicide

b) Chronic low self-esteem

c) Impaired social interaction

d) Ineffective coping

12. A client with a history of bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid. The nurse should closely monitor the client for which potential side effect?

a) Rash and itching

b) Dizziness and blurred vision

c) Sedation and respiratory depression

d) Elevated liver enzymes

13. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

a) Manic episodes during spring and summer

b) Excessive worry and anxiety

c) Weight loss and decreased appetite

d) Depressive episodes during the winter months

14. The nurse is conducting an assessment on a client with major depressive disorder. Which symptom would the nurse identify as a vegetative sign of depression?

a) Anhedonia

b) Racing thoughts

c) Grandiose delusions

d) Visual hallucinations

15. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate to promote safety?

a) Providing a quiet and dimly lit environment

b) Encouraging socialization with other clients

c) Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance

d) Setting limits on impulsive and risky behavior

16. Which of the following is a key difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?

a) Duration of symptoms

b) Presence of manic episodes

c) Age of onset

d) Severity of symptoms

17. The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing acute mania. Which nursing intervention takes priority?

a) Encouraging the client to engage in physical exercise

b) Administering an antipsychotic medication

c) Assisting the client with relaxation techniques

d) Providing a structured and predictable environment

18. Which of the following is a common comorbidity with bipolar disorder?

a) Eating disorders

b) Schizophrenia

c) Alzheimer’s disease

d) Substance use disorders

19. A client with major depressive disorder has been prescribed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The nurse should educate the client about which potential side effect?

a) Memory loss

b) Nausea and vomiting

c) Increased anxiety

d) Insomnia

20. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected mood disorder. Which assessment finding would be most indicative of a major depressive episode?

a) Increased goal-directed activity

b) Grandiose delusions

c) Excessive talkativeness

d) Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

21. Which of the following neurotransmitters is believed to play a role in the development of mood disorders?

a) Dopamine

b) Serotonin

c) GABA

d) Acetylcholine

22. The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to promote self-care?

a) Encouraging the client to maintain a regular sleep schedule

b) Administering an antidepressant medication

c) Providing opportunities for socialization with peers

d) Teaching relaxation techniques and stress management

23. Which of the following is a key feature of major depressive disorder with psychotic features?

a) Rapid cycling between mania and depression

b) Delusions and hallucinations during depressive episodes

c) Chronic, low-grade depression lasting for at least two years

d) Panic attacks and phobias

24. A client with bipolar disorder is taking lithium carbonate. The nurse should monitor the client’s serum lithium level for which potential side effect?

a) Hypertension

b) Hyponatremia

c) Nephrotoxicity

d) Hypoglycemia

25. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected mood disorder. Which assessment finding is most indicative of major depressive disorder rather than bipolar disorder?

a) History of manic episodes

b) Psychomotor agitation

c) Hypomanic symptoms

d) Feelings of guilt and worthlessness

26. A client with major depressive disorder has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). The nurse should educate the client about which potential dietary restriction?

a) Avoiding foods high in tyramine

b) Limiting caffeine intake

c) Increasing fiber intake

d) Avoiding foods high in vitamin K

27. The nurse is conducting an assessment on a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a hypomanic episode. Which behavior would the nurse expect to observe?

a) Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

b) Excessive energy and increased productivity

c) Isolation and social withdrawal

d) Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep

28. A client with major depressive disorder has been prescribed a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?

a) Hypotension

b) Weight gain

c) Diarrhea

d) Sedation

29. The nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder. Which intervention would be most appropriate for promoting self-esteem and self-worth?

a) Encouraging the client to participate in support groups

b) Assisting the client with problem-solving and decision-making

c) Administering an anxiolytic medication

d) Providing a quiet and calm environment

30. Which of the following is a common symptom of bipolar II disorder?

a) Delusions and hallucinations

b) Rapid cycling between mania and depression

c) Hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes

d) Social withdrawal and isolation

Answers:

1. b
2. a
3. b
4. c
5. a
6. c
7. b
8. b
9. c
10. d
11. a
12. d
13. d
14. a
15. d
16. a
17. b
18. d
19. a
20. d
21. b
22. a
23. b
24. c
25. d
26. a
27. b
28. c
29. a
30. c