OMSB Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions

1. A nurse is unsure whether to ask a depressed patient directly about suicide. Which statement is correct?

1. A. Suicide should be discussed only if the patient raises it
2. B. Asking about suicide may put the idea into the patient's head
3. C. Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk
4. D. Only a psychiatrist should ask about suicidal thoughts

2. A newly admitted patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder washes her hands for long periods and is often late for meals. Which initial approach is best?

1. A. Stop the patient from washing her hands
2. B. Explain that the ritual is illogical and unnecessary
3. C. Lock the bathroom between set times
4. D. Allow time for the ritual within a structured schedule, then gradually limit it

3. A patient taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) is taught about hypertensive crisis. Which symptom should the patient report immediately?

1. A. Mild dry mouth
2. B. Severe headache at the back of the head with a stiff neck
3. C. Drowsiness after the evening dose
4. D. Slight weight gain

4. A patient is admitted after a suicide attempt and continues to express intent. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

1. A. Check on the patient every hour and allow personal belongings
2. B. Place the patient on continuous one-to-one observation and remove harmful items
3. C. Allow the patient to leave the unit accompanied by a visitor
4. D. Assign the patient to a single room at the end of the corridor

5. A patient taking an antipsychotic paces constantly, cannot sit still and says, "I feel restless inside." How should the nurse interpret this?

1. A. Worsening psychosis that needs a higher dose
2. B. Early tardive dyskinesia
3. C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
4. D. Akathisia, an extrapyramidal side effect to report