Mental Health Nursing MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: July 26, 2024

  1. Which of the following is a common symptom of major depressive disorder?
    A) Hallucinations
    B) Delusions
    C) Persistent sadness
    D) Euphoric mood
    Answer: C) Persistent sadness
  2. What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating anxiety disorders?
    A) Medication management
    B) Modifying negative thought patterns
    C) Improving social skills
    D) Enhancing sleep hygiene
    Answer: B) Modifying negative thought patterns
  3. Which of the following medications is commonly used to manage bipolar disorder?
    A) Diazepam
    B) Lithium
    C) Fluoxetine
    D) Haloperidol
    Answer: B) Lithium
  4. Which symptom is characteristic of a manic episode in bipolar disorder?
    A) Decreased energy levels
    B) Increased need for sleep
    C) Elevated mood and increased activity
    D) Social withdrawal
    Answer: C) Elevated mood and increased activity
  5. What is a key feature of schizophrenia?
    A) Impaired cognitive function
    B) Excessive worry about daily activities
    C) Extreme mood swings
    D) Persistent physical complaints without a medical cause
    Answer: A) Impaired cognitive function
  6. Which of the following is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?
    A) Dry mouth
    B) Increased appetite
    C) Weight loss
    D) Hypotension
    Answer: B) Increased appetite
  7. What is the primary focus of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
    A) Enhancing cognitive restructuring
    B) Improving interpersonal effectiveness
    C) Addressing traumatic memories
    D) Developing mindfulness and emotional regulation skills
    Answer: D) Developing mindfulness and emotional regulation skills
  8. Which of the following is an effective nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
    A) Encouraging the patient to avoid all stressors
    B) Assisting the patient to focus on their breathing
    C) Administering medication without assessing symptoms
    D) Reassuring the patient that their feelings are irrelevant
    Answer: B) Assisting the patient to focus on their breathing
  9. What is the primary goal of family therapy in treating mental health disorders?
    A) To diagnose the family member’s mental illness
    B) To provide support and improve family dynamics
    C) To prescribe medication to family members
    D) To identify and treat the family’s physical health issues
    Answer: B) To provide support and improve family dynamics
  10. Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
    A) Recurrent flashbacks
    B) Chronic low energy
    C) Euphoria and grandiosity
    D) Excessive weight gain
    Answer: A) Recurrent flashbacks
  11. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with borderline personality disorder who exhibits self-harming behaviors?
    A) Avoid discussing the self-harm behavior
    B) Set firm boundaries and discuss safety plans
    C) Minimize attention to the self-harming behavior
    D) Focus solely on the patient’s physical health
    Answer: B) Set firm boundaries and discuss safety plans
  12. Which medication class is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
    A) Antihistamines
    B) Antidepressants
    C) Anticonvulsants
    D) Antipsychotics
    Answer: B) Antidepressants
  13. What is the primary goal of psychiatric nursing assessments?
    A) To diagnose mental health disorders
    B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and identify patient needs
    C) To prescribe and manage medication
    D) To perform physical health examinations
    Answer: B) To establish a therapeutic relationship and identify patient needs
  14. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
    A) Insomnia
    B) Weight loss
    C) Increased libido
    D) Nausea
    Answer: D) Nausea
  15. What is the primary purpose of therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
    A) To provide medical diagnoses
    B) To gather information for treatment planning
    C) To build a trusting nurse-patient relationship
    D) To perform physical assessments
    Answer: C) To build a trusting nurse-patient relationship
  16. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with delusional thoughts?
    A) Disputing the delusion directly
    B) Providing reassurance and validation
    C) Ignoring the delusional content
    D) Focusing on reality-based topics and engaging in supportive conversation
    Answer: D) Focusing on reality-based topics and engaging in supportive conversation
  17. What is an important consideration when administering psychotropic medications?
    A) Ensuring the patient adheres to the medication schedule
    B) Limiting communication with the patient to avoid side effects
    C) Providing medication education and monitoring for side effects
    D) Avoiding discussions about the medication with the patient
    Answer: C) Providing medication education and monitoring for side effects