49 practice questions! Flashcards

1
Q

The purpose of the ANA’s “Scope and Standards of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nursing Practice” is to:
A - Define the role and actions for the NP
B - Establish the legal authority for the prescription of psychotropic medications
C - Define the legal statutes of the role of the PMHNP
D - Define the differences between the physician role and the NP role

A

A

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2
Q

Primary prevention care practices are an essential aspect of the PMHNP role. Which of the following is the best example of a primary prevention care strategy for community behavioral health?
A - Aftercare program for chronically mentally ill clients recently discharged from the hospital
B - Court-ordered counseling for abusive parents
C - 24-hour crisis hotlines
D - Parenting skills classes for pregnant adolescents

A

D. Information reduces incidence of disease.

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3
Q

The trend in legal rulings on cases involving mental illness over the past 25 years has been to:
A - Encourage juries to find defendants not guilty by reason of insanity
B - Protect the individual’s freedoms or rights when he or she is committed to a mental hospital
C - Place increasing trust in mental health professionals to make good and ethical decisions
D - Decrease the “red tape” associated with commitments so that commitments are faster and easier

A

B. Identifies the trend of ensuring the protection of individual civil liberties for psychiatric clients.

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4
Q

Mr Smithers, an involuntarily hospitalized patient experiencing psychotic symptoms, refuses to take any of his ordered medication because he believes “Jesus Christ told me I am the prophet and must fast for a year.” Your actions should be based on your knowledge that:
A - Psych clients cannot refuse treatment
B - Psych clients don’t always know what’s good for them
C - Psych clients can refuse treatment
D - Psych clients cannot be trusted to make good healthcare decisions and, therefore, the nurse’s best clinical judgment should guide actions

A

C. As with any client, psych clients can refuse treatment unless a legal process resulting in a mandatory court order for treatment has been obtained.

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5
Q

Which of the following statements best reflects the difference between the nurse-client (N-C) relationship and a social relationship? In the N-C relationship…

A - the primary focus is on the client and his needs.
B - goals are deliberately left vague and unspoken so that the client can work on any issue.
C - the nurse is solely responsible for making the relationship work.
D - there is no place for social interaction.

A

A - the primary focus is on the client and his needs.

Social relationships are mutual interpersonal relationships in which the needs of both parties are addressed. The N-C relationship is most concerned with meeting the needs of the client.

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6
Q

A community has an unusually high incidence of depression and drug use among its teenage population. The public health nurses decide to address this problem, in part, by modifying the environment and strengthening the capacities of families to prevent the development of new cases of depression and drug use. This is an example of:

A - primary prevention
B - secondary prevention
C - tertiary prevention
D - protective factorial prevention

A

A - primary prevention

This action focuses on interventions designed to reduce the incidence of new cases of disease

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7
Q

Mrs Kemp is voluntarily admitted to the hospital. After 24 hours, she states she wants to leave because “this place can’t help me.” The best nursing action that reflects the legal right of the client is:

A - discharge the client
B - explain that the client cannot leave until you can complete further assessment
C - allow the client to leave but have her sign forms stating she is leaving against medical advice
D - immediately start the paperwork to commit the client and to allow you to treat her against her wishes

A

B - explain that the client cannot leave until you can complete further assessment

Almost every state allows for a brief period of detainment to assess a client for dangerousness to self or others before allowing the client to leave a hospital setting, even if the admission was voluntary

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8
Q

In forming a therapeutic relationship with clients, the PMHNP must consider developing many characteristics that are known to be helpful in relationship-building. These characteristics include all of the following EXCEPT:

A - genuineness
B - acceptance
C - authenticity
D - accuracy in assessment

A

D - accuracy in assessment

Although an important aspect of the PMHNP role, accuracy in assessment does not in and of itself facilitate relationship building

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9
Q
The DSM-IV provides for holistic client assessment by using a multiaxial assessment format.  The general medical conditions experienced by a client that may influence treatment of his or her psychiatric disorders are coded on which of the five axes of the DSM?
A - Axis I
B - Axis II
C - Axis III
D - Axis IV
A

C - Axis III

Medical conditions are coded on Axis III

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10
Q

Mrs French has been in individual therapy for 3 months, and is clinically ready to terminate treatment. After discussing termination, she suddenly begins to demonstrate some of her original symptoms; is hesitant to discharge; and displays regressive defense mechanisms. The best explanation is:
A - An exacerbation of her symptoms related to stress
B - The normal cyclic nature of chronic mental health symptoms
C - A sign of normal resistance to termination seen in the termination phase of therapy
D - A sign of pathological attachment to the therapist that must be addressed

A

C - A sign of normal resistance to termination seen in the termination phase of therapy

Clients frequently display resistance and regression at the termination of a meaningful therapeutic process. The PMHNP is responsible for planning an effective termination and monitoring clients during the termination period.

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11
Q
A client is displaying low self-esteem, poor self-control, self-doubt, and a high level of dependency.  These behaviors indicate developmental failure of which of the following stages of development:
A - Infancy
B - Early childhood
C - Late childhood
D - School age
A

B - Early childhood

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12
Q
Mr Thompson has been forgetful lately, for example forgetting where he has placed his keys or what time appointments are scheduled, and he stated that he thinks these are just random behaviors that have no particular meaning.  Which Freudian-based psychodynamic principle assumes that all behavior and actions are purposeful?
A - Pleasure principle
B - Psychic determinism principle
C - Reality principle
D - Unconsciousness principle
A

B - The psychic determinism principle states that all behavior has purpose and meaning, often unconscious in nature, and that no behaviors occur randomly or by coincidence.

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13
Q
An example of a mature, healthy defense mechanism is
A - Denial
B - Rationalization
C - Repression
D - Suppression
A

D - Suppression is the only defense mechanism listed in which the client channels conflicting energies into growth-promoting activities.

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14
Q

Mr Johnson is a 54-year-old client you have been seeing for several weeks in therapy. While discussing his current concerns of marital stress, he lies on the floor and assumes the fetal position. This is most likely an example of
A - Immature regressive defense mechanism
B - Denial of reality
C - Immature fantasy defense mechanism
D - Repressive behavior

A

A - Immature regressive defense mechanism is a return to a behavior common to an earlier stage of development.

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15
Q
Defense mechanisms are best viewed a function of the ego
A - To alert us to harm and danger
B - To alert us to problems
C - Used to resolve a conflict
D - Used to protect the id
A

C - Defense mechanisms are a function of the ego used to resolve a conflict.

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16
Q
A man thinks to himself that his wife is really ugly as they sit at the breakfast table, but of course he does not verbalize his feelings.   Later in the day he gets a sudden unexplainable urge to send her flowers.  The best explanation for his unconscious action is
A - Undoing
B - Suppression
C - Denial
D - Repression
A

A - His urge to buy flowers after thinking his wife is ugly is an example of undoing his earlier thoughts.

17
Q
A woman is the only survivor of a fire that kills her two housemates.  As the PMHNP caring for her, you ask her how she is doing, and she replies "I don't remember a thing about the fire."  The best explanation is
A - Undoing
B - Suppression
C - Denial
D - Repression
A

D - Repression is the unconscious placement of thought content into the unconscious to avoid dealing with the conflict.

18
Q
A man is the only survivor of a fire that kills his three housemates.  When you ask how he is doing, he replies "You must have the wrong client.  I wasn't in any fire."  The best explanation is
A - Undoing
B - Suppression
C - Denial
D - Repression
A

C - Denial is the unconscious refusal to accept the reality of some fact or detail to avoid dealing with the conflict.

19
Q
A transwoman is the only survivor of a fire that kills her roommate.  You ask her how she is doing and she replies "I don't want to talk about it.  It hurts too much to think about my friends."  The best explanation is
A - Undoing
B - Suppression
C - Denial
D - Repression
A

B - Suppression is the conscious, intentional refusal to think about a conflictual issue or event.

20
Q
The role of neurotransmitters in the CNS is to function as
A - A communication medium
B - A gatekeeper for transmissions
C - A building block for amino acids
D - An agent to break down enzymes
A

A - Neurotransmitters in the CNS function as a communication medium.

21
Q
Serotonin is produced where?
A - Locus ceruleus
B - Nucleus basalis
C - Raphe nuclei
D - Substantia nigra
A

C - Serotonin is produced in the Raphe nuclei

22
Q
Dopamine is produced where?
A - Locus ceruleus
B - Nucleus basalis
C - Raphe nuclei
D - Substantia nigra
A

D - Dopamine is produced in the substantia nigra.

23
Q
A client presents with complaints of changes in appetite, feeling fatigued, problems with sleep-rest cycle, and changes in libido.  The neuroanatomical area of the brain responsible for normal regulation of these functions is the
A - Thalamus
B - Hypothalamus
C - Limbic system
D - Hippocampus
A

B - Hypothalamus

Appetite, sleep, and libido are regulated by the hypothalamus

24
Q
In considering whether or not to order an MRI of the head for a client, which of the following would be a contraindication to this diagnostic test?
A - Prosthetic limb
B - History of head trauma
C - Pacemaker
D - Pregnancy
A

C - Pacemaker

A client with a pacemaker should not receive an MRI of the head

25
Q
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter is
A - GABA
B - Serotonin
C - Dopamine
D - Glutamate
A

D - Glutamate

26
Q
A client who is experiencing difficulties with working memory, planning and prioritizing, insight into his problems, and impulse control presents for assessment.  In planning his care, the PMHNP should apply his or her knowledge that these symptoms represent problems with the 
A - Frontal lobe
B - Temporal lobe
C - Parietal lobe
D - Occipital lobe
A

A - Frontal lobe

Problems with working memory, planning and prioritizing, insight into problems, and impulse control indicate a problem in the frontal lobe.

27
Q

The concept of target symptom identification is best explained as
A - Identification of the major clinical presentation of the client
B - Identification of specific, precise, and individualized symptoms reasonably expected to improve with medication
C - Identification of the secondary messenger system syndrome
D - Intentional modulation of synaptic pathways

A

B - Target symptom identification is the identification of specific, precise, and individualized symptoms reasonably expected to improve with medication - it must have the target symptoms identified.

28
Q

The goal of the psychiatric assessment process performed by the PMHNP is to
A - Gain an understanding of the life experiences of the client
B - Correctly diagnose the client
C - Identify the mental health needs of the client
D - Be able to communicate with other staff about the client’s health needs

A

C - Identify the mental health needs of the client

Although diagnosis is an important aspect of the assessment process, the assessment ultimately should identify the needs of the client

29
Q

Mr Johnson is a newly admitted inpatient, and you are called to do his assessment. Mr Johnson asks to please talk in his room because “people make me nervous.” His room is at the end of the hallway and is the furthest from the nurses station. Your action is based on awareness that the best location to do the assessment is
A - In Mr Johnson’s room, because it is the least noisy and most comfortable for him
B - In the dayroom, which is full of people, to observe his interactions with other individuals
C - In a quiet place, but public enough to get assistance with client care should it be required during the assessment
D - In the treatment room with the door closed, a neutral location

A

C - In a quiet place, but public enough to get assistance with client care should it be required during the assessment

Once PMHNP role is to control the milieu as an aspect of assessment, so the PMHNP should choose a quiet place that is public enough to get assistance with patient care should it be required during the assessment

30
Q

Which communication technique is the PMHNP using in the following situation?
Client: “Sorry I was late. I didn’t realize what time it was.”
PMHNP: “This is the third time now that you have been late for our sessions. I am wondering how committed you are to our working on your problems.”
A - Theming
B - Recognizing
C - Validating
D - Sequencing

A

B - Recognizing

This exchange is an illustration of the technique of recognizing, bitch

31
Q

In assessing a client, you ask him the meaning of the proverb “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” He replies “because it will break the windows.” The correct interpretation of this finding is
A - Client has probable mood disorder
B - Client has probable anxiety disorder
C - Client has limited intellectual ability
D - Unable to interpret the finding without knowing the client’s age

A

D - Unable to interpret the finding without knowing the client’s age

The answer demonstrates concrete thought processes, which are normal in individuals younger than age 12 but are abnormal after age 12. To interpret the finding, the PMHNP must know the age of the client

32
Q

The PMHNP is planning to work with a client using an individual therapy model of care. During the first session, the client makes the following statement: “This is the third time my son has run away. I’ve grounded him, taken away his bike, even tried cutting off his allowance and locking him in his room. What should I do now?” The most therapeutic response for the PMHNP to make is
A - “I wonder if locking him in his room was abusive?”
B - “Maybe that depends on what you are trying to accomplish.”
C - “Perhaps talking to his friends and teachers would help.”
D - Remain silent

A

B - “Maybe that depends on what you are trying to accomplish.”

This response will be the most therapeutic in moving forward with the client

33
Q

A client says to the PMHNP, “Some days life is just not worth it. All my wife and I ever do is fight and scream. Things at home would be calmer and simpler if I just wasn’t there anymore.” The most therapeutic response for the PMHNP to make is
A - “Do you meant that you are thinking about leaving your wife and moving out?”
B - “Tell me what you mean by ‘it would be simpler if you just weren’t there anymore.’ “
C - “So you are thinking suicide might be an option for you?”
D - Remain silent

A

B - “Tell me what you mean by ‘it would be simpler if you just weren’t there anymore.’ “

This response is the most therapeutic, without influencing the client’s thought process