All Free Mental Health Nursing MCQs with Answers
Every Mental Health Nursing question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
320 questions · page 3 of 16
- A. It differs from the person’s cultural practice
- B. It causes significant distress or impaired functioning
- C. It is disliked by family members or neighbours
- D. It occurs during a period of personal change
Explanation: Abnormal behavior is commonly judged by distress, impaired functioning, loss of control, or risk, while also considering cultural context.
Correct answer: It causes significant distress or impaired functioning- A. Ask directly whether the patient has a suicide plan
- B. Encourage the patient to discuss childhood experiences
- C. Offer written information about coping skills
- D. Arrange a routine review with the psychiatrist
Explanation: The nurse should immediately assess suicide intent, plan, means, and time frame so that safety measures can be started.
Correct answer: Ask directly whether the patient has a suicide plan- A. “You should try to stop thinking about it.”
- B. “There is no reason for you to feel afraid.”
- C. “Tell me what you are feeling right now.”
- D. “Other patients have problems worse than yours.”
Explanation: This open-ended response encourages the patient to describe feelings and supports further assessment.
Correct answer: “Tell me what you are feeling right now.”- A. Provide only the diagnosis, not the treatment details
- B. Ask the neighbour to return after speaking with the family
- C. Explain that patient information cannot be disclosed without permission
- D. Share information because the neighbour is concerned about safety
Explanation: Confidential information is disclosed only with the patient’s permission or when a lawful safety or reporting exception applies.
Correct answer: Explain that patient information cannot be disclosed without permission- A. The patient signs the form after receiving a sedative
- B. A relative signs while the patient remains capable of deciding
- C. The patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives
- D. The nurse explains the procedure and asks the patient to follow instructions
Explanation: Valid informed consent requires adequate information, understanding, voluntariness, and decision-making capacity.
Correct answer: The patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives- A. Move the patient to a quieter area and speak calmly
- B. Argue with the patient until the patient accepts the rules
- C. Ask several staff members to stand close around the patient
- D. Place the patient in seclusion before attempting communication
Explanation: Reducing environmental stimulation and using a calm, nonthreatening approach can lower arousal while preserving safety and dignity.
Correct answer: Move the patient to a quieter area and speak calmly- A. Ego
- B. Superego
- C. Id
- D. Preconscious
Explanation: The id seeks immediate gratification of basic drives and operates according to the pleasure principle.
Correct answer: Id48. Which entry in a psychiatric nursing care plan is written as an individualized, measurable goal?
- A. Patient will improve coping soon
- B. Patient will feel less anxious in the ward
- C. Patient will identify two coping methods before the end of the shift
- D. Patient will receive appropriate emotional support
Explanation: A measurable goal states the patient’s expected behavior, the number or condition, and a time frame.
Correct answer: Patient will identify two coping methods before the end of the shift- A. Patient is attention-seeking and manipulative
- B. Patient reports hearing a voice telling them to self-harm
- C. Patient is probably experiencing a psychotic disorder
- D. Patient has bizarre behavior and poor personality traits
Explanation: Mental health documentation should use objective, specific words and should record the patient’s own report in quotation marks when…
Correct answer: Patient reports hearing a voice telling them to self-harm- A. Justice
- B. Autonomy
- C. Fidelity
- D. Nonmaleficence
Explanation: Autonomy supports a competent patient’s right to make informed decisions, including refusing treatment.
Correct answer: Autonomy- A. The absence of all emotional distress
- B. The ability to cope and function adaptively
- C. The complete avoidance of stressful events
- D. The absence of psychiatric treatment needs
Explanation: Mental health includes the ability to manage stress, maintain relationships, and function in daily roles.
Correct answer: The ability to cope and function adaptively- A. Trust versus mistrust
- B. Autonomy versus shame
- C. Identity versus role confusion
- D. Generativity versus stagnation
Explanation: Adolescents work through identity versus role confusion as they develop values, goals, and a sense of self.
Correct answer: Identity versus role confusion- A. Projection
- B. Regression
- C. Sublimation
- D. Rationalization
Explanation: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person.
Correct answer: Projection- A. The patient reports feeling hopeless
- B. The patient speaks about a recent loss
- C. The patient smiles while describing sadness
- D. The patient believes others are spying
Explanation: Affect is the observable expression of emotion, such as facial expression, posture, and tone.
Correct answer: The patient smiles while describing sadness- A. Change the subject to reduce discomfort
- B. Use silence and remain present with the patient
- C. Ask several questions to obtain details quickly
- D. Tell the patient to focus on positive memories
Explanation: Purposeful silence allows the patient time to process emotions and shows that the nurse can tolerate difficult communication.
Correct answer: Use silence and remain present with the patient- A. Countertransference
- B. Transference
- C. Confabulation
- D. Flight of ideas
Explanation: Transference occurs when feelings from an important past relationship are redirected toward the nurse.
Correct answer: Transference- A. Explain that the patient has no rights during admission
- B. Provide information about rights and the review process
- C. Promise discharge if the patient remains quiet
- D. Ask another patient to persuade the patient to stay
Explanation: Patients receiving involuntary psychiatric care retain basic rights and should be informed about the reason for restrictions and available…
Correct answer: Provide information about rights and the review process- A. Accepting an expensive gift from a grateful patient
- B. Sharing personal problems to build quick trust
- C. Meeting the patient socially after discharge
- D. Maintaining a helpful relationship focused on care
Explanation: Therapeutic boundaries keep the relationship focused on the patient’s needs, safety, and recovery.
Correct answer: Maintaining a helpful relationship focused on care- A. Use the most restrictive measure first
- B. Choose the least restrictive safe alternative
- C. Use restraint whenever behavior is inconvenient
- D. Ask the patient’s family to decide without assessment
Explanation: Safety measures should use the least restrictive effective alternative and should be individualized to the patient’s assessed risk.
Correct answer: Choose the least restrictive safe alternative- A. Require participation in every group activity
- B. Set a gradual goal based on the patient’s interests
- C. Keep the patient isolated until confidence improves
- D. Use the same activity schedule for every patient
Explanation: Individualized care uses the patient’s abilities, preferences, and readiness to set realistic goals, such as gradually attending a…
Correct answer: Set a gradual goal based on the patient’s interests