Psychiatric Nursing Practice Test Questions with Answer Key PDF

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeless individuals. Homeless individuals are the most at risk due to the severe impact of poverty and the downward economic spiral on mental health. Homelessness is often directly linked to poverty and lack of resources, leading to increased stress, trauma, and mental health issues. Homeless individuals face constant instability, lack of access to basic necessities, and higher rates of trauma and violence, all of which significantly contribute to mental health problems. Other choices are less directly associated with the severe impact of poverty and homelessness on mental health. Older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and single-parent families can also be at risk, but homeless individuals are the most vulnerable due to the extreme conditions they face on a daily basis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing process. The nursing process is the systematic framework that guides nurses in providing individualized, holistic care. It involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By integrating the nursing process into clinical decision-making, psychiatric-mental health nurses ensure comprehensive and effective care for their patients. Developmental issues (A) are important considerations in mental health nursing but do not serve as the foundation for clinical decision-making. Commitment (C) and accountability (D) are essential traits for nurses but do not directly influence the clinical decision-making process. The nursing process, with its structured approach, serves as the cornerstone for organizing and prioritizing care interventions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeless individuals. Homeless individuals are the most at risk due to the severe impact of poverty and the downward economic spiral on mental health. Homelessness is often directly linked to poverty and lack of resources, leading to increased stress, trauma, and mental health issues. Homeless individuals face constant instability, lack of access to basic necessities, and higher rates of trauma and violence, all of which significantly contribute to mental health problems. Other choices are less directly associated with the severe impact of poverty and homelessness on mental health. Older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and single-parent families can also be at risk, but homeless individuals are the most vulnerable due to the extreme conditions they face on a daily basis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Justice. The student nurse's opinion aligns with the ethical principle of justice, which emphasizes fairness and equitable access to resources for all individuals. By advocating for equal access to mental health care for those in rural areas, without insurance, and with low income, the student is promoting the ethical principle of justice. Justice ensures that everyone has the opportunity to receive necessary care regardless of their circumstances. Nonmaleficence (A) focuses on avoiding harm, paternalism (B) involves making decisions for someone else's best interest without their consent, and veracity (C) pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which are not directly related to the student nurse's opinion on access to mental health care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axis I. Alcohol dependence is classified as a mental disorder and is considered part of Axis I in the DSM-IV-TR system. Axis I includes clinical disorders, such as substance use disorders, that are the primary focus of clinical attention. In this case, the patient's alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms are the main reason for her admission and treatment. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Axis II focuses on personality disorders and mental retardation, which are not the primary concern in this scenario. C: Axis III pertains to general medical conditions that are relevant to the patient's mental health, but not the primary mental disorder itself. D: Axis IV involves psychosocial and environmental stressors, such as life events or problems, which are not the primary focus in this case of alcohol dependence.