Test Bank for Varcarolis Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 5th Edition | All Chapters Covered | Updated Version

1. Which outcome, focused on recovery, would be expected in the plan of care for a patient living in the
community and diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness? Within 3 months, the patient will:
a. deny suicidal ideation.
b. report a sense of well-being.
c. take medications as prescribed.
d. attend clinic appointments on time.
ANS: B
Recovery emphasizes managing symptoms, reducing psychosocial disability, and improving role performance.
The goal of recovery is to empower the individual with mental illness to achieve a sense of meaning and
satisfaction in life and to function at the highest possible level of wellness. The incorrect options focus on the
classic medical model rather than recovery.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: 2
TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
2. In the shift-change report, an off-going nurse criticizes a patient who wears heavy makeup. Which comment
by the nurse who receives the report best demonstrates advocacy?
a. This is a psychiatric hospital. Craziness is what we are all about.
b. Lets all show acceptance of this patient by wearing lots of makeup too.
c. Your comments are inconsiderate and inappropriate. Keep the report objective.
d. Our patients need our help to learn behaviors that will help them get along in society.
ANS: D
Accepting patients needs for self-expression and seeking to teach skills that will contribute to their well-being
demonstrate respect and are important parts of advocacy. The on-coming nurse needs to take action to ensure
that others are not prejudiced against the patient. Humor can be appropriate within the privacy of a shift report
but not at the expense of respect for patients. Judging the off-going nurse in a critical way will create conflict.
Nurses must show compassion for each other.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: 8
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe, Effective Care Environment
3. A nurse assesses a newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which statement is an
example of attending?
a. We all have stress in life. Being in a psychiatric hospital isnt the end of the world.
b. Tell me why you felt you had to be hospitalized to receive treatment for your depression.
c. You will feel better after we get some antidepressant medication started for you.
d. Id like to sit with you a while so you may feel more comfortable talking with me.
ANS: D
Attending is a technique that demonstrates the nurses commitment to the relationship and reduces feelings of
isolation. This technique shows respect for the patient and demonstrates caring. Generalizations, probing, and
false reassurances are non-therapeutic.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application (Applying) REF: 8
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
4. A patient is hospitalized for depression and suicidal ideation after their spouse asksfor a divorce. Select the
nurses most caring comment.
a. Lets discuss some means of coping other than suicide when you have these feelings.
b. I understand why youre so depressed. When I got divorced, I was devastated too.
c. You should forget about your marriage and move on with your life.
d. How did you get so depressed that hospitalization was necessary?