Introduction to Psychiatric Nursing # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 What is the primary focus of psychiatric nursing?

Administering medications only
Caring for patients with physical illnesses
Promoting mental health and assisting patients with psychiatric disorders
Performing surgical procedures
Explanation - Psychiatric nursing focuses on helping patients with mental health issues to achieve optimal functioning and well-being.
Correct answer is: Promoting mental health and assisting patients with psychiatric disorders

Q.2 Which of the following is a key skill for psychiatric nurses?

Interpersonal communication
Blood transfusion techniques
X-ray interpretation
Suturing wounds
Explanation - Effective communication is essential for psychiatric nurses to build therapeutic relationships and understand patients' needs.
Correct answer is: Interpersonal communication

Q.3 Which model is often used in psychiatric nursing to assess mental health?

Nightingale's Environmental Theory
Orem's Self-Care Model
The Biopsychosocial Model
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Explanation - The Biopsychosocial Model considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health.
Correct answer is: The Biopsychosocial Model

Q.4 What is the main goal of therapeutic communication in psychiatric nursing?

To diagnose medical conditions
To establish a trusting relationship and promote patient well-being
To administer medications efficiently
To perform physical examinations
Explanation - Therapeutic communication helps patients feel understood, supported, and encourages them to participate in their care.
Correct answer is: To establish a trusting relationship and promote patient well-being

Q.5 Which of the following is an example of a positive therapeutic technique?

Giving advice constantly
Active listening
Arguing with the patient
Avoiding eye contact
Explanation - Active listening involves attentively hearing and responding to patients, showing empathy and understanding.
Correct answer is: Active listening

Q.6 Which setting is most common for psychiatric nursing care?

Intensive care units
Mental health hospitals and community mental health centers
Operating theaters
Dental clinics
Explanation - Psychiatric nurses primarily work in facilities dedicated to mental health treatment and support.
Correct answer is: Mental health hospitals and community mental health centers

Q.7 Which of the following is considered a psychiatric disorder?

Hypertension
Depression
Appendicitis
Osteoarthritis
Explanation - Depression is a mental health disorder affecting mood, behavior, and daily functioning.
Correct answer is: Depression

Q.8 Which therapeutic approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Insulin therapy
Hydrotherapy
Explanation - CBT helps patients recognize and change distorted thinking patterns to improve mental health.
Correct answer is: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Q.9 In psychiatric nursing, what is meant by the term 'milieu therapy'?

Use of medications to control behavior
Therapeutic use of the patient’s environment
Surgical interventions
Physical restraint techniques
Explanation - Milieu therapy involves creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment to aid patient recovery.
Correct answer is: Therapeutic use of the patient’s environment

Q.10 Which professional is part of a psychiatric care team?

Psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers
Orthopedic surgeons and dietitians
Dentists and ophthalmologists
Cardiologists and radiologists
Explanation - A multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care addressing different aspects of mental health.
Correct answer is: Psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers

Q.11 Which symptom is commonly associated with schizophrenia?

Hallucinations
Fever
Joint pain
Shortness of breath
Explanation - Schizophrenia often includes hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Correct answer is: Hallucinations

Q.12 Which type of nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient with anxiety?

Encouraging relaxation techniques and providing emotional support
Performing surgery
Administering antibiotics
Restricting patient activity completely
Explanation - Non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation and support are key in managing anxiety.
Correct answer is: Encouraging relaxation techniques and providing emotional support

Q.13 Which term describes the ability to understand a patient’s feelings and experiences?

Empathy
Sympathy
Compassion fatigue
Apology
Explanation - Empathy enables nurses to connect with patients emotionally and provide effective care.
Correct answer is: Empathy

Q.14 Which nursing role involves advocating for patients' rights and needs?

Patient advocate
Phlebotomist
Radiology technician
Medical coder
Explanation - Psychiatric nurses often act as advocates to ensure patients receive proper care and support.
Correct answer is: Patient advocate

Q.15 What is the primary purpose of psychiatric assessment?

To identify mental health problems and plan care
To perform physical surgery
To conduct blood tests
To treat broken bones
Explanation - Assessment helps nurses gather information to develop individualized care plans for mental health patients.
Correct answer is: To identify mental health problems and plan care

Q.16 Which is a common ethical consideration in psychiatric nursing?

Maintaining patient confidentiality
Prescribing medications without license
Sharing patient information publicly
Ignoring patient consent
Explanation - Protecting patient privacy is crucial in mental health care due to stigma and sensitivity of information.
Correct answer is: Maintaining patient confidentiality

Q.17 Which of the following is an example of a non-verbal communication technique in psychiatric nursing?

Maintaining eye contact
Sending emails
Writing prescriptions
Scheduling appointments
Explanation - Non-verbal communication such as gestures, posture, and eye contact plays an important role in therapeutic interactions.
Correct answer is: Maintaining eye contact

Q.18 Which intervention is considered supportive therapy?

Providing counseling and encouragement to cope with stress
Performing a surgical procedure
Administering intravenous fluids
Radiation therapy
Explanation - Supportive therapy helps patients manage stress, enhance coping skills, and improve mental well-being.
Correct answer is: Providing counseling and encouragement to cope with stress

Q.19 Which factor can contribute to mental health problems?

Genetic predisposition, trauma, and social stressors
Drinking clean water
Regular exercise
Balanced nutrition
Explanation - Mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Correct answer is: Genetic predisposition, trauma, and social stressors

Q.20 Which technique helps psychiatric nurses manage their own stress?

Self-care and debriefing
Ignoring stress completely
Working without breaks
Punishing oneself
Explanation - Nurses need self-care strategies to prevent burnout and provide effective care to patients.
Correct answer is: Self-care and debriefing

Q.21 Which term refers to a structured conversation aimed at understanding patient problems?

Psychiatric interview
Physical exam
Lab testing
Medication administration
Explanation - The psychiatric interview allows nurses to assess mental status, symptoms, and psychosocial issues.
Correct answer is: Psychiatric interview

Q.22 Which type of therapy uses group interaction to facilitate growth and social skills?

Group therapy
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Physical therapy
Explanation - Group therapy provides patients with peer support, insight, and opportunities to practice social interactions.
Correct answer is: Group therapy

Q.23 Which term describes feelings of sadness and loss of interest lasting more than two weeks?

Depression
Euphoria
Anxiety
Mania
Explanation - Depression is characterized by prolonged sadness, loss of interest, and changes in daily functioning.
Correct answer is: Depression

Q.24 Which of the following is a primary responsibility of psychiatric nurses during hospitalization?

Monitoring mental status, administering treatment, and providing emotional support
Performing open-heart surgery
Delivering babies
Diagnosing infections
Explanation - Psychiatric nurses ensure patients' safety, follow treatment plans, and support emotional recovery.
Correct answer is: Monitoring mental status, administering treatment, and providing emotional support

Q.25 Which communication barrier is common in psychiatric nursing?

Patient resistance, language differences, and misinterpretation of nonverbal cues
Properly administered injections
Correct diagnosis of fractures
Maintaining sterile field
Explanation - Communication barriers may arise due to patient distrust, cognitive impairments, or cultural differences.
Correct answer is: Patient resistance, language differences, and misinterpretation of nonverbal cues