Take the Test

1. Which statement is a common “myth” regarding people with mental health problems compared to people without mental health problems?

• a. People with mental illness experience discrimination and stigma in healthcare settings.
• b. People with mental health issues are more likely to be violent and dangerous.
• c. People with mental health problems are just as productive on the job as other employees.
• d. People with mental illness often get better and recover completely.

2. Which action best describes the central element in responding to a patient with depression?

• a. Using understanding and sympathy
• b. Using power carefully
• c. Making judgments about the patient’s thinking
• d. Developing a therapeutic relationship

3. Which medication used for the treatment of bipolar disorder has a high risk of toxicity?

• a. Diazepam
• b. Lithium
• c. Valproic acid
• d. Risperidone

4. In which way would a clinician respond to a patient demonstrating symptoms or behaviors of bipolar disorder?

• a. Appeal to the patient using logic in an attempt to change a behavior
• b. Tell the patient they are forbidden to behave and say things that are inappropriate
• c. Provide consistent limits on the patient’s inappropriate and abusive behaviors
• d. Encourage the patient to focus on more than one topic at a time

5. Which strategy is effective when responding to a patient with an anxiety disorder?

• a. Tell the patient to calm down
• b. Minimize the patient’s overreaction
• c. Tell the patient there is nothing to be fearful of
• d. Offer a distraction by talking about mundane things

6. Which side effect of antipsychotic medications is considered a medical emergency?

• a. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• b. Orthostatic hypotension
• c. Sedation
• d. Neutropenia

7. Which action would a clinician take when responding to a patient who is having a delusion?

• a. Do not challenge the delusion directly
• b. Explain to the patient that their thought is false
• c. Gently touch the patient to offer reassurance
• d. Avoid distracting the patient

8. Which action would the clinician take when communicating with a patient who is experiencing a borderline personality disorder?

• a. Recognize the patient is not responsible for their behaviors
• b. Expect the patient to test limits repeatedly
• c. Ignore threats of self-mutilation
• d. Take sides when the patient complains about another staff person

9. Which finding is considered a serious and possibly fatal form of withdrawal from alcohol?

• a. Anxiety and tachycardia
• b. Rambling and incoherent speech
• c. Delirium tremens
• d. Elevated blood pressure

10. Which treatment poses a serious risk to patients who are severely malnourished because of an eating disorder?

• a. Taking medications such as mood stabilizers
• b. Medical refeeding
• c. Discontinuation of purging
• d. Weight restoration and monitoring