Return to course: OIIAQ Question Bank
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Mental Health
1. A young woman of 18 years is brought to the emergency room on a stretcher. She is unconscious and accompanied by her ex-boyfriend. Earlier this morning, after being laid off by her employer, the young woman called her ex-boyfriend to ask him for help. A few minutes later, the ex-boyfriend found pill bottles next to the patient, which the paramedics have handed over to the LPN. On her observation sheet, the LPN makes note of the bottle given to her: an empty bottle of anxiolutics (Oxazepam 1 mg), an empty bottle of hypnosedatives (Phenobarbital 30 mg), and an empty bottle of another type of anxiolytic (Alprazolam 2 mg). After checking the patient’s vital signs, the LPN notifies the emergency physician, who prescribes an NG tube STAT in order to perform a gastric lavage and administer activated charcoal afterwards, based on other prescriptions, the LPN installs a cardiorespiratory monitor and venous and urinary catheters. She also performs blood and urine tests. Which intervention should take priority in this situation?
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Administering charcoal through the NG tube
Taking blood samples
Installing a urinary catheter
Checking vital signs
2. A 23-year-old patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit after attempting to tend his life by taking medication. The patient was bullied during his youth, spent time in a drug treatment centre, and now lives in a rooming house. The patient shows signs of depression, does not want to talk, and refuses to help he is offered. Given the patient’s condition, which of the following interventions is appropriate?
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Applying abdominal restraints
Checking on the patient q30min
Avoiding talking about suicidal thoughts in front of the patient
Collaborating with the patient to ensure his safety
3. Mr. Pascal Vigneault, 44, has been hospitalized for severe major depressive disorder for six days. He reports persistent sadness, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating. This morning, he refuses to get out of bed for breakfast, saying he “doesn’t see the point.” His vital signs are stable, and he denies suicidal intent today but appears withdrawn. The physician ordered antidepressant therapy, daily mood monitoring, and participation in group activities as tolerated. What should the LPN do first?
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Give him full privacy to rest alone
Encourage him gently to sit up and eat breakfast
Tell him he must attend group therapy immediately
Scold him for refusing care
4. Ms. Célia Martel, 29, arrives at the psychiatric unit visibly trembling and hyperventilating after a panic attack triggered at work. She clutches her chest, saying it feels “tight,” but vitals are normal and ECG ruled out cardiac involvement. The physician orders breathing exercises, reassurance, and PRN anxiolytics. What intervention should the LPN provide first?
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Encourage slow, deep breathing with her
Ask her to describe childhood trauma
Leave her alone to regain control
Tell her that her symptoms are exaggerated
5. Mr. Jonathan Delorme, 36, diagnosed with schizophrenia, reports hearing voices saying he is “worthless.” He appears frightened and looks around the room frequently. He has PRN antipsychotics ordered and was stable yesterday. Today he states the voices are “louder,” but denies intent to harm himself. What is the most therapeutic response?
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“Those voices are real and you should obey them.”
“Ignore them completely; it’s not a big deal.”
“I don’t hear the voices, but I can see this is distressing you.”
“Stop talking about voices; focus on reality.”
6. Ms. Marianne Dupuis, 31, admitted for bipolar I disorder, has become increasingly restless, pacing the hallway and speaking rapidly. She slept only one hour last night and skipped breakfast. The physician ordered mood stabilizers, safety monitoring, and reduced stimulation. Which intervention is most appropriate?
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Allow her unlimited access to the unit
Challenge her to “slow down and calm herself”
Encourage strenuous exercise
Provide a quiet area with minimal stimuli
7. Ms. Ariane Létourneau, 26, with borderline personality disorder, becomes distressed after a disagreement with her roommate. She cries loudly, saying staff “don’t care about her.” She threatens to leave the unit, but has no suicidal intent. Orders include emotional regulation coaching and limit-setting. What should the LPN do?
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Agree with her that staff are unfair
Tell her to stop overreacting
Validate her feelings and maintain clear boundaries
Ignore the behavior completely
8. Mr. Émile Bouchard, 82, with moderate Alzheimer’s, becomes disoriented around 18:00 daily. Today he is pacing and attempting to leave the unit, stating he “needs to go home to milk the cows.” Vitals are stable. Orders include reorientation, safety, and evening routine stabilization. Which intervention is BEST?
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Argue that his farm no longer exists
Physically restrain him immediately
Turn off all lights to quiet him
Use gentle reorientation and guide him to a familiar activity
9. Ms. Olivia Gagnon, 34, diagnosed with PTSD following a violent assault, suddenly crouches in the corner of her room, shaking and covering her head. She seems unaware of her surroundings. Orders include grounding techniques and supportive presence. What is the priority intervention?
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Ask detailed questions about the assault
Demand she stop reacting “irrationally”
Use grounding by guiding her to focus on the present environment
Leave her alone to process emotions
10. Mr. Denis Poulin, 58, admitted for alcohol withdrawal, is now 12 hours without alcohol. He is shaking, sweating, and reports nausea. Vitals: BP 162/94, HR 112. Orders: CIWA monitoring, hydration, benzodiazepines PRN. Which action should the LPN take?
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Increase environmental stimuli
Administer PRN benzodiazepine as ordered
Give caffeine to increase alertness
Encourage intense exercise
11. Mr. Félix Trudeau, 23, repeatedly checks whether his door is locked, performing the ritual over 50 times this morning. He reports anxiety if he stops. The physician ordered therapy participation and anxiety-reduction techniques. What should the LPN encourage?
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Gradual reduction of the ritual with support
Forcing immediate full stop of rituals
Ignoring the compulsions completely
Encouraging him to perform rituals more quickly
12. Ms. Sabrina Lévesque, 32, delivered her baby 3 weeks ago and has been admitted for postpartum depression. She avoids eye contact with her infant and says she feels “nothing.” Orders include depression monitoring and bonding support. What is the BEST action?
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Force prolonged skin-to-skin contact immediately
Avoid addressing bonding
Tell her bonding should happen naturally
Gently encourage brief, supported mother–infant interactions
13. Mr. Lionel Beauséjour, 52, expresses hopelessness, stating, “Everyone would be better off without me.” He avoids eye contact and isolates in his room. Orders include suicide risk assessment and increased observation. What should the LPN do FIRST?
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Ask directly if he is having thoughts of suicide
Avoid mentioning suicide
Tell him others have it worse
Provide reading materials and leave
14. Ms. Élisa Montigny, 17, admitted for anorexia, eats only two bites of lunch. She appears fatigued and dizzy. Orders include nutritional monitoring, supervised meals, and daily weights. What should the LPN do?
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Allow her to skip meals to avoid distress
Give her privacy during eating
Force-feed her immediately
Stay with her during meals and provide calm encouragement
15. Mr. Armand Bélanger, 72, with Parkinson’s disease, shows new confusion and difficulty following instructions. His gait is slower today. Orders include neurologic monitoring and fall precautions. Which intervention is MOST important?
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Encourage him to walk unassisted
Provide high-stimulation activities
Maintain fall precautions and close supervision
Ignore cognitive changes
16. Mrs. Renée Daoust, 78, normally oriented, becomes suddenly confused after starting antibiotics. She tries to get out of bed and says she is “late for work,” though retired. Orders include monitoring mental status, safety, and hydration. What is priority?
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Give caffeine
Argue with her about the date
Restrain immediately as first choice
Ensure safety by staying close and preventing falls
17. Mr. Julien Sansfaçon, 20, diagnosed with ADHD, admits he stopped taking his medications due to side effects and now struggles to focus. Orders include medication teaching and evaluation. What should the LPN emphasize?
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Report side effects so medications can be adjusted
Stop treatment permanently
Increase his caffeine intake
Ignore symptoms
18. Ms. Bianca D’Amour, 33, seeking help for cocaine misuse, states she is “not sure” she wants to quit. She appears anxious and ambivalent. Orders include supportive counseling and motivational interviewing. Which statement reflects motivational interviewing?
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“You must quit now or you’ll fail.”
“Your choices are irresponsible.”
“Tell me what you like and don’t like about using.”
“Just stop thinking about drugs.”
19. Mr. Philippe Boivin, 39, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, becomes increasingly tense, pacing with clenched fists. He raises his voice at staff. Orders: de-escalation, PRN antipsychotics. What should the LPN do?
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Stand very close to assert control
Shout louder than him
Use calm communication and maintain safe distance
Block the door
20. Ms. Livia Rousselle, 48, recently lost her partner. She cries frequently and has stopped attending activities. She says she feels “stuck” and guilty. Orders include grief support and emotional expression. What is an appropriate response?
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“You should be over this by now.”
“Let’s avoid talking about the loss.”
“Just think positively.”
“I’m here with you—tell me what’s weighing on you.”
21. Mr. Gabriel Laramée, 40, started haloperidol 48 hours ago. Today he has a stiff neck and reports feeling like he “can’t stop moving his legs.” Orders include EPS monitoring and PRN medications. What should the LPN do?
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Encourage intense activity
Report symptoms promptly; may indicate extrapyramidal effects
Tell him symptoms are normal and ignore them
Double the medication dose
22. Mrs. Carole Laramée, 63, with recurrent major depression, has stopped showering and refuses meals. She appears disheveled and weak. Orders include nutritional support, hygiene assistance, and depression monitoring. What is the BEST LPN action?
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Criticize her lack of effort
Leave her completely alone
Force her into the shower
Offer assistance with hygiene in a respectful, supportive manner