AIIMS NORCET Nursing Exams: MCQ(1-50)

Nursing Officer Competitive Exams Multiple Choice Questions:




1. Which of the following is not a common mood disorder?

   (a) Schizophrenia

   (b) Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

   (c) Bipolar Disorder

   (d) Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)


2. A patient with depression is experiencing psychomotor retardation. What physical symptom is associated with this condition?

   (a) Rapid speech

   (b) Agitation and restlessness

   (c) Slowed movements and speech

   (d) Tremors and muscle stiffness


3. When assessing a patient with bipolar disorder, the nurse recognizes the importance of monitoring for signs of a manic episode. What is a typical sign of mania?

   (a) Persistent low energy and fatigue

   (b) Heightened mood, racing thoughts, and impulsivity

   (c) Apathy and social withdrawal

   (d) Excessive sleep and slowed speech


4. Which neurotransmitter is often implicated in mood disorders and is the target of many antidepressant medications?

   (a) Serotonin

   (b) Dopamine

   (c) Acetylcholine

   (d) Gamma-aminobutyric acid


5. What is the primary goal of psychoeducation in the treatment of mood disorders?

   (a) Prescribing medication

   (b) Providing emotional support

   (c) Educating patients and their families about the condition

   (d) Administering electroconvulsive therapy


6. A patient with depression mentions feeling hopeless and having thoughts of self-harm. What should the nurse do immediately?

   (a) Offer medication to the patient

   (b) Notify the healthcare provider

   (c) Encourage the patient to keep their feelings to themselves

   (d) Reassure the patient that everything will be fine


7. Which of the following is a symptom commonly associated with postpartum depression?

   (a) Euphoria and high energy levels

   (b) Intense worry about the baby's well-being

   (c) Rapid weight loss

   (d) Difficulty bonding with the newborn


8. When administering medication to a client with bipolar disorder, what should the nurse monitor closely?

   (a) Elevated blood pressure

   (b) Frequent urination

   (c) Decreased appetite

   (d) Medication adherence and potential side effects


9. Which form of psychotherapy is often used to treat depression and involves challenging negative thought patterns?

   (a) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

   (b) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

   (c) Exposure Therapy

   (d) Interpersonal Therapy


10. A nurse is caring for a patient with borderline personality disorder. What is a key nursing approach when working with this patient?

    (a) Setting strict boundaries and limits

    (b) Avoiding any confrontation or conflict

    (c) Providing minimal emotional support

    (d) Encouraging impulsive behavior


11. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a depressive phase. What nursing intervention is appropriate during this phase?

    (a) Encourage participation in social activities

    (b) Monitor for signs of impulsivity and agitation

    (c) Promote relaxation techniques and stress management

    (d) Limit contact with family and friends to reduce stress


12. What is the primary goal of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of mood disorders?

    (a) To induce permanent memory loss

    (b) To reduce manic symptoms in bipolar disorder

    (c) To stimulate the release of serotonin

    (d) To provide rapid relief from severe depression


13. A patient with a history of depression has recently started taking an antidepressant medication. What should the nurse monitor for during the initial weeks of treatment?

    (a) Increased energy and motivation

    (b) Elevated blood pressure

    (c) Suicidal ideation and behavioral changes

    (d) Improved sleep patterns


14. Which mood stabilizer medication is commonly prescribed for the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder?

    (a) Lorazepam

    (b) Lithium carbonate

    (c) Alprazolam

    (d) Zolpidem


15. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient with depression who is going home on a new medication. What is a crucial point to emphasize?

    (a) The importance of discontinuing the medication if side effects occur

    (b) The necessity of abruptly stopping the medication if symptoms improve

    (c) The need to take the medication exactly as prescribed

    (d) The option to skip doses if the patient feels better


16. Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of seasonal affective disorder?

    (a) Intense anxiety and panic attacks

    (b) Increased interest in social activities

    (c) Depressive symptoms occurring during specific seasons

    (d) Rapid mood swings and irritability


17. A nurse is assessing a patient for signs of mania. What is a common behavior associated with this mood state?

    (a) Slow and deliberate speech

    (b) Excessive sleeping

    (c) Racing thoughts and impulsivity

    (d) Apathy and lack of interest in activities


18. What is a potential side effect of long-term use of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

    (a) Weight gain

    (b) Tardive dyskinesia

    (c) Memory impairment

    (d) Increased concentration


19. A patient with depression is prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ‘SSRIs’. How do SSRIs work in the brain?

    (a) By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability

    (b) By increasing dopamine production

    (c) By inhibiting the release of norepinephrine

    (d) By promoting the breakdown of acetylcholine


20. Which nursing intervention is essential when caring for a patient with suicidal ideation?

    (a) Providing constant one-on-one supervision

    (b) Minimizing communication to avoid stress

    (c) Encouraging isolation to prevent harm to others

    (d) Allowing the patient unrestricted access to personal belongings



21. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing disorganized thinking and paranoia. What is the nurse's priority in care?

    (a) Encouraging socialization with peers

    (b) Administering antipsychotic medications as prescribed

    (c) Promoting creative expression through art therapy

    (d) Allowing unrestricted freedom to manage symptoms independently


22. Which medication class is commonly prescribed to manage acute anxiety symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders?

    (a) Antipsychotics

    (b) Antidepressants

    (c) Benzodiazepines

    (d) Mood stabilizers


23. A patient with bipolar disorder is taking lithium carbonate. What should the nurse monitor closely while the patient is on this medication?

    (a) Blood glucose levels

    (b) Serum creatinine levels

    (c) Serum lithium levels

    (d) Hemoglobin levels


24. When conducting a suicide risk assessment, what is a key question the nurse should ask?

    (a) "Have you ever been admitted to a hospital for a mental illness?"

    (b) "How often do you exercise?"

    (c) "Do you have a history of food allergies?"

    (d) "What is your favorite hobby?"


25. Which cognitive distortion involves viewing situations in black-and-white terms with no middle ground?

    (a) Catastrophizing

    (b) All-or-nothing thinking

    (c) Personalization

    (d) Mind reading


26. What is the primary goal of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship when caring for individuals with mood disorders?

    (a) Establishing a personal friendship with the patient

    (b) Encouraging the patient to rely solely on the nurse for emotional support

    (c) Providing a safe, supportive environment for the patient to express thoughts and feelings

    (d) Avoiding any form of emotional connection with the patient


27. A patient with depression is prescribed an SSRI medication. When should the nurse instruct the patient to expect the therapeutic effects of the medication?

    (a) Within a few hours of the first dose

    (b) Following a few days of treatment

    (c) In about 4-6 weeks of consistent use

    (d) Immediately upon taking the first pill


28. Which of the following statements is true regarding the treatment of mood disorders?

    (a) Mood disorders always require hospitalization for effective treatment.

    (b) Psychotherapy is not effective in the treatment of mood disorders.

    (c) Medication and psychotherapy are often used in combination for treatment.

    (d) Mood disorders can be cured completely with medication alone.


29. A patient with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting manipulative behavior. What is an appropriate nursing response?

    (a) Give in to the patient's demands to maintain a peaceful environment.

    (b) Set clear boundaries and consistently enforce them.

    (c) Ignore the behavior and avoid confrontation.

    (d) Provide excessive emotional support to prevent further manipulation.


30. Which self-care strategy is essential for nurses caring for patients with mood disorders?

    (a) Isolation and avoidance of personal emotions

    (b) Frequent use of alcohol or other substances to cope with stress

    (c) Seeking support and supervision from colleagues and mentors

    (d) Avoiding any emotional connection with patients to prevent burnout



31. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention in the context of mood disorders?

    (a) Providing long-term therapy and support

    (b) Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the disorder

    (c) Offering immediate support and stabilization during a crisis

    (d) Administering medication to alleviate symptoms


32. A patient with a mood disorder is experiencing a side effect of weight gain due to medication. What nursing intervention can help address this issue?

    (a) Encouraging the patient to skip doses of the medication

    (b) Advising the patient to stop taking the medication immediately

    (c) Collaborating with the healthcare provider to explore alternative medications

    (d) Reassuring the patient that weight gain is a positive sign of recovery


33. Which of the following statements is true regarding the use of complementary therapies in mood disorder treatment?

    (a) Complementary therapies are the sole treatment for mood disorders.

    (b) Complementary therapies have no impact on mood disorders.

    c) Complementary therapies can be used alongside traditional treatments to enhance well-being.

    (d) Complementary therapies should replace medication entirely.


34. A nurse is caring for a patient with bipolar disorder who is experiencing rapid cycling between manic and depressive episodes. What is an appropriate nursing intervention?

    (a) Encourage the patient to avoid medication altogether

    (b) Promote a consistent daily routine and sleep schedule

    c) Isolate the patient to prevent mood swings

    (d) Allow unrestricted access to caffeine and stimulants


35. Which of the following is a potential risk factor for the development of mood disorders?

    (a) Strong social support network

    (b) Regular exercise routine

    (c) Family history of mood disorders

    (d) A balanced diet rich in nutrients


36. A patient with depression has recently started taking an antidepressant medication. What side effect is common during the first few weeks of treatment?

    (a) Weight loss

    (b) Decreased energy levels

    (c) Increased suicidal thoughts

    (d) Insomnia and restlessness


37. When working with patients experiencing mood disorders, what is the importance of cultural competence for nurses?

    (a) Cultural competence is not relevant in the context of mood disorders.

    (b) It helps nurses understand the impact of cultural factors on diagnosis and treatment.

    (c) Cultural competence is essential only when dealing with physical health issues.

    (d) It is primarily the responsibility of patients to adapt to the healthcare system.


38. A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode characterized by excessive spending and risky behaviors. What should the nurse prioritize in this situation?

    (a) Limiting the patient's access to financial resources

    (b) Allowing the patient to make impulsive financial decisions

    (c) Encouraging the patient to shop even more to boost their mood

    (d) Ignoring the patient's financial behaviors


39. A nurse is conducting a mental status assessment on a patient with depression. What assessment finding is typical for this condition?

    (a) Euphoria and heightened energy levels

    (b) Delusions of grandeur

    (c) Lack of interest or pleasure in most activities

    (d) Hallucinations and disorganized speech


40. Which cognitive-behavioral technique is often used to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns in patients with mood disorders?

    (a) Thought suppression

    (b) Mindfulness meditation

    (c) Cognitive restructuring

    (d) Self-hypnosis



41. What is a potential side effect of prolonged use of antipsychotic medications in the treatment of mood disorders?

    (a) Weight loss

    (b) Extrapyramidal symptoms

    (c) Increased energy and motivation

    (d) Enhanced sleep quality


42. A patient with depression is receiving electroconvulsive therapy. What should the nurse monitor immediately after the procedure?

    (a) Blood pressure and heart rate

    (b) Dietary preferences and appetite

    (c) Mobility and physical strength

    (d) Memory and cognitive functioning


43. A nurse is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder during a manic episode. What is a priority nursing intervention to ensure the patient's safety?

    (a) Allowing the patient to make impulsive decisions

    (b) Providing unlimited access to caffeine and stimulants

    (c) Restricting the patient's access to sharp objects and harmful substances

    (d) Encouraging the patient to engage in risky behaviors to expend energy


44. Which mood disorder is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes occurring simultaneously or in rapid succession?

    (a) Major Depressive Disorder

    (b) Bipolar I Disorder

    (c) Cyclothymic Disorder

    (d) Seasonal Affective Disorder


45. A patient with depression mentions feeling hopeless and having thoughts of self-harm. What should the nurse do immediately?

    (a) Offer medication to the patient

    (b) Notify the healthcare provider

    (c) Encourage the patient to keep their feelings to themselves

    (d) The patient should be reassured that everything will be OK


46. Which of the following doesn't represent common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder?

    (a) Excessive worry and apprehension

    (b) Restlessness and muscle tension

    (c) Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

    (d) Fatigue and difficulty concentrating


47. When assessing a patient with mood disorder symptoms, which factor should the nurse consider as a potential cause or contributor to the condition?

    (a) Genetic predisposition

    (b) High levels of physical activity

    (c) Regular consumption of caffeine

    (d) Recent weight loss


48. A nurse is caring for a patient with borderline personality disorder who is experiencing emotional dysregulation. What nursing approach is essential in this situation?

    (a) Setting strict and rigid boundaries

    (b) Avoiding any emotional connection with the patient

    (c) Providing emotional support and validation of feelings

    (d) Encouraging impulsive behavior to release emotions


49. What is a common side effect of benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety disorders?

    (a) Increased appetite

    (b) Weight loss

    (c) Memory impairment and drowsiness

    (d) Elevated energy levels


50. A patient with a mood disorder is experiencing a crisis and threatening self-harm. What is the nurse's immediate priority?

    (a) Administering medication

    (b) Documenting the patient's threats

    (c) Ensuring the patient's safety and preventing self-harm

    (d) Contacting the patient's family