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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Psychology & Mental Health

Master Nursing Care for Anxiety & Depression - Take the Quiz!

Ready for NCLEX anxiety disorder and depression practice questions? Dive in now and challenge yourself!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art coral background, stylized nurse worried client figures, anxiety symbols quiz prompt

Get ready to test your expertise in caring for clients experiencing mood disorders! Our Test Your Nursing Skills: Anxiety & Depression NCLEX Quiz is a free tool for nursing students looking for NCLEX practice questions for anxiety. Tackle anxiety disorder nclex questions to refine interventions and pharmacology knowledge, and measure your mastery with our NCLEX anxiety disorder quiz. Whether you're honing nursing care anxiety depression NCLEX questions or reviewing for an anxiety and depression nursing test, this quiz will build confidence. Explore engaging psych nclex questions and targeted anxiety nclex questions . Ready to ace your exam, boost your exam readiness, and secure top results? Start now!

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the regulation of mood and is targeted by most first-line antidepressants?
Dopamine
Serotonin
GABA
Acetylcholine
Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, and many first-line antidepressants, including SSRIs, inhibit its reuptake to increase synaptic availability. Dysregulation of serotonin has been linked to depression and anxiety disorders. By blocking the serotonin transporter, SSRIs help alleviate depressive symptoms. Reference
A patient presents with excessive worry about everyday events for the past 6 months. Which disorder is most likely?
Acute stress disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Adjustment disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent, excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about various activities or events. Patients often have difficulty controlling the worry, which can impair daily functioning. It is managed with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Reference
Which assessment tool is commonly used to screen for depression in primary care settings?
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale
Geriatric Depression Scale
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
Beck Anxiety Inventory
The PHQ-9 is a widely used, validated screening tool for depression in primary care and other settings. It consists of nine questions corresponding to DSM criteria for major depressive disorder. Scores help clinicians determine severity and treatment response. Reference
A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing an acute anxiety attack. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Encourage the patient to avoid discussing feelings
Isolate the patient until symptoms subside
Stay with the patient and use a calm, reassuring approach
Offer complex explanations about anxiety physiology
During an acute anxiety attack, the nurse should remain with the patient, speak in a calm voice, and reassure them of safety. Providing a supportive presence helps reduce fear and prevents escalation. Complex explanations or isolation can worsen anxiety. Reference
Which defense mechanism is demonstrated when a patient blames the nurse for their own noncompliance with medication?
Projection
Sublimation
Regression
Rationalization
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto another person. In this case, the patient blames the nurse instead of acknowledging personal noncompliance. It is a common defense mechanism in anxiety. Reference
Which physical symptom is most commonly associated with a panic attack?
Bradycardia
Hyperthermia
Palpitations
Lethargy
Palpitations, or rapid heartbeat, are among the most common physical symptoms experienced during a panic attack. Other symptoms include sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Recognizing these signs can guide immediate intervention. Reference
A persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is characterized by low mood for at least how long in adults?
1 month
6 months
2 weeks
2 years
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, involves a chronically depressed mood lasting two years or more in adults. Symptoms are less severe than major depression but more enduring, often affecting daily functioning. Treatment includes psychotherapy and medications. Reference
Which medication class is considered first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
Benzodiazepines
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
SSRIs are considered first-line pharmacologic treatment for generalized anxiety disorder due to their efficacy and favorable safety profile compared to benzodiazepines and MAOIs. They help regulate serotonin levels and reduce anxiety symptoms over time. Reference
Which side effect should the nurse monitor in a patient starting on sertraline?
Weight gain
Sexual dysfunction
Constipation
Bradycardia
Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm, is a common side effect of SSRIs like sertraline. Patients should be monitored and educated, as this can affect adherence. Alternative strategies can be considered if it persists. Reference
A client on phenelzine must avoid tyramine-containing foods to prevent which complication?
Hypotension
Hypertensive crisis
Serotonin syndrome
Hypoglycemia
Phenelzine, an MAOI, inhibits the breakdown of tyramine. High tyramine intake can lead to dangerous hypertensive crises due to excessive catecholamine release. Patients should avoid aged cheeses, cured meats, and certain fermented products. Reference
Which cognitive distortion involves seeing events in absolute, black-and-white terms?
Catastrophizing
Personalization
All-or-nothing thinking
Overgeneralization
All-or-nothing thinking, or dichotomous thinking, is a cognitive distortion where individuals perceive situations in extremes with no middle ground. It’s common in depression and anxiety and addressed in cognitive-behavioral therapy. Reference
Which therapeutic communication technique involves restating a client’s words in the nurse’s own words?
Confrontation
Reflection
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
Paraphrasing involves the nurse restating the client’s message in different words to demonstrate understanding and encourage further communication. It helps clarify the client’s thoughts and feelings. Reference
Which medication is an SNRI commonly used to treat both depression and anxiety?
Venlafaxine
Bupropion
Fluoxetine
Mirtazapine
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It enhances both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission. Bupropion and mirtazapine have different mechanisms. Reference
A patient reports sudden onset of racing heart, sweating, and fear of dying. Which medication provides the quickest relief?
Clonazepam PO
Lorazepam IV
Sertraline PO
Buspirone PO
Lorazepam IV has a rapid onset of action and is ideal for acute panic attacks requiring immediate relief. Oral clonazepam takes longer, and antidepressants like sertraline and buspirone have delayed effects. Reference
Which of these is a key feature distinguishing an adjustment disorder with depressed mood from major depressive disorder?
Duration less than 6 months after stressor ends
Presence of psychotic features
Severity of suicidal ideation
Requirement for ECT
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood occurs within three months of a stressor and resolves within six months after the stressor or its consequences terminate. Major depressive disorder has no such temporal requirement and can be more severe. Reference
Which side effect should the nurse monitor when a patient starts buspirone for anxiety?
Sedation
Dependence
Dizziness
GI bleeding
Buspirone may cause dizziness, headache, and nausea but has a low risk of sedation and dependence compared to benzodiazepines. Monitoring for dizziness can prevent falls. Reference
Which finding is a contraindication for electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with severe depression?
Recent myocardial infarction
Treatment-resistant depression
Psychotic features
High suicide risk
A recent myocardial infarction is a relative contraindication for ECT due to increased cardiovascular stress during the procedure. Treatment-resistant depression and psychotic features are indications rather than contraindications. Reference
A patient taking an SSRI reports new-onset confusion, agitation, and tremor. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Serotonin syndrome
Malignant hyperthermia
Lithium toxicity
Serotonin syndrome is characterized by neuromuscular hyperactivity, autonomic dysfunction, and altered mental status. It can occur when SSRIs are combined with other serotonergic agents. Early recognition and discontinuation of the agent are crucial. Reference
Which lab value should be monitored in an elderly patient on long-term SSRI therapy?
Serum sodium
Liver enzymes
BUN and creatinine
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
SSRIs can cause hyponatremia, especially in elderly patients, via syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Monitoring serum sodium helps detect this potentially serious side effect early. Reference
Which therapy targets maladaptive thought patterns contributing to panic disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Psychoanalysis
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and restructuring maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic disorder. It has strong evidence for reducing panic symptoms and preventing relapse. Reference
Which dietary advice is essential for a patient starting an MAOI?
Increase tyramine-rich foods
Avoid aged cheeses and processed meats
Restrict potassium intake
Limit dairy products
Patients on MAOIs must avoid tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products to prevent hypertensive crises. Educating patients on dietary restrictions is critical for safety. Reference
Which physiological change is associated with seasonal affective disorder treatment?
Decreased melatonin production with light therapy
Increased cortisol with phototherapy
Reduced dopamine levels
Elevated GABA activity
Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder reduces melatonin production and helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving depressive symptoms. It is a first-line nonpharmacologic treatment. Reference
Which cardiac effect should be monitored in a patient with depression on high-dose tricyclic antidepressants?
QT prolongation
Bradycardia
Atrial fibrillation
Mitral regurgitation
Tricyclic antidepressants at high doses can cause QT interval prolongation, increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. ECG monitoring is recommended, especially when initiating or changing doses. Reference
Which indicator differentiates postpartum blues from postpartum depression?
Symptoms resolve within 2 weeks
Presence of suicidal ideation
Onset after 6 months
Psychotic features
Postpartum blues typically begin within the first few days after delivery and resolve within two weeks without treatment. Postpartum depression lasts longer and may require intervention. Suicidal ideation and psychosis suggest more severe conditions. Reference
Which neuroimaging finding is commonly reported in patients with major depressive disorder?
Increased amygdala volume
Decreased hippocampal volume
Enlarged ventricles
Hyperactive occipital cortex
Neuroimaging studies often show decreased hippocampal volume in major depressive disorder, likely due to stress-related neurotoxicity and impaired neurogenesis. This finding correlates with memory deficits and mood regulation issues. Reference
A patient is a poor metabolizer of CYP2D6. Which antidepressant adjustment may be necessary?
Increase SSRI dosage
Avoid tricyclic antidepressants
Add a CYP inducer
Switch to MAOI
Poor CYP2D6 metabolizers have reduced clearance of tricyclic antidepressants, raising the risk of toxicity. Avoidance or dose reduction is recommended. SSRIs may be less affected, and CYP inducers carry other risks. Reference
Which noninvasive treatment is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy
Deep brain stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and uses magnetic pulses to modulate cortical activity. It is less invasive than deep brain stimulation and has a favorable side effect profile. Reference
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply Therapeutic Communication Techniques -

    Implement effective nursing communication skills to build rapport and provide emotional support for clients experiencing anxiety and depression. Focus on active listening, empathy, and patient-centered dialogue.

  2. Analyze Clinical Scenarios for Appropriate Interventions -

    Interpret real-world case studies in our NCLEX anxiety disorder quiz to identify evidence-based nursing actions. Sharpen critical thinking to select the best interventions for diverse anxiety and depression presentations.

  3. Differentiate Anxiety and Depression Nursing Priorities -

    Distinguish between the pathophysiology, assessment findings, and priority nursing care for anxiety disorders versus depressive disorders. Apply tailored care plans that address unique patient needs.

  4. Evaluate Crisis Management Strategies -

    Assess and prioritize crisis interventions for severe anxiety and depression episodes, including safety measures and de-escalation techniques. Strengthen your ability to lead in high-stress clinical situations.

  5. Demonstrate Mastery of Anxiety Disorder NCLEX Questions -

    Test your knowledge with targeted anxiety disorder NCLEX questions and NCLEX practice questions for anxiety to boost exam readiness. Identify areas for improvement and reinforce key concepts.

Cheat Sheet

  1. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Anxiety Disorders -

    Understanding core criteria is essential for answering anxiety disorder NCLEX questions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA, DSM-5), generalized anxiety disorder requires excessive worry on most days for at least six months and three accompanying symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, or irritability.

  2. Therapeutic Communication Techniques -

    Use open-ended questions, reflection, and validation to build rapport and reduce client anxiety, a common focus in NCLEX practice questions for anxiety. Remember the mnemonic SOLER (Sit facing, Open posture, Lean forward, Eye contact, Relax) to maintain effective nonverbal communication.

  3. Panic Management and Grounding Strategies -

    For panic-level anxiety, implement the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (identify 5 items you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste) to restore client control, a scenario often tested in NCLEX anxiety disorder quizzes. Encourage diaphragmatic breathing and remain calm to model self-regulation.

  4. Suicide Risk Assessment Using SAD PERSONS -

    In depression nursing tests, employ the SAD PERSONS mnemonic (Sex, Age, Depression, Previous attempt, Ethanol/drug use, Rational thinking loss, Sickness, Organized plan, No support, Stated intent) to systematically assess suicide risk. Prioritize interventions such as creating a safe environment and close monitoring based on risk level.

  5. NANDA-I Nursing Diagnoses and Priorities -

    Classify diagnoses like "Ineffective coping" or "Risk for self-harm" based on comprehensive assessment data. Then use Maslow's hierarchy of needs to prioritize care - skills key to acing anxiety and depression nursing test scenarios on the NCLEX.

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