Mental Health NGN Study Guide - 2025 Edition

Mental Health NGN Study Guide - 2025 Edition Comprehensive Review for Next Generation NCLEX Mental Health Questions Table of Contents

• Introduction to Mental Health NGN
• Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Psychotic Disorders
• Substance Use Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Therapeutic Communication
• Psychopharmacology
• Crisis Intervention
• Legal and Ethical Issues
• NGN Question Formats Guide

Introduction to Mental Health NGN The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasizes clinical judgment and decision-making in mental health nursing. This study guide provides practice questions in various NGN formats to help you develop critical thinking skills essential for safe psychiatric nursing practice.

Key Mental Health Nursing Concepts:

Therapeutic relationship building Safety assessment and management Medication administration and monitoring Crisis de-escalation techniques Patient advocacy and rights Evidence-based interventions Anxiety and Mood Disorders

Case Study 1: Major Depressive Disorder 1 / 2

Clinical Scenario: Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher, is admitted to the psychiatric unit with major depressive disorder. She reports feeling hopeless, has lost 15 pounds in the past month, sleeps only 2-

• hours per night, and states "I can't concentrate on anything anymore. My students deserve better."

NGN Question 1 (Multiple Response - Select All That Apply) Which assessment findings are consistent with major depressive disorder? Select all that apply.

• ☐ Significant weight loss
• ☐ Insomnia
• ☐ Difficulty concentrating
• ☐ Feelings of worthlessness
• ☐ Increased energy levels
• ☐ Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• ☐ Euphoric mood

Correct Answers: A, B, C, D, F

Rationale:

• Weight loss is a common symptom of depression due to appetite changes
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are core symptoms
• Concentration difficulties are cognitive symptoms of depression
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt are characteristic
• INCORRECT - Depression typically involves decreased energy (fatigue)
• Psychomotor changes (agitation or retardation) are diagnostic criteria
• INCORRECT - Euphoric mood would suggest mania, not depression

NGN Question 2 (Drag and Drop - Prioritization) Drag the nursing interventions in order of priority for Sarah's care (1 = highest priority, 5 = lowest

priority):

Available Options:

Assess suicide risk and implement safety measures Encourage participation in group therapy Monitor food and fluid intake Administer prescribed antidepressant medication Establish therapeutic rapport

• / 2