Psychiatric Technician Interview Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Whom should be notified as part of the safety protocol when a medication error occurs?
• Which item is not typically included in a crisis plan for self-harm risk?
• Why is respecting boundaries and expertise important in an interprofessional team?
• Which lab finding should you monitor as a side effect of Zyprexa?
• Which activity is described as part of a psychiatric technician's responsibilities?
• Which practices illustrate culturally competent communication on a psychiatric unit?
• Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of major depressive disorder?
• Which statement best maintains patient confidentiality while involving families in care?
• What is a key safety practice when managing agitation on a group ward?
• Which is a primary responsibility of the psych tech supervising patients in the dining room?
• Before entering a TB patient's room, what PPE is required?
• Which action demonstrates proper handling of a medication error in terms of safety reporting?
• To support adherence to treatment without coercion, which approach is most effective?
• Which of the following are common therapeutic modalities used in psychiatric settings besides medication?
• Which of the following is NOT a warning sign of suicide risk?
• What is the proper step when dispensing liquids from a bottle?
• A patient presents with fruity breath, dilated pupils, sweating, and staggering. What is the best immediate action?
• In a patient who reports dizziness, hunger, and sweating, what is the most appropriate immediate action?
• Which of the following is a warning sign of suicide risk in a mood disorder?
• True or False: Fluids should be offered only if the patient is alert and able to swallow.
• Which long-term side effect can affect the mouth, lips and tongue?
• Which of the following is a listed side effect of Haldol?
• Which is a core principle in managing dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders)?
• Which is a core feature of PTSD relevant to patient care?
• My client has a razor blade and is holding it to his wrist what do you do
• Why are short, simple statements used during de-escalation?
• What is the daily lithium dosage listed?
• After a behavioral incident, which step is recommended for the team to perform?
• What is the 2012 American Heart Association guideline regarding the first step in CPR?
• Which of the following is a common side effect of Abilify?
• Which action is a key component of documenting a medication error?
• Which statement reflects typical family involvement considerations in psychiatric care?
• Side effects of SNRI: Which is a side effect?
• Which statement about early signs of extrapyramidal symptoms is true?
• If a patient has a history of violence but is not currently aggressive, what is an appropriate approach?
• What is the proper response to a patient with eye injury when there is bleeding or corneal tears?
• After identifying a medication error, which action should be taken first?
• What screening tools might be used to assess substance use and why?
• How should a tech respond to a patient expressing psychotic symptoms?
• Which statement best describes obsessive-compulsive disorder in patient-centered language?
• Which statement describes recovery-oriented language when communicating with a patient?
• Which action is essential when supporting a patient with cultural or language barriers?
• Which attribute is best demonstrated by a candidate who has two years of psychiatric technician experience and highlights medication administration and teamwork?
• When an inmate threatens suicide, what is the first step a staff member should take?
• Which basics of HIPAA should a psychiatric technician understand?
• Which statement best captures the importance of cultural humility in mental health care?
• What is a key purpose of documenting accurately in psychiatric care?
• Which step is performed first when setting up medications?
• If one patient tries to go AWOL while escorting a group of patients, what should you do?
• Name the four ethical principles central to psychiatric care.
• After initiating agitation management, what is a key next step?
• On a unit, if an individual asks for a favor, what is the first step you should take?
• Which components are included in the Details section of the ABCD approach?
• How can you support a patient’s sleep and daytime functioning in a psychiatric unit?
• Dr orders 300mg of Risperdal what do you do?
• Which action is appropriate for suspected heat exhaustion in a patient?
• When a resident reports that they fell in their room, what is an appropriate first action?
• Which basic practice helps with sleep hygiene in psychiatric care?
• Which of the following is a common side effect of lithium?
• Before administering medications, which assessments should be performed for certain drugs?
• When you disagree with a supervisor, what is an appropriate approach?
• Side effects of SSRIs: Which is a side effect?
• Which statement best reflects ethical limits of confidentiality?
• An individual is outside his room and refuses to go to bed. What should you do?
• Which element demonstrates patient involvement in safety planning?
• Which statement best describes ethical patient care in psychiatric settings?
• Which of the following is a side effect of Clozaril?
• Which statement best distinguishes generalized anxiety disorder from panic disorder?
• When an agitated individual approaches you in a mall, which action is recommended?
• Which approach describes how to handle a patient who refuses meals or medication?
• Which symptom is listed among Risperdal side effects including increased thirst and urination?
• What is the principle behind using the least restrictive option in care when an involuntary hold is considered?
• Which two elements constitute effective shift handoffs in a psychiatric unit?
• You have a physician's order for haldol 50 milligrams. What should you do?
• Which statement aligns with a suicide prevention contract with a patient?
• Which gauge range is typically used for insulin syringe needles?
• Tardive dyskinesia: Which option describes tardive dyskinesia?
• What characteristic best describes effective psychiatric documentation?
• Which technique is recommended for de-escalating an agitated patient?
• What describes tardive dyskinesias and how should they be monitored?
• In addressing stigma concerns, which statement best reflects an appropriate initial response?
• Which action is not recommended during discharge planning?
• Which of the following is a side effect listed for Geodon?
• A newly diagnosed TB patient: which statement describes infection control measures?
• Which statement is NOT a common lithium side effect?
• Which symptom could indicate lithium toxicity?
• Which statement best describes recovery-oriented language in psychiatric care?
• Which situation justifies an involuntary hold or admission, and what principle guides using the least restrictive option?
• Which of the following is a common symptom of hypoglycemia?
• Which factors influence a patient’s insight and judgment, and how can staff support improvement?
• Which statement best describes the candidate's readiness for a psychiatric technician role?
• Which items belong in a crisis plan for a patient at risk of self-harm?
• What is the proper procedure for handling contraband found on hospital premises?
• Why is avoiding jargon important when communicating with patients and families?
• When a patient presents with fruity breath and staggering, what is a key differential consideration?
• You were helping a client get up in the morning when he has a seizure what do you do?
• Which statement best describes panic disorder?
• In a nurse handover scenario, you are asked to administer medications that were set up by another staff member. What should you do?
• Describe the role of a psychiatric technician within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Which statement best describes a professional goal related to attendance and ongoing learning in this field?
• What is a key attribute of effective psychiatric documentation?
• Why is offering choices beneficial when dealing with agitation?
• What is the difference between differential diagnosis and comorbidity?
• How can you support a patient who has cultural or language barriers to care?
• To perform the new CPR, which sequence is correct for a responder without advanced airway?
• Which statement best describes the principle of patient confidentiality and its limits in clinical practice?
• Which of the following is listed as a severe side effect of Haldol?
• Which statement best distinguishes insight from judgment?
• You have an order to crush and float medications, and a patient yells that other staff give him the meds whole. What is an appropriate response?
• Thorazine side effects: Which of the following is a common side effect?
• Common psych med side effects: Which of the following is commonly listed?
• Which is NOT one of the six rights of medication administration?
• After an eye injury from a sports incident, what is an essential first aid step?
• Explain how you would respond to a patient with disorganized speech.
• Which approach best reflects recommended activities for an assaultive patient?
• Which is a common side effect of SSRIs?
• What gauge needle for insulin syringe?
• When administering meds that are crushed, when should you wear gloves?
• After administering a quick sugar dose for hypoglycemia, what is an appropriate next step?
• What is the primary role of psychoeducation in psychiatric rehabilitation?
• Which action best responds to a patient displaying psychomotor agitation?
• Which of the following is a sign that a patient may be contemplating suicide?
• Which of the following is a sign of potential delirium?
• Which approach helps prevent extrapyramidal symptoms when starting antipsychotic therapy?
• Which action most supports continuity of care after discharge?
• Which item is NOT typically included in a mental status examination?
• Which statement best differentiates mania from severe anxiety as a primary presentation?
• Which approach best supports family coping in psychiatric care?
• What is the Tarasoff duty to warn, and when does it apply?
• Which of the following is NOT an active listening technique?
• Risperdal dosage: What is the usual dosage range for Risperdal?
• In a standard SOAP note, which section captures the clinician’s clinical impression?
• What should you do if an exit door is found unlocked?
• Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder?
• What action should you take after a suicide threat is identified?
• If a diabetic patient experiences suspected hypoglycemia, what is an appropriate immediate action regarding blood sugar testing?
• Which document should be completed to report a fall event?
• Which statement is a core TB infection control measure?
• You notice a mistake on a physician's order. What should you do first?
• A patient says, 'By tomorrow I will not be here.' What is the appropriate course of action?
• When encountering John Doe alone in your courtyard after hours, what is the safest initial action?
• Which action best supports interdisciplinary collaboration for a psychiatric technician?
• In trauma-informed care, which practice is central to ensuring safety and trust?
• An insulin-dependent patient has a morning insulin schedule and a blood glucose of 44 mg/dL; what should you do first?
• If you learn that a crime had been committed on hospital premises and it resulted in injury to an individual, what is the proper first action?
• Which of the following is a protective factor for suicide risk?
• Which option represents a trauma-informed communication element?
• What is the primary use of the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)?
• During a behavioral incident, which practice aligns with least restrictive principles?
• Describe the purpose and general approach of milieu therapy in a psychiatric setting?
• While talking to one patient in their cell and another patient yells out for you what do you do?
• Which action is avoided during de-escalation?
• A patient is upset and accuses another patient of taking his or her belongings. What should you do?
• Which needle gauge and length is appropriate for an intramuscular injection?
• Which approach is most consistent with patient-centered psychiatric care?
• Which statement best describes the principles of trauma-informed care?
• If agitation persists after initial de-escalation attempts, what is an appropriate response?
• Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
• Which phrasing best documents a patient who is oriented and has euthymic mood with congruent affect and denies hallucinations?
• Which statement best describes milieu therapy as a non-medication treatment?
• What is an SSRI used for?
• Which is a key step when discharging a patient from a psychiatric facility?
• If a patient escalates verbally when you must crush and float a medication, what is an appropriate step?
• How often are extended-release lithium tablets usually taken?
• Which statement best differentiates mania from hypomania?
• What is a common challenge in treating dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders)?
• In the 2012 guidelines, what does CAB stand for in CPR?
• How much fluid intake is recommended with lithium?
• What are early warning indicators of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
• If you suspect a drug trade taking place on hospital grounds, what should you do first?
• Which is NOT part of the ABCD approach to documenting a behavioral incident?
• Which description best captures the personal qualities emphasized by the candidate for success in this role?
• Lithium is available in which forms?
• When would you stop performing CPR?
• What is the purpose of informed consent in psychiatry?
• Which signs should staff monitor to identify substance use disorder in a psychiatric unit?
• If an individual on the unit expresses suicidal thoughts, which step is appropriate?
• Which statement best describes how thoughts should be assessed in a mental status examination?
• Which action best describes documentation goals in a SOAP note?
• CAB stands for what in emergency response?
• Which elements are core to a suicide risk assessment?
• Risperdal side effects: Which of the following is a side effect?
• 6 rights of medications
• If you observe two patients engaging in sexual intercourse, what is the appropriate action?
• What does "least restrictive environment" mean in patient care?
• Which element is essential when creating a patient safety plan?
• A patient is inside his room and his wrists are bleeding you noticed razors on the floor what do you do
• You are to give a sedative to a client before his dental appointment what do you do and what do you tell the client?
• Why is metabolic syndrome monitoring important with second-generation antipsychotics?
• Explain the role of pharmacovigilance in psychiatric care (monitoring for adverse drug reactions).
• Which practice most directly supports patient safety after discharge?
• Which components are included in a standard SOAP note on a psychiatric unit?
• If an individual collapses in the dining room, which action is most appropriate initially?
• Lithium toxicity may present with which symptom?
• If you find a patient face down and unresponsive with chest pain, sweaty and pale, what is your first action?
• An individual is receiving 15 mg of Zyprexa what side effects should you be looking for?
• Which of the following is NOT a typical delirium sign?
• Addressing barriers to adherence includes which of the following?
• Which patients require close monitoring of fluid intake in dining settings?
• What is the best course of action when a patient has an allergy to a prescribed medication?
• Explain the patient’s right to consent and the role of capacity in psychiatric treatment decisions.
• When should you involve other staff to maintain safety for a patient?
• In responding to a patient with potential cardiac arrest, which equipment is essential to have ready?
• How should a tech document changes in a patient's condition accurately?
• Which symptom is typical of akathisia, an extrapyramidal symptom?
• During aggression risk safety planning, which step is explicitly recommended to reduce immediate danger?
• Which needle gauge is used for IV insulin injections?