Psychosocial questions cover depression, dementia, grief, new admissions and responding to a resident’s emotional needs.
On the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) California knowledge test, the Mental Health area has 6 of the 75 questions. Other California testing vendors may group topics differently. Source: California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, October 2026 (checked October 23, 2026).
5 free mental health and psychosocial care practice questions
Choose your answer first, then open the answer to check it.
1. Using Maslow’s hierarchy, which needs come first?
A. Self-esteem needs, such as respect.
B. Physiological needs, such as food and water.
C. Love and belonging, such as friendship.
D. Self-actualization, such as personal growth.
Show the answer to question 1
Answer: B. Physiological needs, such as food and water. Physiological needs, such as air, food, drink and sleep, are the most important level. Safety needs come next. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
2. Which may be a sign of depression in a resident?
A. Laughing with friends during a card game.
B. Loss of interest in things she used to enjoy.
C. Asking questions about the day’s schedule.
D. Reading the newspaper every morning.
Show the answer to question 2
Answer: B. Loss of interest in things she used to enjoy. During depression, a person may lose interest or pleasure in activities, feel hopeless and have changes in sleep or appetite. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
3. A resident with dementia says there are bugs on the wall. What is the best response?
A. Tell her firmly that she is wrong.
B. Stay calm, reassure her and do not argue.
C. Laugh about it with her roommate.
D. Leave the room without saying anything.
Show the answer to question 3
Answer: B. Stay calm, reassure her and do not argue. React calmly with reassuring words and do not argue about what the person sees or hears. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
4. Which action helps a new resident adjust to the facility?
A. Leave her alone in her room for the whole first week.
B. Arrange her belongings the way that staff prefer them.
C. Introduce staff and her roommate; help arrange her things.
D. Skip the tour so she has time to rest.
Show the answer to question 4
Answer: C. Introduce staff and her roommate; help arrange her things. Help a new resident by introducing staff and the roommate, giving a tour and helping arrange belongings to fit her preferences. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
5. A resident on long bed rest seems sad and does not want group activities. What can the CNA offer?
A. Nothing, since she has refused activities.
B. Group bingo, every day, until she joins.
C. Individual activities she enjoys, and visits.
D. More time alone with the door closed.
Show the answer to question 5
Answer: C. Individual activities she enjoys, and visits. For depression related to immobility, involve residents in activities, offer enjoyable individual activities if they do not want group ones, and encourage visits. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
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Questions are written from public nursing and health sources and checked through AI editorial review. They have not been reviewed by a licensed clinician. How we write and review questions