NUR2488 Mental Health Nursing Exam 1 Review
- Rasmussen College 2026-2027 | Psychiatric
Nursing Foundations
Domain 1 – Foundational Concepts & Therapeutic Communication (≈19 Qs)
Q1
A client with major depressive disorder says, “What’s the point? My family would be
better off without me.” The nurse’s best therapeutic response is:
A. “That’s not true. Your family loves you.”
B. “You’re feeling like a burden right now. Can you tell me more?”
C. “You shouldn’t think that way—let’s stay positive.”
D. “Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?”
Correct: B
Rationale: Reflection (acknowledging feeling) + open-ended invitation builds rapport and
keeps communication open. A = false reassurance; C = advice/rejection; D = appropriate
later but premature.
Q2
,The nurse tells an anxious client, “You managed your panic before; let’s practice your
breathing together.” This statement is an example of:
A. Present reality
B. Offering self
C. Encouraging comparison
D. Giving information
Correct: C
Rationale: Encourages client to compare past successful coping with present situation,
fostering hope and self-efficacy.
Q3
During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the priority focus is:
A. Termination and evaluation
B. Establishing rapport
C. Identifying and working on problems
D. Contracting for meetings
Correct: C
Rationale: Working phase = problem-solving; rapport (B) and contracting (D) occur in
orientation; termination (A) in resolution.
Q4
, A client says to the nurse, “I’m falling in love with you.” The nurse’s most appropriate
boundary response is:
A. “I feel the same way; let’s discuss it after shift.”
B. “That’s transference. It’s normal and will pass.”
C. “Our relationship is professional and focused on your treatment goals.”
D. “We can’t have a personal relationship, but we can be friends.”
Correct: C
Rationale: Clearly defines professional boundaries without judgment; avoids dual
relationships (A,D) and clinical jargon (B).
Q5
Which nurse action best demonstrates the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. Restraining a suicidal client after refusal
B. Providing education so client can make informed choice
C. Breaking confidentiality to warn intended victim
D. Assigning least restrictive environment
Correct: B
Rationale: Autonomy = supporting self-determination through information; other options
involve safety overrides.
Q6
- Rasmussen College 2026-2027 | Psychiatric
Nursing Foundations
Domain 1 – Foundational Concepts & Therapeutic Communication (≈19 Qs)
Q1
A client with major depressive disorder says, “What’s the point? My family would be
better off without me.” The nurse’s best therapeutic response is:
A. “That’s not true. Your family loves you.”
B. “You’re feeling like a burden right now. Can you tell me more?”
C. “You shouldn’t think that way—let’s stay positive.”
D. “Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?”
Correct: B
Rationale: Reflection (acknowledging feeling) + open-ended invitation builds rapport and
keeps communication open. A = false reassurance; C = advice/rejection; D = appropriate
later but premature.
Q2
,The nurse tells an anxious client, “You managed your panic before; let’s practice your
breathing together.” This statement is an example of:
A. Present reality
B. Offering self
C. Encouraging comparison
D. Giving information
Correct: C
Rationale: Encourages client to compare past successful coping with present situation,
fostering hope and self-efficacy.
Q3
During the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the priority focus is:
A. Termination and evaluation
B. Establishing rapport
C. Identifying and working on problems
D. Contracting for meetings
Correct: C
Rationale: Working phase = problem-solving; rapport (B) and contracting (D) occur in
orientation; termination (A) in resolution.
Q4
, A client says to the nurse, “I’m falling in love with you.” The nurse’s most appropriate
boundary response is:
A. “I feel the same way; let’s discuss it after shift.”
B. “That’s transference. It’s normal and will pass.”
C. “Our relationship is professional and focused on your treatment goals.”
D. “We can’t have a personal relationship, but we can be friends.”
Correct: C
Rationale: Clearly defines professional boundaries without judgment; avoids dual
relationships (A,D) and clinical jargon (B).
Q5
Which nurse action best demonstrates the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. Restraining a suicidal client after refusal
B. Providing education so client can make informed choice
C. Breaking confidentiality to warn intended victim
D. Assigning least restrictive environment
Correct: B
Rationale: Autonomy = supporting self-determination through information; other options
involve safety overrides.
Q6
