NUR 2488 Exam 1 - Mental Health Nursing Questions and Correct
Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty to act to benefit or promote the
good of others?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Answer: C
Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to act to benefit others. Autonomy is respecting the
rights of others to make their own decisions.
2. A client states, ‘I don’t think I can handle this anymore.’ Which response by
the nurse is therapeutic?
A. You seem to be feeling overwhelmed. Tell me more about that.
B. Why do you feel that way today?
C. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.
D. I know exactly how you feel; I’ve been there too.
Answer: A
,Explanation: Reflecting and using open-ended statements like ‘Tell me more’ encourages
the client to explore their feelings without judgment.
3. During which phase of the nurse-client relationship are the goals of treatment
established?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Orientation phase
D. Termination phase
Answer: C
Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining parameters of
the relationship, and setting goals.
4. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the
patient maintain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the facility at any time.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for safety.
D. The right to access all parts of the hospital unescorted.
Answer: A
Explanation: Even with involuntary admission, clients retain the right to refuse
treatment/medications unless a court has ruled otherwise or there is an emergency.
,5. Which theorist developed the ‘Interpersonal Relations in Nursing’ model
focusing on the nurse-client relationship?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Erik Erikson
D. Abraham Maslow
Answer: B
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is known as the ‘Mother of Psychiatric Nursing’ and
focused on the interpersonal relationship as the foundation of practice.
6. A nurse is assessing a client’s level of consciousness. This is a component of
which assessment?
A. Physical Examination
B. Social History
C. Mental Status Examination (MSE)
D. Psychosocial Assessment
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mental Status Examination (MSE) evaluates current cognitive processes
including consciousness, mood, and thought content.
, 7. A client blames their spouse for their own substance abuse issues. Which
defense mechanism is being used?
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Denial
D. Rationalization
Answer: B
Explanation: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses
to another person.
8. A nurse tells a client they will return in 10 minutes to talk and does so. This
demonstrates which ethical principle?
A. Fidelity
B. Veracity
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
Answer: A
Explanation: Fidelity refers to loyalty and commitment to the patient, including keeping
promises.
Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty to act to benefit or promote the
good of others?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Beneficence
D. Fidelity
Answer: C
Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to act to benefit others. Autonomy is respecting the
rights of others to make their own decisions.
2. A client states, ‘I don’t think I can handle this anymore.’ Which response by
the nurse is therapeutic?
A. You seem to be feeling overwhelmed. Tell me more about that.
B. Why do you feel that way today?
C. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.
D. I know exactly how you feel; I’ve been there too.
Answer: A
,Explanation: Reflecting and using open-ended statements like ‘Tell me more’ encourages
the client to explore their feelings without judgment.
3. During which phase of the nurse-client relationship are the goals of treatment
established?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Orientation phase
D. Termination phase
Answer: C
Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining parameters of
the relationship, and setting goals.
4. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the
patient maintain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the facility at any time.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for safety.
D. The right to access all parts of the hospital unescorted.
Answer: A
Explanation: Even with involuntary admission, clients retain the right to refuse
treatment/medications unless a court has ruled otherwise or there is an emergency.
,5. Which theorist developed the ‘Interpersonal Relations in Nursing’ model
focusing on the nurse-client relationship?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Erik Erikson
D. Abraham Maslow
Answer: B
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is known as the ‘Mother of Psychiatric Nursing’ and
focused on the interpersonal relationship as the foundation of practice.
6. A nurse is assessing a client’s level of consciousness. This is a component of
which assessment?
A. Physical Examination
B. Social History
C. Mental Status Examination (MSE)
D. Psychosocial Assessment
Answer: C
Explanation: The Mental Status Examination (MSE) evaluates current cognitive processes
including consciousness, mood, and thought content.
, 7. A client blames their spouse for their own substance abuse issues. Which
defense mechanism is being used?
A. Regression
B. Projection
C. Denial
D. Rationalization
Answer: B
Explanation: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses
to another person.
8. A nurse tells a client they will return in 10 minutes to talk and does so. This
demonstrates which ethical principle?
A. Fidelity
B. Veracity
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
Answer: A
Explanation: Fidelity refers to loyalty and commitment to the patient, including keeping
promises.
