NUR 2488 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Questions and Correct
Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is voluntarily admitted to a mental health
facility. Which of the following statements regarding the client’s rights is
correct?
A. The client loses the right to refuse medication.
B. The client has the right to refuse treatment unless they are a danger to themselves or
others.
C. The client is considered legally incompetent.
D. The client can leave the facility at any time against medical advice.
Answer: B
Explanation: Voluntary admission does not waive the right to refuse treatment; however,
in emergencies where there is a risk of harm, the medical team can intervene.
2. A nurse is discussing the concept of ‘Duty to Warn’ with a group of newly
licensed nurses. Which legal case established this principle?
A. Roe v. Wade
B. Miranda v. Arizona
C. Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California
D. Plessy v. Ferguson
Answer: C
,Explanation: The Tarasoff case established that mental health professionals have a duty to
warn third parties if a client makes a specific threat of harm.
3. A client states, ‘I just can’t take it anymore. Everything is going wrong.’ The
nurse responds, ‘You feel overwhelmed because things are difficult right now.’
Which therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Focusing
Answer: A
Explanation: Reflecting involves directing back the client’s feelings or ideas so the client
can recognize and accept them.
4. During a session, a client begins to treat the nurse as if they were the client’s
overly critical mother. This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Transference
C. Displacement
D. Projection
Answer: B
,Explanation: Transference occurs when the client displaces feelings for a significant
person in their past onto the healthcare provider.
5. Which level of anxiety is characterized by a narrowed perceptual field, where
the person only focuses on the immediate problem and experiences physical
symptoms like palpitations?
A. Mild
B. Severe
C. Moderate
D. Panic
Answer: C
Explanation: Moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field to focus on the immediate
concern, though the person can still process information with assistance.
6. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Stay with the client and provide a calm environment.
C. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack.
D. Administer a long-acting antidepressant.
Answer: B
, Explanation: Safety and presence are the priorities during a panic attack; the nurse should
remain with the client in a quiet area until the attack subsides.
7. A client with OCD performs ritualistic handwashing for 4 hours a day. The
nurse understands this behavior is primarily intended to:
A. Reduce anxiety levels.
B. Control others in the environment.
C. Gain attention from staff.
D. Improve personal hygiene.
Answer: A
Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to decrease the
overwhelming anxiety associated with obsessions.
8. Which medication is commonly prescribed for the long-term management of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) because it is non-habit forming?
A. Buspirone
B. Diazepam
C. Alprazolam
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not carry the risk of
dependence or sedation associated with benzodiazepines.
Answers with Explanation | Latest Update | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is voluntarily admitted to a mental health
facility. Which of the following statements regarding the client’s rights is
correct?
A. The client loses the right to refuse medication.
B. The client has the right to refuse treatment unless they are a danger to themselves or
others.
C. The client is considered legally incompetent.
D. The client can leave the facility at any time against medical advice.
Answer: B
Explanation: Voluntary admission does not waive the right to refuse treatment; however,
in emergencies where there is a risk of harm, the medical team can intervene.
2. A nurse is discussing the concept of ‘Duty to Warn’ with a group of newly
licensed nurses. Which legal case established this principle?
A. Roe v. Wade
B. Miranda v. Arizona
C. Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California
D. Plessy v. Ferguson
Answer: C
,Explanation: The Tarasoff case established that mental health professionals have a duty to
warn third parties if a client makes a specific threat of harm.
3. A client states, ‘I just can’t take it anymore. Everything is going wrong.’ The
nurse responds, ‘You feel overwhelmed because things are difficult right now.’
Which therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Focusing
Answer: A
Explanation: Reflecting involves directing back the client’s feelings or ideas so the client
can recognize and accept them.
4. During a session, a client begins to treat the nurse as if they were the client’s
overly critical mother. This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Transference
C. Displacement
D. Projection
Answer: B
,Explanation: Transference occurs when the client displaces feelings for a significant
person in their past onto the healthcare provider.
5. Which level of anxiety is characterized by a narrowed perceptual field, where
the person only focuses on the immediate problem and experiences physical
symptoms like palpitations?
A. Mild
B. Severe
C. Moderate
D. Panic
Answer: C
Explanation: Moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field to focus on the immediate
concern, though the person can still process information with assistance.
6. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Stay with the client and provide a calm environment.
C. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack.
D. Administer a long-acting antidepressant.
Answer: B
, Explanation: Safety and presence are the priorities during a panic attack; the nurse should
remain with the client in a quiet area until the attack subsides.
7. A client with OCD performs ritualistic handwashing for 4 hours a day. The
nurse understands this behavior is primarily intended to:
A. Reduce anxiety levels.
B. Control others in the environment.
C. Gain attention from staff.
D. Improve personal hygiene.
Answer: A
Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to decrease the
overwhelming anxiety associated with obsessions.
8. Which medication is commonly prescribed for the long-term management of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) because it is non-habit forming?
A. Buspirone
B. Diazepam
C. Alprazolam
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not carry the risk of
dependence or sedation associated with benzodiazepines.
