NSG322 Exam 1 Behavioral Health Nursing Questions with Detailed
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client. Which action is
characteristic of the ‘Orientation Phase’?
A. Defining the parameters of the relationship and establishing trust
B. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills
C. Evaluating progress toward goals and preparing for discharge
D. Examining the client’s feelings about their illness
Answer: A
Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining the contract,
and setting boundaries.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure a client has
the right to refuse a medication?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare.
,3. A client tells the nurse, ‘I think my family is better off without me.’ What is
the most therapeutic response?
A. Don’t say that; your family loves you.
B. Why do you feel that way today?
C. You sound like you are feeling very hopeless. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?
D. Let’s talk about something more positive.
Answer: C
Explanation: Safety is the priority. The nurse must directly assess for suicidal ideation
when a client expresses feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
4. Which theorist developed the ‘Interpersonal Relations in Nursing’ model,
focusing on the nurse-patient relationship?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Jean Watson
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Sigmund Freud
Answer: A
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is known as the mother of psychiatric nursing and
developed the interpersonal relations theory.
5. A client is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following is an expected
finding?
A. Expanded field of perception
B. Slightly restless but able to solve problems
C. Feeling of dread and hyperventilation
D. Total loss of control and dilated pupils
Answer: C
Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a greatly reduced perceptual field and
physical symptoms like hyperventilation and a sense of impending doom.
, 6. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the ‘fight or flight’
response?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic
nervous system’s stress response.
7. A nurse is documenting a client’s affect. The client shows no emotional
expression throughout the interview. The nurse should document this as:
A. Blunted
B. Flat
C. Inappropriate
D. Labile
Answer: B
Explanation: A flat affect is the total or near-total absence of facial expression or emotional
response.
8. What is the primary goal of the milieu environment in a psychiatric unit?
A. To provide a structured environment for medication administration
B. To provide a safe and therapeutic environment for behavioral change
C. To ensure the staff is safe from aggressive clients
D. To keep clients busy with activities until discharge
Answer: B
Explanation: Milieu therapy focuses on the environment and the total situation to promote
safety and therapeutic growth.
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client. Which action is
characteristic of the ‘Orientation Phase’?
A. Defining the parameters of the relationship and establishing trust
B. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills
C. Evaluating progress toward goals and preparing for discharge
D. Examining the client’s feelings about their illness
Answer: A
Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining the contract,
and setting boundaries.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure a client has
the right to refuse a medication?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare.
,3. A client tells the nurse, ‘I think my family is better off without me.’ What is
the most therapeutic response?
A. Don’t say that; your family loves you.
B. Why do you feel that way today?
C. You sound like you are feeling very hopeless. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?
D. Let’s talk about something more positive.
Answer: C
Explanation: Safety is the priority. The nurse must directly assess for suicidal ideation
when a client expresses feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
4. Which theorist developed the ‘Interpersonal Relations in Nursing’ model,
focusing on the nurse-patient relationship?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Jean Watson
C. Dorothea Orem
D. Sigmund Freud
Answer: A
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is known as the mother of psychiatric nursing and
developed the interpersonal relations theory.
5. A client is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following is an expected
finding?
A. Expanded field of perception
B. Slightly restless but able to solve problems
C. Feeling of dread and hyperventilation
D. Total loss of control and dilated pupils
Answer: C
Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a greatly reduced perceptual field and
physical symptoms like hyperventilation and a sense of impending doom.
, 6. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the ‘fight or flight’
response?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Acetylcholine
D. GABA
Answer: B
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic
nervous system’s stress response.
7. A nurse is documenting a client’s affect. The client shows no emotional
expression throughout the interview. The nurse should document this as:
A. Blunted
B. Flat
C. Inappropriate
D. Labile
Answer: B
Explanation: A flat affect is the total or near-total absence of facial expression or emotional
response.
8. What is the primary goal of the milieu environment in a psychiatric unit?
A. To provide a structured environment for medication administration
B. To provide a safe and therapeutic environment for behavioral change
C. To ensure the staff is safe from aggressive clients
D. To keep clients busy with activities until discharge
Answer: B
Explanation: Milieu therapy focuses on the environment and the total situation to promote
safety and therapeutic growth.
