NR 326 Mental Health Nursing Week 1 Study Guide 2026
|Chamberlain College
1. According to Hans Selye, which stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome is
characterized by the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Resistance stage
B. Exhaustion stage
C. Adaptation stage
D. Alarm reaction stage
Answer: D
Rationale: The alarm reaction stage is the initial response to a stressor where the body
prepares for fight or flight through the release of adrenaline.
2. Which ethical principle refers to the nurse’s duty to act in a way that benefits
the client and promotes their well-being?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Answer: B
Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for depression. The client
states, ‘I don’t think I can go on anymore.’ Which is the most appropriate
therapeutic response?
A. ‘Why do you feel that way?’
B. ‘You have so much to live for.’
C. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very hopeless right now.’
D. ‘Everyone feels that way sometimes.’
Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s feelings is a therapeutic technique that validates their
experience without being dismissive or asking ‘why’ questions.
4. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’?
A. Being truthful to the client
B. Treating all clients equally
C. Respecting the client’s right to make their own decisions
D. Fulfilling promises made to the client
Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy is the right of the individual to make their own choices regarding
their healthcare.
5. In the nurse-client relationship, during which phase do the nurse and client
first identify the purpose of the relationship?
A. Pre-interaction phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
D. Orientation phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase involves introducing oneself, establishing rapport, and
defining the parameters and goals of the relationship.
, 6. What is the primary goal of Milieu Therapy in a psychiatric setting?
A. To provide 1-on-1 intensive psychotherapy
B. To administer medications in a controlled environment
C. To isolate the patient from external stressors entirely
D. To provide a structured and safe environment for behavioral change
Answer: D
Rationale: Milieu therapy focuses on manipulating the environment so that all aspects of
the client’s hospital experience are therapeutic.
7. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following
statements is true regarding the client’s rights?
A. The client loses the right to refuse medication.
B. The client cannot send or receive mail.
C. The client retains the right to informed consent.
D. The client is not allowed to have visitors.
Answer: C
Rationale: Even under involuntary admission, clients retain their civil rights, including the
right to informed consent and the right to refuse treatment unless it is an emergency.
8. Which term describes the nurse’s unconscious emotional response to a client
based on the nurse’s past relationships?
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Empathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Countertransference occurs when the nurse displaces feelings related to people
in their past onto the client.
|Chamberlain College
1. According to Hans Selye, which stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome is
characterized by the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Resistance stage
B. Exhaustion stage
C. Adaptation stage
D. Alarm reaction stage
Answer: D
Rationale: The alarm reaction stage is the initial response to a stressor where the body
prepares for fight or flight through the release of adrenaline.
2. Which ethical principle refers to the nurse’s duty to act in a way that benefits
the client and promotes their well-being?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Answer: B
Rationale: Beneficence is the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient.
,3. A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for depression. The client
states, ‘I don’t think I can go on anymore.’ Which is the most appropriate
therapeutic response?
A. ‘Why do you feel that way?’
B. ‘You have so much to live for.’
C. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very hopeless right now.’
D. ‘Everyone feels that way sometimes.’
Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s feelings is a therapeutic technique that validates their
experience without being dismissive or asking ‘why’ questions.
4. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’?
A. Being truthful to the client
B. Treating all clients equally
C. Respecting the client’s right to make their own decisions
D. Fulfilling promises made to the client
Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy is the right of the individual to make their own choices regarding
their healthcare.
5. In the nurse-client relationship, during which phase do the nurse and client
first identify the purpose of the relationship?
A. Pre-interaction phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
D. Orientation phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase involves introducing oneself, establishing rapport, and
defining the parameters and goals of the relationship.
, 6. What is the primary goal of Milieu Therapy in a psychiatric setting?
A. To provide 1-on-1 intensive psychotherapy
B. To administer medications in a controlled environment
C. To isolate the patient from external stressors entirely
D. To provide a structured and safe environment for behavioral change
Answer: D
Rationale: Milieu therapy focuses on manipulating the environment so that all aspects of
the client’s hospital experience are therapeutic.
7. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following
statements is true regarding the client’s rights?
A. The client loses the right to refuse medication.
B. The client cannot send or receive mail.
C. The client retains the right to informed consent.
D. The client is not allowed to have visitors.
Answer: C
Rationale: Even under involuntary admission, clients retain their civil rights, including the
right to informed consent and the right to refuse treatment unless it is an emergency.
8. Which term describes the nurse’s unconscious emotional response to a client
based on the nurse’s past relationships?
A. Transference
B. Countertransference
C. Resistance
D. Empathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Countertransference occurs when the nurse displaces feelings related to people
in their past onto the client.
