GCU NUR 316 EXAM 1: MENTAL
HEALTH FOUNDATIONS QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
1. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying,
‘You mentioned you feel lonely. Can you tell me more about that?’
A. Summarizing
B. Focusing
C. Restating
D. Exploring
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Exploring is a technique used to delve deeper into a subject,
idea, or experience to gain more information.
2. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the
patient still maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
C. The right to keep all personal belongings in their room
D. The right to choose their primary psychiatrist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive the
patient’s right to refuse medication, except in emergency situations where the patient is a
danger to self or others.
, 3. According to Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, what is the
primary task for an adolescent (ages 12 to 20)?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The adolescent stage is focused on developing a sense of self and
personal identity.
4. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the ‘fight or flight’
response and is often elevated in anxiety disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Norepinephrine regulates the sympathetic nervous system and
is linked to alertness and the stress response.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient’s Mental Status Exam (MSE). Which component
is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to explain the proverb ‘Don’t cry
over spilled milk’?
A. Judgment
B. Orientation
C. Insight
D. Abstract Thinking
Answer: D
HEALTH FOUNDATIONS QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS 2026 VERIFIED.
1. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying,
‘You mentioned you feel lonely. Can you tell me more about that?’
A. Summarizing
B. Focusing
C. Restating
D. Exploring
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Exploring is a technique used to delve deeper into a subject,
idea, or experience to gain more information.
2. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the
patient still maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
C. The right to keep all personal belongings in their room
D. The right to choose their primary psychiatrist
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive the
patient’s right to refuse medication, except in emergency situations where the patient is a
danger to self or others.
, 3. According to Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, what is the
primary task for an adolescent (ages 12 to 20)?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Trust vs. Mistrust
C. Industry vs. Inferiority
D. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The adolescent stage is focused on developing a sense of self and
personal identity.
4. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the ‘fight or flight’
response and is often elevated in anxiety disorders?
A. Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Norepinephrine regulates the sympathetic nervous system and
is linked to alertness and the stress response.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient’s Mental Status Exam (MSE). Which component
is being tested when the nurse asks the patient to explain the proverb ‘Don’t cry
over spilled milk’?
A. Judgment
B. Orientation
C. Insight
D. Abstract Thinking
Answer: D
