NU160 | NU160 Mental Health Concepts Exam 1 v1
| Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is voluntarily admitted to a mental health facility
and requests discharge. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Allow the client to leave immediately.
B. Notify the client’s family to pick them up.
C. Assess the client’s current mental status and safety risk.
D. Administer a sedative to keep the client calm.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The safety of the client is the primary concern when a
voluntary patient requests discharge. The nurse must perform a thorough
assessment to determine if the client is a danger to themselves or others before
proceeding with discharge protocols. If a risk is identified, the treatment team may
initiate a legal hold to keep the client for further evaluation.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure that a client has
the right to make their own decisions regarding treatment?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
,C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. Respecting a client’s decision to accept or
refuse medication is a direct application of this principle. It is a fundamental concept
in psychiatric nursing that empowers the patient in their recovery process.
3. A nurse is talking with a client who is experiencing moderate anxiety. Which of the
following interventions is most appropriate?
A. Use short, simple sentences and speak calmly.
B. Give detailed, long explanations about the treatment plan.
C. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down.
D. Explain that there is no reason to feel anxious.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field, making it
difficult for the client to process complex information. Using short, simple sentences
helps the client focus and understand the information being shared. Staying with the
client provides a sense of security and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
,4. A client states, ‘I don’t think I can handle my problems anymore; everything is just
too much.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. Why do you feel that way today?
B. It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now. Tell me more about that.
C. You have survived many things before, and you will survive this too.
D. Don’t worry, everyone feels that way sometimes.
D. Don’t worry, everyone feels that way sometimes.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and
offering a broad opening. It validates the client’s feelings without being dismissive
or providing false reassurance. By encouraging the client to elaborate, the nurse
fosters a deeper therapeutic relationship and gathers more assessment data.
5. A nurse is educating a client about a new prescription for Fluoxetine. Which side
effect should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Weight loss and sexual dysfunction
B. Acute dystonia and tremors
C. Severe hypertension and headache
D. Urinary retention and blurry vision
, Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Fluoxetine is an SSRI, and common side effects include sexual
dysfunction and initial weight loss followed by potential weight gain. Unlike older
classes of antidepressants, SSRIs generally have fewer anticholinergic effects. It is
important to educate clients that these symptoms may occur so they do not abruptly
stop the medication.
6. A client is diagnosed with Agoraphobia. Which behavior is the nurse most likely to
observe?
A. Excessive handwashing to reduce anxiety.
B. Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult.
C. Nightmares and flashbacks related to a traumatic event.
D. Rapid speech and inability to sit still.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Agoraphobia involves an intense fear of being in situations or
places where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if anxiety
occurs. This often leads to avoidance of public spaces, crowds, or even leaving the
home. Treatment usually involves cognitive behavioral therapy and gradual
exposure therapy.
| Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is voluntarily admitted to a mental health facility
and requests discharge. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Allow the client to leave immediately.
B. Notify the client’s family to pick them up.
C. Assess the client’s current mental status and safety risk.
D. Administer a sedative to keep the client calm.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The safety of the client is the primary concern when a
voluntary patient requests discharge. The nurse must perform a thorough
assessment to determine if the client is a danger to themselves or others before
proceeding with discharge protocols. If a risk is identified, the treatment team may
initiate a legal hold to keep the client for further evaluation.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure that a client has
the right to make their own decisions regarding treatment?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
,C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to self-determination and
making their own healthcare choices. Respecting a client’s decision to accept or
refuse medication is a direct application of this principle. It is a fundamental concept
in psychiatric nursing that empowers the patient in their recovery process.
3. A nurse is talking with a client who is experiencing moderate anxiety. Which of the
following interventions is most appropriate?
A. Use short, simple sentences and speak calmly.
B. Give detailed, long explanations about the treatment plan.
C. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down.
D. Explain that there is no reason to feel anxious.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field, making it
difficult for the client to process complex information. Using short, simple sentences
helps the client focus and understand the information being shared. Staying with the
client provides a sense of security and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
,4. A client states, ‘I don’t think I can handle my problems anymore; everything is just
too much.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. Why do you feel that way today?
B. It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now. Tell me more about that.
C. You have survived many things before, and you will survive this too.
D. Don’t worry, everyone feels that way sometimes.
D. Don’t worry, everyone feels that way sometimes.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and
offering a broad opening. It validates the client’s feelings without being dismissive
or providing false reassurance. By encouraging the client to elaborate, the nurse
fosters a deeper therapeutic relationship and gathers more assessment data.
5. A nurse is educating a client about a new prescription for Fluoxetine. Which side
effect should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Weight loss and sexual dysfunction
B. Acute dystonia and tremors
C. Severe hypertension and headache
D. Urinary retention and blurry vision
, Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Fluoxetine is an SSRI, and common side effects include sexual
dysfunction and initial weight loss followed by potential weight gain. Unlike older
classes of antidepressants, SSRIs generally have fewer anticholinergic effects. It is
important to educate clients that these symptoms may occur so they do not abruptly
stop the medication.
6. A client is diagnosed with Agoraphobia. Which behavior is the nurse most likely to
observe?
A. Excessive handwashing to reduce anxiety.
B. Fear of being in places where escape might be difficult.
C. Nightmares and flashbacks related to a traumatic event.
D. Rapid speech and inability to sit still.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Agoraphobia involves an intense fear of being in situations or
places where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if anxiety
occurs. This often leads to avoidance of public spaces, crowds, or even leaving the
home. Treatment usually involves cognitive behavioral therapy and gradual
exposure therapy.
