NU160 | NU160 Mental Health Concepts Midterm
v3 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty of the healthcare provider to do good
and promote the welfare of the patient?
A. Autonomy
B. Fidelity
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Beneficence refers to the nurse’s commitment to act in a way
that benefits the client. This includes providing care that is in the best interest of the
patient and promoting their health and well-being. It is a foundational principle in
psychiatric nursing when advocating for patient needs.
2. In the context of involuntary admission to a psychiatric facility, which of the
following criteria is generally required?
A. The patient is unable to pay for private outpatient treatment.
B. The patient refuses to participate in group therapy sessions.
C. The patient has been diagnosed with a chronic personality disorder.
,D. The patient poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission is legally reserved for individuals who
present a clear risk of harm to themselves or the community. This legal process
ensures that individuals who are in crisis receive necessary treatment despite their
refusal. It requires documentation from healthcare professionals and adheres to
specific state laws.
3. A patient is prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression. Which side effect should
the nurse prioritize for patient education?
A. Weight gain and increased appetite
B. Sexual dysfunction and insomnia
C. Severe muscle rigidity and high fever
D. Urinary retention and dry mouth
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fluoxetine is an SSRI commonly associated with side effects
such as sexual dysfunction and insomnia. Patients may stop taking the medication
due to these issues, so education on management is vital. While weight changes can
occur, the impact on sleep and sexual health is frequently reported early in
treatment.
,4. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which task is the
primary focus?
A. Establishing rapport and defining parameters of the relationship.
B. Promoting the client’s insight and perception of reality.
C. Evaluating the progress of the interventions and goals.
D. Discussing the client’s feelings regarding termination.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse
establishes trust and rapport. During this time, the nurse defines the roles of both
parties and sets the schedule for meetings. It is also when the boundaries of the
professional relationship are clearly explained to the patient.
5. A client is late for a session and states, ‘The traffic was terrible, and my car wouldn’t
start.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable
ideas or feelings by developing socially acceptable explanations. In this scenario, the
client is providing excuses to avoid the anxiety or guilt associated with being late. It
is a common defense mechanism used to protect one’s self-esteem.
6. Which nursing intervention is a priority when a client is experiencing a panic level of
anxiety?
A. Providing a quiet environment and staying with the client.
B. Asking the client to explain the cause of their anxiety.
C. Teaching the client new coping strategies for future use.
D. Encouraging the client to participate in a vigorous exercise class.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: At the panic level of anxiety, a person’s safety is the primary
concern because they cannot process information. Staying with the client provides a
sense of security and prevents injury. A low-stimulation environment helps reduce
the overwhelming sensory input the client is experiencing.
7. The nurse is monitoring a client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder.
Which serum lithium level indicates toxicity?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 0.9 mEq/L
v3 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty of the healthcare provider to do good
and promote the welfare of the patient?
A. Autonomy
B. Fidelity
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Beneficence refers to the nurse’s commitment to act in a way
that benefits the client. This includes providing care that is in the best interest of the
patient and promoting their health and well-being. It is a foundational principle in
psychiatric nursing when advocating for patient needs.
2. In the context of involuntary admission to a psychiatric facility, which of the
following criteria is generally required?
A. The patient is unable to pay for private outpatient treatment.
B. The patient refuses to participate in group therapy sessions.
C. The patient has been diagnosed with a chronic personality disorder.
,D. The patient poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission is legally reserved for individuals who
present a clear risk of harm to themselves or the community. This legal process
ensures that individuals who are in crisis receive necessary treatment despite their
refusal. It requires documentation from healthcare professionals and adheres to
specific state laws.
3. A patient is prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression. Which side effect should
the nurse prioritize for patient education?
A. Weight gain and increased appetite
B. Sexual dysfunction and insomnia
C. Severe muscle rigidity and high fever
D. Urinary retention and dry mouth
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fluoxetine is an SSRI commonly associated with side effects
such as sexual dysfunction and insomnia. Patients may stop taking the medication
due to these issues, so education on management is vital. While weight changes can
occur, the impact on sleep and sexual health is frequently reported early in
treatment.
,4. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which task is the
primary focus?
A. Establishing rapport and defining parameters of the relationship.
B. Promoting the client’s insight and perception of reality.
C. Evaluating the progress of the interventions and goals.
D. Discussing the client’s feelings regarding termination.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse
establishes trust and rapport. During this time, the nurse defines the roles of both
parties and sets the schedule for meetings. It is also when the boundaries of the
professional relationship are clearly explained to the patient.
5. A client is late for a session and states, ‘The traffic was terrible, and my car wouldn’t
start.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable
ideas or feelings by developing socially acceptable explanations. In this scenario, the
client is providing excuses to avoid the anxiety or guilt associated with being late. It
is a common defense mechanism used to protect one’s self-esteem.
6. Which nursing intervention is a priority when a client is experiencing a panic level of
anxiety?
A. Providing a quiet environment and staying with the client.
B. Asking the client to explain the cause of their anxiety.
C. Teaching the client new coping strategies for future use.
D. Encouraging the client to participate in a vigorous exercise class.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: At the panic level of anxiety, a person’s safety is the primary
concern because they cannot process information. Staying with the client provides a
sense of security and prevents injury. A low-stimulation environment helps reduce
the overwhelming sensory input the client is experiencing.
7. The nurse is monitoring a client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder.
Which serum lithium level indicates toxicity?
A. 0.6 mEq/L
B. 0.9 mEq/L
