NU664C | NU664C Family Psychiatric Mental
Health Exam 1 Version 2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Regis
1. Which phase of Peplau’s therapeutic nurse-client relationship involves the nurse
and client identifying the client’s problem and establishing rapport?
A. Working Phase
B. Termination Phase
C. Orientation Phase
D. Resolution Phase
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Orientation phase is the initial period where the nurse
and client meet and define the boundaries of their relationship. During this phase, it
is crucial to establish trust and clarify the expectations of both parties. This stage
sets the foundation for identifying specific health concerns and formulating a plan of
care.
2. A patient expresses feeling anxious and having difficulty sleeping. Which inhibitory
neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to alleviate these
symptoms?
A. Glutamate
,B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA at the GABAA receptor, which leads to a calming
effect on the brain. This mechanism is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and
facilitating sleep.
3. The PMHNP is assessing a patient’s executive functioning, including impulse control
and decision-making. Which area of the brain is responsible for these tasks?
A. Occipital Lobe
B. Temporal Lobe
C. Frontal Lobe
D. Parietal Lobe
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Frontal Lobe, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is
responsible for executive functions such as reasoning, planning, and problem-
,solving. It also plays a significant role in emotional regulation and the inhibition of
inappropriate behaviors. Damage or dysfunction in this area often manifests as
impulsivity and poor social judgment.
4. A nurse practitioner is considering the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’ when treating
a patient. This principle is best described as:
A. The right of the patient to make their own healthcare decisions
B. The duty to do no harm to the patient
C. The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient
D. The fair and equitable distribution of resources
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination
and making independent choices about their medical care. It requires that the
provider gives the patient all necessary information to provide informed consent.
Respecting autonomy is a cornerstone of the modern patient-provider relationship
in mental health.
5. During a session, a patient becomes angry with the PMHNP and states, ‘You are just
like my controlling mother!’ This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Resistance
, C. Projection
D. Transference
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Transference occurs when a patient unconsciously displaces
feelings and attitudes from a significant person in their past onto the clinician. In
this case, the patient is projecting feelings about their mother onto the NP.
Recognizing transference is vital for maintaining therapeutic boundaries and
progressing in treatment.
6. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, a 25-year-old patient
struggling to form a committed relationship is likely in which stage?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Intimacy vs. Isolation stage occurs during young
adulthood, typically between the ages of 18 and 40. During this time, individuals
seek to form deep, meaningful connections and long-term commitments with
Health Exam 1 Version 2 | Questions with Correct
Answers and Expert Explanation for Each Question
| Regis
1. Which phase of Peplau’s therapeutic nurse-client relationship involves the nurse
and client identifying the client’s problem and establishing rapport?
A. Working Phase
B. Termination Phase
C. Orientation Phase
D. Resolution Phase
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Orientation phase is the initial period where the nurse
and client meet and define the boundaries of their relationship. During this phase, it
is crucial to establish trust and clarify the expectations of both parties. This stage
sets the foundation for identifying specific health concerns and formulating a plan of
care.
2. A patient expresses feeling anxious and having difficulty sleeping. Which inhibitory
neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to alleviate these
symptoms?
A. Glutamate
,B. Dopamine
C. GABA
D. Norepinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory
neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA at the GABAA receptor, which leads to a calming
effect on the brain. This mechanism is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and
facilitating sleep.
3. The PMHNP is assessing a patient’s executive functioning, including impulse control
and decision-making. Which area of the brain is responsible for these tasks?
A. Occipital Lobe
B. Temporal Lobe
C. Frontal Lobe
D. Parietal Lobe
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Frontal Lobe, specifically the prefrontal cortex, is
responsible for executive functions such as reasoning, planning, and problem-
,solving. It also plays a significant role in emotional regulation and the inhibition of
inappropriate behaviors. Damage or dysfunction in this area often manifests as
impulsivity and poor social judgment.
4. A nurse practitioner is considering the ethical principle of ‘Autonomy’ when treating
a patient. This principle is best described as:
A. The right of the patient to make their own healthcare decisions
B. The duty to do no harm to the patient
C. The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient
D. The fair and equitable distribution of resources
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination
and making independent choices about their medical care. It requires that the
provider gives the patient all necessary information to provide informed consent.
Respecting autonomy is a cornerstone of the modern patient-provider relationship
in mental health.
5. During a session, a patient becomes angry with the PMHNP and states, ‘You are just
like my controlling mother!’ This is an example of:
A. Countertransference
B. Resistance
, C. Projection
D. Transference
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Transference occurs when a patient unconsciously displaces
feelings and attitudes from a significant person in their past onto the clinician. In
this case, the patient is projecting feelings about their mother onto the NP.
Recognizing transference is vital for maintaining therapeutic boundaries and
progressing in treatment.
6. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, a 25-year-old patient
struggling to form a committed relationship is likely in which stage?
A. Identity vs. Role Confusion
B. Generativity vs. Stagnation
C. Intimacy vs. Isolation
D. Trust vs. Mistrust
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Intimacy vs. Isolation stage occurs during young
adulthood, typically between the ages of 18 and 40. During this time, individuals
seek to form deep, meaningful connections and long-term commitments with
