NUR 114 Study Guide (PDF) | 2026 Final
Exam Prep | Nursing Fundamentals
SECTION 1: PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
1. The nurse admits a client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia to the unit. The client's
needs are best met by which action?
• A) Give the client a brief orientation and stay with the client for a while.
• B) Offer the client a description of ward activities and introduce the client to
other clients.
• C) Introduce the client to another client and ask the other client to give a short
unit tour.
• D) Sit with the client in a quiet room and wait until the hallucinations stop.
Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with schizophrenia have a reduced attention span and an inability to
concentrate, making a brief orientation most effective. By staying with the client, the
nurse conveys an attitude of caring and protection. Overwhelming the client with too
much information (B, C) or waiting passively (D) does not address the client’s immediate
orientation needs.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the client's diagnosis and
associated symptomatology (reduced attention span). Eliminate options that require
extended concentration or introduce multiple stimuli.
2. The nurse observes a client develop a strong attachment to another client who
repeatedly insults the client. The nurse understands this is an example of which
behavior?
• A) Reaction formation
, • B) Undoing
• C) Displacement
• D) Introjection
Answer: A
Rationale: Reaction formation is expressing an attitude that is directly opposite to an
unconscious wish or fear. The client is masking their true negative feelings by forming a
strong attachment to someone who treats them poorly.
Test-Taking Strategy: Differentiate defense mechanisms by their unconscious purpose.
Reaction formation turns a negative impulse into a positive outward expression.
3. The nurse cares for a client with depression who attempts suicide. The nurse
understands which is the most likely reason that the client attempts suicide?
• A) The client is suspicious and mistrustful.
• B) The client consciously wishes to manipulate others.
• C) The client feels overwhelmed and helpless.
• D) The client wants to gain attention.
Answer: C
Rationale: The suicidal act typically follows a precipitating event (loss of loved one, ill
health, etc.). When nothing has brought relief, the person loses hope, feeling
overwhelmed and helpless. Suicide becomes the perceived only solution to
overwhelming emotional pain.
Test-Taking Strategy: Avoid options that imply conscious manipulation or attention-
seeking. Suicidal behavior is driven by profound emotional pain and hopelessness.
4. A client with a diagnosis of depression who has attempted suicide says, "I should have
died. I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." Which therapeutic
response would the nurse make?
• A) "You have everything to live for."
Exam Prep | Nursing Fundamentals
SECTION 1: PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
1. The nurse admits a client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia to the unit. The client's
needs are best met by which action?
• A) Give the client a brief orientation and stay with the client for a while.
• B) Offer the client a description of ward activities and introduce the client to
other clients.
• C) Introduce the client to another client and ask the other client to give a short
unit tour.
• D) Sit with the client in a quiet room and wait until the hallucinations stop.
Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with schizophrenia have a reduced attention span and an inability to
concentrate, making a brief orientation most effective. By staying with the client, the
nurse conveys an attitude of caring and protection. Overwhelming the client with too
much information (B, C) or waiting passively (D) does not address the client’s immediate
orientation needs.
Test-Taking Strategy: Focus on the client's diagnosis and
associated symptomatology (reduced attention span). Eliminate options that require
extended concentration or introduce multiple stimuli.
2. The nurse observes a client develop a strong attachment to another client who
repeatedly insults the client. The nurse understands this is an example of which
behavior?
• A) Reaction formation
, • B) Undoing
• C) Displacement
• D) Introjection
Answer: A
Rationale: Reaction formation is expressing an attitude that is directly opposite to an
unconscious wish or fear. The client is masking their true negative feelings by forming a
strong attachment to someone who treats them poorly.
Test-Taking Strategy: Differentiate defense mechanisms by their unconscious purpose.
Reaction formation turns a negative impulse into a positive outward expression.
3. The nurse cares for a client with depression who attempts suicide. The nurse
understands which is the most likely reason that the client attempts suicide?
• A) The client is suspicious and mistrustful.
• B) The client consciously wishes to manipulate others.
• C) The client feels overwhelmed and helpless.
• D) The client wants to gain attention.
Answer: C
Rationale: The suicidal act typically follows a precipitating event (loss of loved one, ill
health, etc.). When nothing has brought relief, the person loses hope, feeling
overwhelmed and helpless. Suicide becomes the perceived only solution to
overwhelming emotional pain.
Test-Taking Strategy: Avoid options that imply conscious manipulation or attention-
seeking. Suicidal behavior is driven by profound emotional pain and hopelessness.
4. A client with a diagnosis of depression who has attempted suicide says, "I should have
died. I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." Which therapeutic
response would the nurse make?
• A) "You have everything to live for."
