RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2
2026/2027 | Complete Solution Certification | Updated Q&A |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Patient Relationship
(Q1-10)
Q1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see the point in
anything anymore. I'm completely worthless." Which therapeutic response by the nurse
demonstrates validation?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have a lot to be grateful for."
B. "Everyone feels worthless sometimes. It's just part of life."
C. "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now. That must be incredibly
painful."
D. "Have you tried thinking more positively? That usually helps."
Correct Answer: C. "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now. That must be
incredibly painful." [CORRECT]
Rationale: Validation acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment, creating a
therapeutic alliance. Option A invalidates by minimizing feelings. Option B generalizes
and dismisses individual experience. Option D offers simplistic advice and invalidates
the client's emotional state. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Therapeutic Communication)
,Q2
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who says, "The voices are telling me to
hurt the nurse." Which is the nurse's FIRST priority action?
A. Ask the client to describe what the voices are saying
B. Ensure the safety of the client and others in the environment
C. Administer an as-needed antipsychotic medication
D. Document the client's statement in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Ensure the safety of the client and others in the environment
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority when command hallucinations involve harm
to self or others. Assessment (A) and documentation (D) are important but secondary
to safety. PRN medication (C) may be appropriate after safety is ensured but requires
assessment first. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Safety Prioritization)
Q3
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes angry and says, "You're the worst
nurse I've ever had! The other nurses actually care about me." Which therapeutic
response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate boundary setting?
A. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'll ask another nurse to care for you."
B. "That's not true. I've been working very hard to help you."
C. "I understand you're upset. I will continue to be your nurse, and we can talk about
what's bothering you."
D. "The other nurses aren't any better than I am. You're just splitting again."
Correct Answer: C. "I understand you're upset. I will continue to be your nurse, and we
can talk about what's bothering you." [CORRECT]
,Rationale: This response validates feelings while maintaining consistent boundaries
and avoiding splitting. Option A reinforces splitting by changing nurses. Option B
becomes defensive. Option D uses clinical jargon pejoratively and invalidates the client's
experience. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Boundary Setting in BPD)
Q4
A nurse is using the technique of restating in a therapeutic conversation. Which
statement by the nurse best demonstrates restating?
A. "So you're saying that your anxiety has been worse since starting the new job?"
B. "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by the changes in your life."
C. "You mentioned your anxiety. Tell me more about that."
D. "I can see why that would make you anxious. I felt the same way when I changed
jobs."
Correct Answer: A. "So you're saying that your anxiety has been worse since starting the
new job?" [CORRECT]
Rationale: Restating repeats the client's main message in similar words to verify
understanding. Option B is reflection of feelings. Option C is a broad opening or
clarification. Option D is self-disclosure, which can be nontherapeutic. (Rasmussen
Mental Health: Therapeutic Communication Techniques)
Q5
A client with bipolar disorder in a manic episode is pacing rapidly, speaking loudly, and
invading the nurse's personal space during an assessment. Which de-escalation
technique should the nurse use FIRST?
A. Stand directly in front of the client to maintain eye contact
, B. Speak in a calm, low tone and create physical space between self and client
C. Tell the client to calm down and sit in a chair immediately
D. Call for security to restrain the client before the situation escalates
Correct Answer: B. Speak in a calm, low tone and create physical space between self
and client [CORRECT]
Rationale: The first de-escalation technique is to model calm behavior, lower vocal tone,
and increase personal space to reduce stimulation. Standing directly in front (A) can be
confrontational. Telling the client to calm down (C) is authoritarian and often escalates
agitation. Calling security (D) is premature unless safety is immediately threatened.
(Rasmussen Mental Health: De-escalation Techniques)
Q6
A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who is withdrawn and avoids eye contact.
The nurse sits quietly near the client for several minutes without demanding
conversation. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship is the nurse facilitating?
A. Orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Termination phase
D. Pre-interaction phase
Correct Answer: A. Orientation phase [CORRECT]
Rationale: The orientation phase involves building trust and rapport. Sitting quietly with
a withdrawn client demonstrates presence and acceptance, laying groundwork for the
therapeutic relationship. The working phase (B) involves problem-solving. Termination
(C) involves ending the relationship. Pre-interaction (D) occurs before meeting the
client. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Phases of Nurse-Patient Relationship)
2026/2027 | Complete Solution Certification | Updated Q&A |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Patient Relationship
(Q1-10)
Q1
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see the point in
anything anymore. I'm completely worthless." Which therapeutic response by the nurse
demonstrates validation?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have a lot to be grateful for."
B. "Everyone feels worthless sometimes. It's just part of life."
C. "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now. That must be incredibly
painful."
D. "Have you tried thinking more positively? That usually helps."
Correct Answer: C. "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now. That must be
incredibly painful." [CORRECT]
Rationale: Validation acknowledges the client's feelings without judgment, creating a
therapeutic alliance. Option A invalidates by minimizing feelings. Option B generalizes
and dismisses individual experience. Option D offers simplistic advice and invalidates
the client's emotional state. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Therapeutic Communication)
,Q2
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who says, "The voices are telling me to
hurt the nurse." Which is the nurse's FIRST priority action?
A. Ask the client to describe what the voices are saying
B. Ensure the safety of the client and others in the environment
C. Administer an as-needed antipsychotic medication
D. Document the client's statement in the medical record
Correct Answer: B. Ensure the safety of the client and others in the environment
[CORRECT]
Rationale: Safety is always the first priority when command hallucinations involve harm
to self or others. Assessment (A) and documentation (D) are important but secondary
to safety. PRN medication (C) may be appropriate after safety is ensured but requires
assessment first. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Safety Prioritization)
Q3
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes angry and says, "You're the worst
nurse I've ever had! The other nurses actually care about me." Which therapeutic
response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate boundary setting?
A. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'll ask another nurse to care for you."
B. "That's not true. I've been working very hard to help you."
C. "I understand you're upset. I will continue to be your nurse, and we can talk about
what's bothering you."
D. "The other nurses aren't any better than I am. You're just splitting again."
Correct Answer: C. "I understand you're upset. I will continue to be your nurse, and we
can talk about what's bothering you." [CORRECT]
,Rationale: This response validates feelings while maintaining consistent boundaries
and avoiding splitting. Option A reinforces splitting by changing nurses. Option B
becomes defensive. Option D uses clinical jargon pejoratively and invalidates the client's
experience. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Boundary Setting in BPD)
Q4
A nurse is using the technique of restating in a therapeutic conversation. Which
statement by the nurse best demonstrates restating?
A. "So you're saying that your anxiety has been worse since starting the new job?"
B. "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by the changes in your life."
C. "You mentioned your anxiety. Tell me more about that."
D. "I can see why that would make you anxious. I felt the same way when I changed
jobs."
Correct Answer: A. "So you're saying that your anxiety has been worse since starting the
new job?" [CORRECT]
Rationale: Restating repeats the client's main message in similar words to verify
understanding. Option B is reflection of feelings. Option C is a broad opening or
clarification. Option D is self-disclosure, which can be nontherapeutic. (Rasmussen
Mental Health: Therapeutic Communication Techniques)
Q5
A client with bipolar disorder in a manic episode is pacing rapidly, speaking loudly, and
invading the nurse's personal space during an assessment. Which de-escalation
technique should the nurse use FIRST?
A. Stand directly in front of the client to maintain eye contact
, B. Speak in a calm, low tone and create physical space between self and client
C. Tell the client to calm down and sit in a chair immediately
D. Call for security to restrain the client before the situation escalates
Correct Answer: B. Speak in a calm, low tone and create physical space between self
and client [CORRECT]
Rationale: The first de-escalation technique is to model calm behavior, lower vocal tone,
and increase personal space to reduce stimulation. Standing directly in front (A) can be
confrontational. Telling the client to calm down (C) is authoritarian and often escalates
agitation. Calling security (D) is premature unless safety is immediately threatened.
(Rasmussen Mental Health: De-escalation Techniques)
Q6
A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who is withdrawn and avoids eye contact.
The nurse sits quietly near the client for several minutes without demanding
conversation. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship is the nurse facilitating?
A. Orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Termination phase
D. Pre-interaction phase
Correct Answer: A. Orientation phase [CORRECT]
Rationale: The orientation phase involves building trust and rapport. Sitting quietly with
a withdrawn client demonstrates presence and acceptance, laying groundwork for the
therapeutic relationship. The working phase (B) involves problem-solving. Termination
(C) involves ending the relationship. Pre-interaction (D) occurs before meeting the
client. (Rasmussen Mental Health: Phases of Nurse-Patient Relationship)
