NUR 256 Exam 1: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Basic Recall – Mental
Health, Psychopharmacology, Therapeutic Communication, Erikson,
& Legal/Ethical Principles | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified
Answers)
Complete Review: Diathesis-Stress Model, Peplau's Phases, Transference/Countertransference, SSRIs/MAOIs, Lithium,
Antipsychotics, and Erikson's Psychosocial Stages
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Mental Health Nursing / NUR 256 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the key difference between mental health and mental illness?
CORRECT ANSWER
Mental illness causes significant dysfunction in daily life (e.g., inability to work or care for self).
RATIONALE
• Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness is a diagnosable condition that impairs function.
• A person can have a mental illness and still function well with treatment.
• Key distinction is functional impairment vs. absence of symptoms.
Q2
According to the diathesis-stress model, what determines whether a person develops a mental illness?
CORRECT ANSWER
The interaction between a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
RATIONALE
• Diathesis alone is insufficient; stressors "trigger" expression.
• Protective factors (resilience, support) can buffer the effect.
• Explains why identical twins may have different outcomes.
,Q3
What is the first nursing action when beginning a psychosocial assessment?
CORRECT ANSWER
Establish a therapeutic relationship and build rapport.
RATIONALE
• Trust is essential before sensitive information is shared.
• Introduce self, clarify confidentiality, and show respect.
• Rapport improves accuracy of self-report.
Q4
What are the qualities of a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship?
CORRECT ANSWER
Structured, fixed roles (patient-focused), goal-directed, and time-limited.
RATIONALE
• Professional boundaries protect both parties.
• Purpose is patient growth, not mutual benefit.
• Termination phase is planned and therapeutic.
Q5
A patient states, "You remind me of my father; he never listened." What is this an example of?
CORRECT ANSWER
Transference (patient → nurse).
RATIONALE
• Patient unconsciously redirects past feelings onto the nurse.
• May be positive or negative.
• Nurse should not take personally; explore pattern.
, Q6
What is therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWER
Intentional, patient-centered communication that promotes safety, trust, insight, adherence, and
recovery.
RATIONALE
• Techniques include reflection, clarification, summarizing.
• Avoid "why" questions, false reassurance, and advice.
• Goal is to facilitate patient expression and problem-solving.
Q7
In Peplau's model, what is the nurse's primary task during the orientation phase?
CORRECT ANSWER
Introduce self, clarify roles, and begin building rapport.
RATIONALE
• Establish contract: time, place, confidentiality, expectations.
• Assessment begins but relationship building is primary.
• Termination is introduced at the start.
Q8
What is the priority nursing principle when addressing stigma in mental health?
CORRECT ANSWER
Normalize discussion of symptoms; link to stress and health to encourage engagement.
RATIONALE
• Stigma reduces treatment seeking and worsens outcomes.
• Use person-first language (e.g., "person with schizophrenia").
• Frame mental health as part of overall wellness.
Health, Psychopharmacology, Therapeutic Communication, Erikson,
& Legal/Ethical Principles | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified
Answers)
Complete Review: Diathesis-Stress Model, Peplau's Phases, Transference/Countertransference, SSRIs/MAOIs, Lithium,
Antipsychotics, and Erikson's Psychosocial Stages
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Mental Health Nursing / NUR 256 Galen Exam 1 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the key difference between mental health and mental illness?
CORRECT ANSWER
Mental illness causes significant dysfunction in daily life (e.g., inability to work or care for self).
RATIONALE
• Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness is a diagnosable condition that impairs function.
• A person can have a mental illness and still function well with treatment.
• Key distinction is functional impairment vs. absence of symptoms.
Q2
According to the diathesis-stress model, what determines whether a person develops a mental illness?
CORRECT ANSWER
The interaction between a genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stressors.
RATIONALE
• Diathesis alone is insufficient; stressors "trigger" expression.
• Protective factors (resilience, support) can buffer the effect.
• Explains why identical twins may have different outcomes.
,Q3
What is the first nursing action when beginning a psychosocial assessment?
CORRECT ANSWER
Establish a therapeutic relationship and build rapport.
RATIONALE
• Trust is essential before sensitive information is shared.
• Introduce self, clarify confidentiality, and show respect.
• Rapport improves accuracy of self-report.
Q4
What are the qualities of a therapeutic nurse–patient relationship?
CORRECT ANSWER
Structured, fixed roles (patient-focused), goal-directed, and time-limited.
RATIONALE
• Professional boundaries protect both parties.
• Purpose is patient growth, not mutual benefit.
• Termination phase is planned and therapeutic.
Q5
A patient states, "You remind me of my father; he never listened." What is this an example of?
CORRECT ANSWER
Transference (patient → nurse).
RATIONALE
• Patient unconsciously redirects past feelings onto the nurse.
• May be positive or negative.
• Nurse should not take personally; explore pattern.
, Q6
What is therapeutic communication?
CORRECT ANSWER
Intentional, patient-centered communication that promotes safety, trust, insight, adherence, and
recovery.
RATIONALE
• Techniques include reflection, clarification, summarizing.
• Avoid "why" questions, false reassurance, and advice.
• Goal is to facilitate patient expression and problem-solving.
Q7
In Peplau's model, what is the nurse's primary task during the orientation phase?
CORRECT ANSWER
Introduce self, clarify roles, and begin building rapport.
RATIONALE
• Establish contract: time, place, confidentiality, expectations.
• Assessment begins but relationship building is primary.
• Termination is introduced at the start.
Q8
What is the priority nursing principle when addressing stigma in mental health?
CORRECT ANSWER
Normalize discussion of symptoms; link to stress and health to encourage engagement.
RATIONALE
• Stigma reduces treatment seeking and worsens outcomes.
• Use person-first language (e.g., "person with schizophrenia").
• Frame mental health as part of overall wellness.
