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, NUR 2488 Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Study Guide | 150 Actual Psych Nursing Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & NURSE-PATIENT
RELATIONSHIP (1–15)
1. A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure and everyone would be
better off without me." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "It sounds like you're feeling hopeless right now." (✔)
D. "You shouldn't talk like that."
Rationale: This response uses reflection and validation of the patient's feelings, which is a
therapeutic communication technique. Option A gives false reassurance, B asks "why" which can be
probing, and D is dismissive.
2. A nurse is sitting with a patient who is crying after receiving bad news. What is the best initial
action?
A. Leave the room to provide privacy.
B. Offer a tissue and sit quietly with the patient. (✔)
C. Tell the patient that everything will be okay.
D. Ask the patient to explain what is wrong.
,
, NUR 2488 Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Study Guide | 150 Actual Psych Nursing Questions with Verified
Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION & NURSE-PATIENT
RELATIONSHIP (1–15)
1. A patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure and everyone would be
better off without me." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
A. "You have so much to live for."
B. "Why do you feel that way?"
C. "It sounds like you're feeling hopeless right now." (✔)
D. "You shouldn't talk like that."
Rationale: This response uses reflection and validation of the patient's feelings, which is a
therapeutic communication technique. Option A gives false reassurance, B asks "why" which can be
probing, and D is dismissive.
2. A nurse is sitting with a patient who is crying after receiving bad news. What is the best initial
action?
A. Leave the room to provide privacy.
B. Offer a tissue and sit quietly with the patient. (✔)
C. Tell the patient that everything will be okay.
D. Ask the patient to explain what is wrong.
