PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 1 V1 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing a high level of anxiety. Which action by
the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence?
A. Spending extra time to sit with the patient and provide support.
B. Allowing the patient to refuse a scheduled medication.
C. Reporting a patient’s threat to harm a specific person to the authorities.
D. Ensuring that all patients receive equal time during group therapy.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to act in a way that benefits others and
promotes the good of the patient. By spending extra time with an anxious patient, the nurse
is actively working to improve the patient’s well-being. This principle focuses on the
nurse’s obligation to be helpful and kind in their clinical practice.
2. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following patient needs should the
nurse prioritize first?
A. Ensuring the patient has adequate fluid intake and nutrition.
B. Providing a safe and secure environment.
C. Encouraging the patient to join a social group.
,D. Helping the patient build self-esteem through positive reinforcement.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Maslow’s Hierarchy states that physiological needs such as food,
water, and sleep must be met before higher-level needs. Without meeting these basic
biological requirements, a patient cannot focus on safety or psychological growth.
Prioritizing these needs is a fundamental aspect of nursing care in a mental health setting.
3. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I can handle being here; everyone is judging me.’
The nurse responds, ‘You feel like others are judging you?’ Which therapeutic communication
technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea the patient has expressed
to let them know the nurse is listening. This technique helps the patient feel understood
and clarifies the patient’s statement without adding new information. It encourages the
patient to continue sharing their thoughts and feelings during the session.
4. Which statement by the nurse represents the ethical principle of fidelity?
A. ‘You have the right to refuse this treatment if you choose.’
, B. ‘I will be back in 15 minutes to check on you after I finish my charting.’
C. ‘I am required by law to report your threat against your neighbor.’
D. ‘It is important that I treat all patients with the same level of respect.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fidelity refers to the nurse’s obligation to be faithful to commitments
and promises made to the patient. By returning at the promised time, the nurse builds trust
and maintains the integrity of the nurse-patient relationship. This principle is vital for
establishing a therapeutic rapport in mental health nursing.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an antidepressant to a voluntary patient who then
refuses the medication. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the medication anyway because the patient is admitted.
B. Inform the patient that they will be discharged if they do not comply.
C. Respect the patient’s refusal and document the incident.
D. Ask the family to convince the patient to take the medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Patients who are voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility retain
the right to refuse treatment, including medications. The nurse must respect this autonomy
unless there is a clear and immediate danger to the patient or others. Proper
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing a high level of anxiety. Which action by
the nurse demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence?
A. Spending extra time to sit with the patient and provide support.
B. Allowing the patient to refuse a scheduled medication.
C. Reporting a patient’s threat to harm a specific person to the authorities.
D. Ensuring that all patients receive equal time during group therapy.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the duty to act in a way that benefits others and
promotes the good of the patient. By spending extra time with an anxious patient, the nurse
is actively working to improve the patient’s well-being. This principle focuses on the
nurse’s obligation to be helpful and kind in their clinical practice.
2. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following patient needs should the
nurse prioritize first?
A. Ensuring the patient has adequate fluid intake and nutrition.
B. Providing a safe and secure environment.
C. Encouraging the patient to join a social group.
,D. Helping the patient build self-esteem through positive reinforcement.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Maslow’s Hierarchy states that physiological needs such as food,
water, and sleep must be met before higher-level needs. Without meeting these basic
biological requirements, a patient cannot focus on safety or psychological growth.
Prioritizing these needs is a fundamental aspect of nursing care in a mental health setting.
3. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I can handle being here; everyone is judging me.’
The nurse responds, ‘You feel like others are judging you?’ Which therapeutic communication
technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea the patient has expressed
to let them know the nurse is listening. This technique helps the patient feel understood
and clarifies the patient’s statement without adding new information. It encourages the
patient to continue sharing their thoughts and feelings during the session.
4. Which statement by the nurse represents the ethical principle of fidelity?
A. ‘You have the right to refuse this treatment if you choose.’
, B. ‘I will be back in 15 minutes to check on you after I finish my charting.’
C. ‘I am required by law to report your threat against your neighbor.’
D. ‘It is important that I treat all patients with the same level of respect.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fidelity refers to the nurse’s obligation to be faithful to commitments
and promises made to the patient. By returning at the promised time, the nurse builds trust
and maintains the integrity of the nurse-patient relationship. This principle is vital for
establishing a therapeutic rapport in mental health nursing.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer an antidepressant to a voluntary patient who then
refuses the medication. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Administer the medication anyway because the patient is admitted.
B. Inform the patient that they will be discharged if they do not comply.
C. Respect the patient’s refusal and document the incident.
D. Ask the family to convince the patient to take the medication.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Patients who are voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility retain
the right to refuse treatment, including medications. The nurse must respect this autonomy
unless there is a clear and immediate danger to the patient or others. Proper
