NUR 208/NUR208 Exam 1 V3 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. Which of the following statements
by the nurse illustrates the therapeutic communication technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘I think you should try to relax more.’
B. ‘Why do you feel so anxious today?’
C. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like.’
D. ‘Don’t worry, everything will be fine.’
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Offering self involves providing your presence and time to the client
without making any demands. This technique conveys interest and unconditional positive
regard. It helps build trust during the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship.
2. When assessing a client’s risk for suicide, which of the following is the most important
factor for the nurse to consider?
A. The client’s history of depression.
B. The client’s employment status.
C. The client’s support system.
,D. The client’s access to a lethal method.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the lethality of the plan and access to means is a critical
safety intervention. While history and support systems are important, immediate safety
depends on preventing access to methods. The nurse must prioritize the assessment of a
specific plan and the ability to carry it out.
3. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
the client maintain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to keep all personal belongings, including belts and laces.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to unlimited visitors at any time.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Involuntarily committed clients still retain the right to refuse
treatment, including medications, unless they are a danger to themselves or others.
Involuntary status refers to the inability to leave the facility, not the loss of all civil rights.
Nurses must obtain informed consent for treatments unless an emergency exists.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate anxiety. Which of the
following characteristics is typically associated with this level of anxiety?
A. The client is unable to function or communicate clearly.
, B. The client has a narrow perceptual field and focuses on immediate concerns.
C. The client is extremely alert and sees the ‘big picture’ easily.
D. The client experiences hallucinations and delusions.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Moderate anxiety involves a narrowed perceptual field where the
individual focuses on the immediate task. The person can still follow directions but may
experience muscle tension and slight physical symptoms. This differs from mild anxiety,
which increases alertness, and severe anxiety, which significantly impairs perception.
5. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘beneficence’ in mental health
nursing?
A. The duty to act in the best interest of the client.
B. The duty to tell the truth to the client.
C. The client’s right to make their own decisions.
D. The duty to treat all clients fairly and equally.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the ethical duty to do good and promote the well-
being of others. In nursing, this involves actions that benefit the client and protect them
from harm. It must be balanced with autonomy, which is the client’s right to self-
determination.
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. Which of the following statements
by the nurse illustrates the therapeutic communication technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘I think you should try to relax more.’
B. ‘Why do you feel so anxious today?’
C. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like.’
D. ‘Don’t worry, everything will be fine.’
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Offering self involves providing your presence and time to the client
without making any demands. This technique conveys interest and unconditional positive
regard. It helps build trust during the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship.
2. When assessing a client’s risk for suicide, which of the following is the most important
factor for the nurse to consider?
A. The client’s history of depression.
B. The client’s employment status.
C. The client’s support system.
,D. The client’s access to a lethal method.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the lethality of the plan and access to means is a critical
safety intervention. While history and support systems are important, immediate safety
depends on preventing access to methods. The nurse must prioritize the assessment of a
specific plan and the ability to carry it out.
3. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
the client maintain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to keep all personal belongings, including belts and laces.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to unlimited visitors at any time.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Involuntarily committed clients still retain the right to refuse
treatment, including medications, unless they are a danger to themselves or others.
Involuntary status refers to the inability to leave the facility, not the loss of all civil rights.
Nurses must obtain informed consent for treatments unless an emergency exists.
4. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing moderate anxiety. Which of the
following characteristics is typically associated with this level of anxiety?
A. The client is unable to function or communicate clearly.
, B. The client has a narrow perceptual field and focuses on immediate concerns.
C. The client is extremely alert and sees the ‘big picture’ easily.
D. The client experiences hallucinations and delusions.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Moderate anxiety involves a narrowed perceptual field where the
individual focuses on the immediate task. The person can still follow directions but may
experience muscle tension and slight physical symptoms. This differs from mild anxiety,
which increases alertness, and severe anxiety, which significantly impairs perception.
5. Which of the following describes the ethical principle of ‘beneficence’ in mental health
nursing?
A. The duty to act in the best interest of the client.
B. The duty to tell the truth to the client.
C. The client’s right to make their own decisions.
D. The duty to treat all clients fairly and equally.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Beneficence is the ethical duty to do good and promote the well-
being of others. In nursing, this involves actions that benefit the client and protect them
from harm. It must be balanced with autonomy, which is the client’s right to self-
determination.
