NUR180/NUR 180 Exam 1 V3 | Concepts
of Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which historical figure is credited with lobbying for the construction of state-funded
psychiatric hospitals in the United States during the 19th century?
A. Florence Nightingale
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Linda Richards
D. Sigmund Freud
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dorothea Dix was a schoolteacher who became a prominent advocate for the
mentally ill after witnessing the deplorable conditions in jails. She successfully lobbied
state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to create the first generation of American mental
asylums. Her work was instrumental in shifting the care of the mentally ill from criminal
facilities to therapeutic environments.
2. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit and insists on wearing a specific lucky hat at all
times. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which level must be addressed before the
nurse focuses on the patient’s self-esteem?
A. Physiological needs
,B. Love and belonging
C. Self-actualization
D. Safety and security
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs dictates that basic physiological needs, such as
food, water, and sleep, must be met first. Once physiological needs are satisfied, the nurse
can then address safety, belonging, and then esteem. Self-esteem is a higher-level need that
cannot be effectively addressed if the body is in a state of physical distress.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who states, ‘I don’t think I can handle this surgery.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You feel as though you are not ready for the procedure?’ Which therapeutic
technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reflecting involves directing back the client’s ideas, feelings, or questions to
encourage them to explore their own ideas. This technique helps the client recognize and
, accept their feelings while feeling heard by the nurse. It differs from restating, which
involves repeating the exact or near-exact words of the client.
4. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship is characterized by the establishment of trust
and the setting of goals?
A. Orientation phase
B. Pre-interaction phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the first meeting where the nurse and client get to
know each other and establish boundaries. During this time, the nurse works to build
rapport and trust while identifying the client’s needs. Together, they develop a plan of care
and set specific, measurable goals for the duration of the relationship.
5. A client who was recently fired from his job comes home and starts an argument with his
spouse about the dinner menu. Which defense mechanism is the client displaying?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
of Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. Which historical figure is credited with lobbying for the construction of state-funded
psychiatric hospitals in the United States during the 19th century?
A. Florence Nightingale
B. Dorothea Dix
C. Linda Richards
D. Sigmund Freud
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dorothea Dix was a schoolteacher who became a prominent advocate for the
mentally ill after witnessing the deplorable conditions in jails. She successfully lobbied
state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to create the first generation of American mental
asylums. Her work was instrumental in shifting the care of the mentally ill from criminal
facilities to therapeutic environments.
2. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit and insists on wearing a specific lucky hat at all
times. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which level must be addressed before the
nurse focuses on the patient’s self-esteem?
A. Physiological needs
,B. Love and belonging
C. Self-actualization
D. Safety and security
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs dictates that basic physiological needs, such as
food, water, and sleep, must be met first. Once physiological needs are satisfied, the nurse
can then address safety, belonging, and then esteem. Self-esteem is a higher-level need that
cannot be effectively addressed if the body is in a state of physical distress.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who states, ‘I don’t think I can handle this surgery.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You feel as though you are not ready for the procedure?’ Which therapeutic
technique is the nurse using?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reflecting involves directing back the client’s ideas, feelings, or questions to
encourage them to explore their own ideas. This technique helps the client recognize and
, accept their feelings while feeling heard by the nurse. It differs from restating, which
involves repeating the exact or near-exact words of the client.
4. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship is characterized by the establishment of trust
and the setting of goals?
A. Orientation phase
B. Pre-interaction phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the first meeting where the nurse and client get to
know each other and establish boundaries. During this time, the nurse works to build
rapport and trust while identifying the client’s needs. Together, they develop a plan of care
and set specific, measurable goals for the duration of the relationship.
5. A client who was recently fired from his job comes home and starts an argument with his
spouse about the dinner menu. Which defense mechanism is the client displaying?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
