NUR180/NUR 180 Exam 1 V2 | Concepts of
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit voluntarily but now demands to be discharged.
What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A. Inform the patient that they cannot leave because they are on a psychiatric unit.
B. Administer a sedative to keep the patient calm until the next shift.
C. Immediately place the patient in a seclusion room for their safety.
D. Contact the healthcare provider to discuss the patient’s request for discharge.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Voluntary patients have the right to request discharge, and the nurse must
notify the provider to determine if the patient meets criteria for involuntary commitment.
If the patient is not a danger to themselves or others, they may be discharged against
medical advice. Restricting their movement without legal cause would constitute false
imprisonment.
2. Which statement by a nurse best demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique
of ‘restating’?
A. ‘Can you tell me more about your family life?’
,B. ‘You say you are feeling overwhelmed by your new job.’
C. ‘I noticed you were crying after your phone call.’
D. ‘Why do you think you feel so sad today?’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has said to
clarify understanding. This technique allows the patient to know they are being heard and
encourages further communication. It is a non-judgmental way to facilitate the therapeutic
process.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who blames their spouse for their own drinking problem. The
nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Denial
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own unacceptable feelings
or impulses to another person. In this case, the patient is shifting the responsibility of their
behavior onto the spouse. Identifying defense mechanisms is crucial for the nurse to
understand patient coping styles.
, 4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which nursing intervention should receive the
highest priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to attend a self-esteem group.
B. Ensuring the patient has adequate fluid and nutritional intake.
C. Assisting the patient to identify a support system.
D. Providing the patient with a safe environment to express feelings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maslow’s theory states that physiological needs such as food, water, and sleep
must be met before higher-level needs. Without these basic requirements, the patient
cannot focus on psychological or social well-being. Nursing care should always prioritize
life-sustaining interventions first.
5. A nurse is working with a patient who is in the ‘orientation phase’ of the therapeutic
relationship. Which task is most appropriate for this phase?
A. Promoting the patient’s insight into their behavior.
B. Evaluating the progress made toward goal attainment.
C. Establishing the parameters and goals of the relationship.
D. Assisting the patient to practice new coping skills.
Correct Answer: C
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit voluntarily but now demands to be discharged.
What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A. Inform the patient that they cannot leave because they are on a psychiatric unit.
B. Administer a sedative to keep the patient calm until the next shift.
C. Immediately place the patient in a seclusion room for their safety.
D. Contact the healthcare provider to discuss the patient’s request for discharge.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Voluntary patients have the right to request discharge, and the nurse must
notify the provider to determine if the patient meets criteria for involuntary commitment.
If the patient is not a danger to themselves or others, they may be discharged against
medical advice. Restricting their movement without legal cause would constitute false
imprisonment.
2. Which statement by a nurse best demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique
of ‘restating’?
A. ‘Can you tell me more about your family life?’
,B. ‘You say you are feeling overwhelmed by your new job.’
C. ‘I noticed you were crying after your phone call.’
D. ‘Why do you think you feel so sad today?’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has said to
clarify understanding. This technique allows the patient to know they are being heard and
encourages further communication. It is a non-judgmental way to facilitate the therapeutic
process.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who blames their spouse for their own drinking problem. The
nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Denial
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own unacceptable feelings
or impulses to another person. In this case, the patient is shifting the responsibility of their
behavior onto the spouse. Identifying defense mechanisms is crucial for the nurse to
understand patient coping styles.
, 4. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which nursing intervention should receive the
highest priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to attend a self-esteem group.
B. Ensuring the patient has adequate fluid and nutritional intake.
C. Assisting the patient to identify a support system.
D. Providing the patient with a safe environment to express feelings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maslow’s theory states that physiological needs such as food, water, and sleep
must be met before higher-level needs. Without these basic requirements, the patient
cannot focus on psychological or social well-being. Nursing care should always prioritize
life-sustaining interventions first.
5. A nurse is working with a patient who is in the ‘orientation phase’ of the therapeutic
relationship. Which task is most appropriate for this phase?
A. Promoting the patient’s insight into their behavior.
B. Evaluating the progress made toward goal attainment.
C. Establishing the parameters and goals of the relationship.
D. Assisting the patient to practice new coping skills.
Correct Answer: C
