,NU 137 — Exam 2
Comprehensive Questions & Verified
Answers | 2026 Edition
1. Which of the following best describes a crisis in mental health?
A) A state of disequilibrium resulting from a stressful event that overwhelms usual coping mechanisms
B) A chronic mental illness
C) Normal everyday stress
D) A psychotic episode
Correct Answer: A state of disequilibrium resulting from a stressful event that overwhelms usual coping
mechanisms
Rationale: A crisis occurs when an individual’s usual coping strategies are inadequate to manage a
sudden stressor, leading to functional impairment. It is time-limited, not a chronic condition. Normal
stress does not exceed coping capacity, and psychosis may be a symptom but is not the defining feature
of a crisis.
2. The nurse is assessing a client in crisis. Which question is most important initially?
A) “What coping skills have you used before?”
B) “Are you thinking of harming yourself or others?”
C) “What is your family history?”
D) “What are your strengths?”
Correct Answer: “Are you thinking of harming yourself or others?”
Rationale: Safety is the highest priority in any mental health assessment. Determining the presence of
suicidal or homicidal ideation guides immediate interventions. Questions about coping skills and
strengths are valuable but are secondary after ensuring the client is safe.
,3. A client presents to the emergency department after a sexual assault. The nurse’s priority
intervention is to
A) Obtain a detailed history of the assault
B) Provide a list of support groups
C) Ensure the client’s physical safety and provide emotional support
D) Administer a pregnancy test
Correct Answer: Ensure the client’s physical safety and provide emotional support
Rationale: The first step is to create a safe, supportive environment and attend to any urgent physical
needs. A detailed history, support group information, and medical tests like pregnancy testing follow
after the client feels secure and initial trauma care is initiated.
4. Which of the following is a legal requirement under Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California?
A) Mental health providers must always maintain confidentiality
B) Providers have a duty to protect the client only
C) Restraints are prohibited in all circumstances
D) Mental health providers have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client makes a
credible threat
Correct Answer: Mental health providers have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client
makes a credible threat
Rationale: The Tarasoff ruling established the obligation for therapists to breach confidentiality and
warn an identifiable third party if a client poses a serious threat of violence. This duty supersedes
general confidentiality and requires notification of both the potential victim and law enforcement.
5. The nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder who is agitated and refuses
medication. Which legal concept applies if the client is involuntarily admitted?
A) The client has the right to refuse treatment unless there is a court order or imminent danger
B) The client must accept all treatment
C) The nurse can force medication
, D) The client can sign out against medical advice at any time
Correct Answer: The client has the right to refuse treatment unless there is a court order or imminent
danger
Rationale: Even under involuntary admission, a competent client retains the right to refuse treatment,
including medications. Exceptions include a court-ordered treatment or an emergency situation where
the client poses an immediate threat to self or others. Force without legal authorization constitutes
battery.
6. The nurse is planning a group for clients with substance use disorders. Which type of group focuses on
learning new coping skills and preventing relapse?
A) Support group
B) Psychoeducational group
C) Milieu therapy
D) Interpersonal process group
Correct Answer: Psychoeducational group
Rationale: Psychoeducational groups provide structured education about the disorder, teach coping
strategies, and enhance relapse prevention skills. Support groups emphasize shared experiences, milieu
therapy focuses on the environment, and interpersonal process groups explore interpersonal dynamics.
7. A client with alcohol dependence is admitted for detoxification. The nurse should anticipate
administering which medication to prevent seizures?
A) Naloxone
B) Disulfiram
C) Lorazepam
D) Acamprosate
Correct Answer: Lorazepam
Comprehensive Questions & Verified
Answers | 2026 Edition
1. Which of the following best describes a crisis in mental health?
A) A state of disequilibrium resulting from a stressful event that overwhelms usual coping mechanisms
B) A chronic mental illness
C) Normal everyday stress
D) A psychotic episode
Correct Answer: A state of disequilibrium resulting from a stressful event that overwhelms usual coping
mechanisms
Rationale: A crisis occurs when an individual’s usual coping strategies are inadequate to manage a
sudden stressor, leading to functional impairment. It is time-limited, not a chronic condition. Normal
stress does not exceed coping capacity, and psychosis may be a symptom but is not the defining feature
of a crisis.
2. The nurse is assessing a client in crisis. Which question is most important initially?
A) “What coping skills have you used before?”
B) “Are you thinking of harming yourself or others?”
C) “What is your family history?”
D) “What are your strengths?”
Correct Answer: “Are you thinking of harming yourself or others?”
Rationale: Safety is the highest priority in any mental health assessment. Determining the presence of
suicidal or homicidal ideation guides immediate interventions. Questions about coping skills and
strengths are valuable but are secondary after ensuring the client is safe.
,3. A client presents to the emergency department after a sexual assault. The nurse’s priority
intervention is to
A) Obtain a detailed history of the assault
B) Provide a list of support groups
C) Ensure the client’s physical safety and provide emotional support
D) Administer a pregnancy test
Correct Answer: Ensure the client’s physical safety and provide emotional support
Rationale: The first step is to create a safe, supportive environment and attend to any urgent physical
needs. A detailed history, support group information, and medical tests like pregnancy testing follow
after the client feels secure and initial trauma care is initiated.
4. Which of the following is a legal requirement under Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California?
A) Mental health providers must always maintain confidentiality
B) Providers have a duty to protect the client only
C) Restraints are prohibited in all circumstances
D) Mental health providers have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client makes a
credible threat
Correct Answer: Mental health providers have a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a client
makes a credible threat
Rationale: The Tarasoff ruling established the obligation for therapists to breach confidentiality and
warn an identifiable third party if a client poses a serious threat of violence. This duty supersedes
general confidentiality and requires notification of both the potential victim and law enforcement.
5. The nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder who is agitated and refuses
medication. Which legal concept applies if the client is involuntarily admitted?
A) The client has the right to refuse treatment unless there is a court order or imminent danger
B) The client must accept all treatment
C) The nurse can force medication
, D) The client can sign out against medical advice at any time
Correct Answer: The client has the right to refuse treatment unless there is a court order or imminent
danger
Rationale: Even under involuntary admission, a competent client retains the right to refuse treatment,
including medications. Exceptions include a court-ordered treatment or an emergency situation where
the client poses an immediate threat to self or others. Force without legal authorization constitutes
battery.
6. The nurse is planning a group for clients with substance use disorders. Which type of group focuses on
learning new coping skills and preventing relapse?
A) Support group
B) Psychoeducational group
C) Milieu therapy
D) Interpersonal process group
Correct Answer: Psychoeducational group
Rationale: Psychoeducational groups provide structured education about the disorder, teach coping
strategies, and enhance relapse prevention skills. Support groups emphasize shared experiences, milieu
therapy focuses on the environment, and interpersonal process groups explore interpersonal dynamics.
7. A client with alcohol dependence is admitted for detoxification. The nurse should anticipate
administering which medication to prevent seizures?
A) Naloxone
B) Disulfiram
C) Lorazepam
D) Acamprosate
Correct Answer: Lorazepam
