Comprehensive Mental Health and
Psychiatric Nursing NCLEX Practice
Quiz #2: 75 Questions
1. Question
Which nursing intervention is best for facilitating communication
with a psychiatric client who speaks a foreign language?
o A. Rely on nonverbal communication
o B. Select symbolic pictures as aids
o C. Speak in universal phrases
o D. Use the services of an interpreter
Correct Answer: D. Use the services of an interpreter
An interpreter will enable the nurse to better assess the client’s
problems and concerns. Language barriers pose challenges in
terms of achieving high levels of satisfaction among medical
professionals and patients, providing high- quality healthcare and
maintaining patient safety. To address these challenges, many
larger healthcare institutions offer interpreter services to improve
healthcare access, patient satisfaction, and communication.
Option A: Nonverbal communication is important;
however for the nurse to fully determine the client’s
problems and concerns, the assistance of an
interpreter is essential. Language barriers have
negative implications for the delivery of healthcare
and patient satisfaction. One study showed that
among patients who received treatment from nurses
who did not speak the local language, 30% had
difficulty understanding medical instructions, 30% had
a problem with the reliability of information, and 50%
believed that the language barrier contributed to
errors.
Option B: Online translation tools such as Google
Translate and MediBabble present possible solutions
for overcoming these challenges. Further studies on
, the implications of language barriers and the
effectiveness of online translation tools are
recommended. Furthermore, new updates with more
medical phrases for Google Translate and with more
languages included for MediBabble application are
recommended.
Option C: The use of universal phrases may assist the
nurse in understanding the basic needs of the client;
however these are insufficient to assess the client with
a psychiatric problem. Some healthcare organizations
use online translation tools such as Google Translate
and MediBabble to address the challenges of language
barriers. These tools are free and easy to access, and
they contribute to improving healthcare delivery,
patient safety, and increase (up to 92%) the
satisfaction of both medical professionals and
patients.
2. 2. Question
The nurse explains to a mental health care technician that a
client’s obsessive-compulsive behaviors are related to an
unconscious conflict between id impulses and the superego (or
conscience). On which of the following theories does the nurse
base this statement?
A. Behavioral theory
B. Cognitive theory
C. Interpersonal theory
D. Psychoanalytic theory
Correct Answer: D. Psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic is based on Freud’s beliefs regarding the
importance of unconscious motivation for behavior and the role
of the id and superego in opposition to each other.
Psychoanalysis is defined as a set of psychological theories and
therapeutic methods which have their origin in the work and
theories of Sigmund Freud . The primary assumption of
psychoanalysis is the belief that all people possess unconscious
, thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories. The aim of
psychoanalysis therapy is to release repressed emotions and
experiences, i.e., make the unconscious conscious. It is only
having a cathartic (i.e., healing) experience can the person be
helped and “cured.”
Option A: Behaviorism, also known as behavioral
psychology, is a theory of learning based on the idea
that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.
Conditioning occurs through interaction with the
environment. Behaviorists believe that our responses
to environmental stimuli shape our actions. According
to this school of thought, behavior can be studied in a
systematic and observable manner regardless of
internal mental states. According to this perspective,
only observable behavior should be considered—
cognitions, emotions, and moods are far too
subjective.
Option B: Cognitive theory is an approach to
psychology that attempts to explain human behavior
by understanding your thought processes. For
example, a therapist is using principles of cognitive
theory when they teach you how to identify
maladaptive thought patterns and transform them into
constructive ones. The assumption of cognitive theory
is that thoughts are the primary determinants of
emotions and behavior. Information processing is a
common description of this mental process. Theorists
compare the way the human mind functions to a
computer.
Option C: Interpersonal theory emphasizes the
importance of various developmental stages—infancy,
childhood, the juvenile era, preadolescence, early
adolescence, late adolescence, and adulthood. Like
Freud and Jung, Sullivan (1953b) saw personality as an
energy system. Energy can exist either as tension
(potentiality for action) or as actions themselves
(energy transformations). Energy transformations
transform tensions into either covert or overt
behaviors and are aimed at satisfying needs and
reducing anxiety.
3. 3. Question
, The nurse observes a client pacing in the hall. Which statement
by the nurse may help the client recognize his anxiety?
A. “I guess you’re worried about something, aren’t you?
B. “Can I get you some medication to help calm you?”
C. “Have you been pacing for a long time?”
D. “I notice that you’re pacing. How are you
feeling?”
Correct Answer: D. “I notice that you’re pacing. How are
you feeling?”
By acknowledging the observed behavior and asking the client to
express his feelings the nurse can best assist the client to
become aware of his anxiety. Recognition acknowledges a
patient’s behavior and highlights it without giving an overt
compliment. A compliment can sometimes be taken as
condescending, especially when it concerns a routine task like
making the bed. However, saying something like “I noticed you
took all of your medications” draws attention to the action and
encourages it without requiring a compliment.
Option A: The nurse is offering an interpretation that
may or may not be accurate; the nurse is also asking a
question that may be answered by a “yes” or “no”
response, which is not therapeutic. Therapeutic
communication is often most effective when patients
direct the flow of conversation and decide what to talk
about. To that end, giving patients a broad opening
such as “What’s on your mind today?” or “What would
you like to talk about?” can be a good way to allow
patients an opportunity to discuss what’s on their
mind.
Option B: The nurse is intervening before accurately
assessing the problem. By using nonverbal and verbal
cues such as nodding and saying “I see,” nurses can
encourage patients to continue talking. Active
listening involves showing interest in what patients
have to say, acknowledging that you’re listening and
understanding, and engaging with them throughout
Psychiatric Nursing NCLEX Practice
Quiz #2: 75 Questions
1. Question
Which nursing intervention is best for facilitating communication
with a psychiatric client who speaks a foreign language?
o A. Rely on nonverbal communication
o B. Select symbolic pictures as aids
o C. Speak in universal phrases
o D. Use the services of an interpreter
Correct Answer: D. Use the services of an interpreter
An interpreter will enable the nurse to better assess the client’s
problems and concerns. Language barriers pose challenges in
terms of achieving high levels of satisfaction among medical
professionals and patients, providing high- quality healthcare and
maintaining patient safety. To address these challenges, many
larger healthcare institutions offer interpreter services to improve
healthcare access, patient satisfaction, and communication.
Option A: Nonverbal communication is important;
however for the nurse to fully determine the client’s
problems and concerns, the assistance of an
interpreter is essential. Language barriers have
negative implications for the delivery of healthcare
and patient satisfaction. One study showed that
among patients who received treatment from nurses
who did not speak the local language, 30% had
difficulty understanding medical instructions, 30% had
a problem with the reliability of information, and 50%
believed that the language barrier contributed to
errors.
Option B: Online translation tools such as Google
Translate and MediBabble present possible solutions
for overcoming these challenges. Further studies on
, the implications of language barriers and the
effectiveness of online translation tools are
recommended. Furthermore, new updates with more
medical phrases for Google Translate and with more
languages included for MediBabble application are
recommended.
Option C: The use of universal phrases may assist the
nurse in understanding the basic needs of the client;
however these are insufficient to assess the client with
a psychiatric problem. Some healthcare organizations
use online translation tools such as Google Translate
and MediBabble to address the challenges of language
barriers. These tools are free and easy to access, and
they contribute to improving healthcare delivery,
patient safety, and increase (up to 92%) the
satisfaction of both medical professionals and
patients.
2. 2. Question
The nurse explains to a mental health care technician that a
client’s obsessive-compulsive behaviors are related to an
unconscious conflict between id impulses and the superego (or
conscience). On which of the following theories does the nurse
base this statement?
A. Behavioral theory
B. Cognitive theory
C. Interpersonal theory
D. Psychoanalytic theory
Correct Answer: D. Psychoanalytic theory
Psychoanalytic is based on Freud’s beliefs regarding the
importance of unconscious motivation for behavior and the role
of the id and superego in opposition to each other.
Psychoanalysis is defined as a set of psychological theories and
therapeutic methods which have their origin in the work and
theories of Sigmund Freud . The primary assumption of
psychoanalysis is the belief that all people possess unconscious
, thoughts, feelings, desires, and memories. The aim of
psychoanalysis therapy is to release repressed emotions and
experiences, i.e., make the unconscious conscious. It is only
having a cathartic (i.e., healing) experience can the person be
helped and “cured.”
Option A: Behaviorism, also known as behavioral
psychology, is a theory of learning based on the idea
that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.
Conditioning occurs through interaction with the
environment. Behaviorists believe that our responses
to environmental stimuli shape our actions. According
to this school of thought, behavior can be studied in a
systematic and observable manner regardless of
internal mental states. According to this perspective,
only observable behavior should be considered—
cognitions, emotions, and moods are far too
subjective.
Option B: Cognitive theory is an approach to
psychology that attempts to explain human behavior
by understanding your thought processes. For
example, a therapist is using principles of cognitive
theory when they teach you how to identify
maladaptive thought patterns and transform them into
constructive ones. The assumption of cognitive theory
is that thoughts are the primary determinants of
emotions and behavior. Information processing is a
common description of this mental process. Theorists
compare the way the human mind functions to a
computer.
Option C: Interpersonal theory emphasizes the
importance of various developmental stages—infancy,
childhood, the juvenile era, preadolescence, early
adolescence, late adolescence, and adulthood. Like
Freud and Jung, Sullivan (1953b) saw personality as an
energy system. Energy can exist either as tension
(potentiality for action) or as actions themselves
(energy transformations). Energy transformations
transform tensions into either covert or overt
behaviors and are aimed at satisfying needs and
reducing anxiety.
3. 3. Question
, The nurse observes a client pacing in the hall. Which statement
by the nurse may help the client recognize his anxiety?
A. “I guess you’re worried about something, aren’t you?
B. “Can I get you some medication to help calm you?”
C. “Have you been pacing for a long time?”
D. “I notice that you’re pacing. How are you
feeling?”
Correct Answer: D. “I notice that you’re pacing. How are
you feeling?”
By acknowledging the observed behavior and asking the client to
express his feelings the nurse can best assist the client to
become aware of his anxiety. Recognition acknowledges a
patient’s behavior and highlights it without giving an overt
compliment. A compliment can sometimes be taken as
condescending, especially when it concerns a routine task like
making the bed. However, saying something like “I noticed you
took all of your medications” draws attention to the action and
encourages it without requiring a compliment.
Option A: The nurse is offering an interpretation that
may or may not be accurate; the nurse is also asking a
question that may be answered by a “yes” or “no”
response, which is not therapeutic. Therapeutic
communication is often most effective when patients
direct the flow of conversation and decide what to talk
about. To that end, giving patients a broad opening
such as “What’s on your mind today?” or “What would
you like to talk about?” can be a good way to allow
patients an opportunity to discuss what’s on their
mind.
Option B: The nurse is intervening before accurately
assessing the problem. By using nonverbal and verbal
cues such as nodding and saying “I see,” nurses can
encourage patients to continue talking. Active
listening involves showing interest in what patients
have to say, acknowledging that you’re listening and
understanding, and engaging with them throughout
