1
NCLEX-RN PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH 2025–2026 |
SAUNDERS 9TH ED CH. 65–67 | VERIFIED A+ NGN SATA
QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS
Question 1 (SATA)
A client with major depressive disorder expresses, “I just feel hopeless; nothing
will ever get better.” Which therapeutic communication responses are
appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. “You sound like you’re feeling very hopeless right now.”
B. “Don’t worry; things will get better soon.”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel this way.”
D. “Why do you feel like nothing will get better?”
E. “I’m here to listen if you want to talk.”
Correct Answers: A, C, E
, 2
Rationale:
Therapeutic communication involves reflecting feelings, encouraging
expression, and offering presence. False reassurance (B) and asking “why” (D)
are non-therapeutic because they minimize feelings or provoke defensiveness.
Question 2 (SATA)
A client with depression states, “I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake
up.” Which priority nursing actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. Assess for suicidal ideation and plan
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Place the client on suicide precautions if risk is confirmed
D. Ignore the statement since no plan was stated
E. Document client statements and interventions
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Suicidal ideation requires immediate assessment, provider notification, safety
interventions, and documentation. Ignoring suicidal statements delays
necessary care and is unsafe.
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Question 3 (SATA)
A nurse is providing therapeutic communication to a client with depression
and low self-esteem. Which responses are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. “It sounds like you’re blaming yourself for many things.”
B. “You should try to think more positively about yourself.”
C. “Would you like to talk about what you’re feeling right now?”
D. “You’ve overcome challenges before; can we talk about those?”
E. “Everything will be fine; you just need to cheer up.”
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale:
Acknowledging feelings, encouraging discussion, and focusing on strengths are
therapeutic. Giving advice or false reassurance (B and E) are non-therapeutic
because they minimize feelings.
Question 4 (SATA)
A client with depression is starting sertraline (SSRI). Which teaching points
are important for the nurse to provide? (Select all that apply.)
, 4
A. It may take 2–4 weeks to notice improvement in mood
B. Report any new suicidal thoughts to the provider immediately
C. Avoid abruptly stopping the medication without medical advice
D. Limit alcohol intake as it may worsen sedation
E. Expect complete symptom relief in 2–3 days
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
SSRIs require weeks to take effect, cannot be abruptly stopped, and may
increase suicide risk early in therapy. Alcohol should be avoided, and rapid
symptom relief is unrealistic.
Question 5 (SATA)
A nurse is caring for a client with depression who is at risk for suicide. Which
environmental modifications are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. Remove sharps and belts from the client’s room
B. Supervise medication administration
C. Assign a private room at the far end of the hallway
D. Ensure continuous observation if suicide risk is high
E. Maintain access to the bathroom without monitoring
NCLEX-RN PSYCH MENTAL HEALTH 2025–2026 |
SAUNDERS 9TH ED CH. 65–67 | VERIFIED A+ NGN SATA
QUESTIONS WITH RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS
Question 1 (SATA)
A client with major depressive disorder expresses, “I just feel hopeless; nothing
will ever get better.” Which therapeutic communication responses are
appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. “You sound like you’re feeling very hopeless right now.”
B. “Don’t worry; things will get better soon.”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel this way.”
D. “Why do you feel like nothing will get better?”
E. “I’m here to listen if you want to talk.”
Correct Answers: A, C, E
, 2
Rationale:
Therapeutic communication involves reflecting feelings, encouraging
expression, and offering presence. False reassurance (B) and asking “why” (D)
are non-therapeutic because they minimize feelings or provoke defensiveness.
Question 2 (SATA)
A client with depression states, “I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake
up.” Which priority nursing actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. Assess for suicidal ideation and plan
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Place the client on suicide precautions if risk is confirmed
D. Ignore the statement since no plan was stated
E. Document client statements and interventions
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Suicidal ideation requires immediate assessment, provider notification, safety
interventions, and documentation. Ignoring suicidal statements delays
necessary care and is unsafe.
, 3
Question 3 (SATA)
A nurse is providing therapeutic communication to a client with depression
and low self-esteem. Which responses are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. “It sounds like you’re blaming yourself for many things.”
B. “You should try to think more positively about yourself.”
C. “Would you like to talk about what you’re feeling right now?”
D. “You’ve overcome challenges before; can we talk about those?”
E. “Everything will be fine; you just need to cheer up.”
Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale:
Acknowledging feelings, encouraging discussion, and focusing on strengths are
therapeutic. Giving advice or false reassurance (B and E) are non-therapeutic
because they minimize feelings.
Question 4 (SATA)
A client with depression is starting sertraline (SSRI). Which teaching points
are important for the nurse to provide? (Select all that apply.)
, 4
A. It may take 2–4 weeks to notice improvement in mood
B. Report any new suicidal thoughts to the provider immediately
C. Avoid abruptly stopping the medication without medical advice
D. Limit alcohol intake as it may worsen sedation
E. Expect complete symptom relief in 2–3 days
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
SSRIs require weeks to take effect, cannot be abruptly stopped, and may
increase suicide risk early in therapy. Alcohol should be avoided, and rapid
symptom relief is unrealistic.
Question 5 (SATA)
A nurse is caring for a client with depression who is at risk for suicide. Which
environmental modifications are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
A. Remove sharps and belts from the client’s room
B. Supervise medication administration
C. Assign a private room at the far end of the hallway
D. Ensure continuous observation if suicide risk is high
E. Maintain access to the bathroom without monitoring
