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Mental & Behavioral Health
Nursing (NUR2459) –
Rasmussen College – Final
Exam Review (2024/2025)
Therapeutic Communication
1. A client with depression states, “I feel like a failure.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
a) “You’re not a failure; you just feel that way.”
b) “Can you tell me more about why you feel this way?”
c) “Everyone feels like that sometimes.”
d) “Let’s focus on something positive instead.”
Rationale: Using an open-ended question encourages the client to explore their feelings,
promoting therapeutic communication and trust, which aligns with Rasmussen’s
emphasis on client-centered care.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the
nurse’s best response?
a) “Those voices aren’t real; ignore them.”
b) “What are the voices saying to you?”
c) “You need to stop listening to them.”
d) “Let’s talk about something else.”
Rationale: Asking about the content of hallucinations assesses their nature (e.g.,
command hallucinations) and guides intervention, reflecting safe and effective care.
3. A client with anxiety states, “I can’t do this anymore.” What is the nurse’s priority
response?
a) “You’re stronger than you think.”
b) “What is making you feel overwhelmed right now?”
c) “Just try to calm down.”
d) “You’ll feel better soon.”
Rationale: Exploring the client’s feelings promotes understanding of their anxiety
triggers, facilitating targeted interventions, a key principle in mental health nursing.
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4. What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
a) To provide medical advice
b) To build trust and rapport
c) To diagnose mental disorders
d) To enforce treatment compliance
Rationale: Building trust and rapport fosters a therapeutic relationship, essential for
effective mental health care and client engagement.
5. A client with bipolar disorder is speaking rapidly. What is the nurse’s best
approach?
a) Interrupt to slow the conversation
b) Use a calm, steady tone and listen actively
c) Change the topic to reduce stimulation
d) Ask the client to speak more clearly
Rationale: A calm, steady tone and active listening de-escalate mania while maintaining
engagement, promoting a safe environment.
Mood Disorders
6. What is the hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder?
a) Hallucinations
b) Persistent sadness
c) Grandiosity
d) Delusions
Rationale: Persistent sadness or anhedonia is the hallmark of major depressive disorder,
per DSM-5 criteria, guiding nursing assessment.
7. A client with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. What should the nurse teach the
client?
a) Expect immediate symptom relief
b) Report signs of serotonin syndrome
c) Take the medication at bedtime only
d) Stop the medication if feeling better
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, can cause serotonin syndrome; teaching clients to report
symptoms like agitation or tremors ensures safety.
8. A client with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
a) Encourage group activities
b) Provide a low-stimulus environment
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c) Administer an antidepressant
d) Promote extended sleep
Rationale: A low-stimulus environment reduces agitation and overstimulation during
mania, prioritizing client safety.
9. What is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)?
a) Weight loss
b) Dry mouth
c) Hypertension
d) Insomnia
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants have anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth,
requiring client education for adherence.
10. A client with seasonal affective disorder asks about light therapy. What is the
nurse’s best response?
a) “It’s not effective for depression.”
b) “It can help regulate your mood by mimicking sunlight.”
c) “It’s only used for bipolar disorder.”
d) “It should be used at night.”
Rationale: Light therapy mimics natural sunlight to regulate circadian rhythms, improving
symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
11. What is the priority nursing action for a client with suicidal ideation?
a) Encourage positive thinking
b) Assess the client’s suicide plan
c) Administer an anxiolytic
d) Restrict family visits
Rationale: Assessing the suicide plan determines the level of risk and guides immediate safety
interventions, a priority in mental health care.
12. A client with depression reports insomnia. What is the best nursing
recommendation?
a) Drink caffeinated tea before bed
b) Establish a consistent bedtime routine
c) Take naps throughout the day
d) Avoid all physical activity
Rationale: A consistent bedtime routine promotes sleep hygiene, addressing insomnia without
exacerbating depression.
13. What is the primary purpose of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in severe
depression?
Mental & Behavioral Health
Nursing (NUR2459) –
Rasmussen College – Final
Exam Review (2024/2025)
Therapeutic Communication
1. A client with depression states, “I feel like a failure.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
a) “You’re not a failure; you just feel that way.”
b) “Can you tell me more about why you feel this way?”
c) “Everyone feels like that sometimes.”
d) “Let’s focus on something positive instead.”
Rationale: Using an open-ended question encourages the client to explore their feelings,
promoting therapeutic communication and trust, which aligns with Rasmussen’s
emphasis on client-centered care.
2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the
nurse’s best response?
a) “Those voices aren’t real; ignore them.”
b) “What are the voices saying to you?”
c) “You need to stop listening to them.”
d) “Let’s talk about something else.”
Rationale: Asking about the content of hallucinations assesses their nature (e.g.,
command hallucinations) and guides intervention, reflecting safe and effective care.
3. A client with anxiety states, “I can’t do this anymore.” What is the nurse’s priority
response?
a) “You’re stronger than you think.”
b) “What is making you feel overwhelmed right now?”
c) “Just try to calm down.”
d) “You’ll feel better soon.”
Rationale: Exploring the client’s feelings promotes understanding of their anxiety
triggers, facilitating targeted interventions, a key principle in mental health nursing.
, 2
4. What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication in mental health nursing?
a) To provide medical advice
b) To build trust and rapport
c) To diagnose mental disorders
d) To enforce treatment compliance
Rationale: Building trust and rapport fosters a therapeutic relationship, essential for
effective mental health care and client engagement.
5. A client with bipolar disorder is speaking rapidly. What is the nurse’s best
approach?
a) Interrupt to slow the conversation
b) Use a calm, steady tone and listen actively
c) Change the topic to reduce stimulation
d) Ask the client to speak more clearly
Rationale: A calm, steady tone and active listening de-escalate mania while maintaining
engagement, promoting a safe environment.
Mood Disorders
6. What is the hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder?
a) Hallucinations
b) Persistent sadness
c) Grandiosity
d) Delusions
Rationale: Persistent sadness or anhedonia is the hallmark of major depressive disorder,
per DSM-5 criteria, guiding nursing assessment.
7. A client with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. What should the nurse teach the
client?
a) Expect immediate symptom relief
b) Report signs of serotonin syndrome
c) Take the medication at bedtime only
d) Stop the medication if feeling better
Rationale: Fluoxetine, an SSRI, can cause serotonin syndrome; teaching clients to report
symptoms like agitation or tremors ensures safety.
8. A client with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
a) Encourage group activities
b) Provide a low-stimulus environment
, 3
c) Administer an antidepressant
d) Promote extended sleep
Rationale: A low-stimulus environment reduces agitation and overstimulation during
mania, prioritizing client safety.
9. What is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)?
a) Weight loss
b) Dry mouth
c) Hypertension
d) Insomnia
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants have anticholinergic effects, such as dry mouth,
requiring client education for adherence.
10. A client with seasonal affective disorder asks about light therapy. What is the
nurse’s best response?
a) “It’s not effective for depression.”
b) “It can help regulate your mood by mimicking sunlight.”
c) “It’s only used for bipolar disorder.”
d) “It should be used at night.”
Rationale: Light therapy mimics natural sunlight to regulate circadian rhythms, improving
symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
11. What is the priority nursing action for a client with suicidal ideation?
a) Encourage positive thinking
b) Assess the client’s suicide plan
c) Administer an anxiolytic
d) Restrict family visits
Rationale: Assessing the suicide plan determines the level of risk and guides immediate safety
interventions, a priority in mental health care.
12. A client with depression reports insomnia. What is the best nursing
recommendation?
a) Drink caffeinated tea before bed
b) Establish a consistent bedtime routine
c) Take naps throughout the day
d) Avoid all physical activity
Rationale: A consistent bedtime routine promotes sleep hygiene, addressing insomnia without
exacerbating depression.
13. What is the primary purpose of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in severe
depression?
