Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing practice questions Exam 1 (2025) comprehensive
questions and verified answers ( detailed & elaborated) 2025-2026 graded A+
When group therapy is prescribed as a treatment modality, the nurse would
suggest placement of a 9-year-old in a group that uses:
a. guided imagery.
b. talk focused on a specific issue.
c. play and talk about a play activity.
d. group discussion about selected topics.
C
Group therapy for young children takes the form of play. For elementary school
children, therapy combines play and talk about the activity. For adolescents, group
therapy involves more talking.
Which child demonstrates behaviors indicative of a neurodevelopmental
disorder?
a. A 4-year-old who stuttered for 3 weeks after the birth of a sibling
b. A 9-month-old who does not eat vegetables and likes to be rocked
c. A 3-month-old who cries after feeding until burped and sucks a thumb
d. A 3-year-old who is mute, passive toward adults, and twirls while walking
D
Symptoms consistent with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are evident in the
correct answer. Autistic spectrum disorder is one type of neurodevelopmental
disorder. The behaviors of the other children are within normal ranges.
The parent of a child diagnosed with Tourette's disorder says to the nurse, "I
think my child is faking the tics because they come and go." Which response
by the nurse is accurate?
a. "Perhaps your child was misdiagnosed."
b. "Your observation indicates the medication is effective."
c. "Tics often change frequency or severity. That doesn't mean they aren't
real."
d. "This finding is unexpected. How have you been administering your child's
medication?"
C
Tics are sudden, rapid, involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations
characteristic of Tourette's disorder. They often fluctuate in frequency, severity, and
are reduced or absent during sleep.
When a 5-year-old is disruptive, the nurse says, "You must take a time-out."
The expectation is that the child will:
a. go to a quiet room until called for the next activity.
b. slowly count to 20 before returning to the group activity.
c. sit on the edge of the activity until able to regain self-control.
d. sit quietly on the lap of a staff member until able to apologize for the
behavior.
,C
Time-out is designed so that staff can be consistent in their interventions. Time-out
may require going to a designated room or sitting on the periphery of an activity until
the child gains self-control and reviews the episode with a staff member. Time-out
may not require going to a designated room and does not involve special attention
such as holding. Counting to 10 or 20 is not sufficient.
A parent diagnosed with schizophrenia and 13-year-old child live in a
homeless shelter. The child formed a trusting relationship with a shelter
volunteer. The child says, "My three friends and I got an A on our school
science project." The nurse can assess that the child:
a. displays resiliency.
b. has a passive temperament.
c. is at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder.
d. uses intellectualization to deal with problems.
A
Resiliency enables a child to handle the stresses of a difficult childhood. Resilient
children can adapt to changes in the environment, take advantage of nurturing
relationships with adults other than parents, distance themselves from emotional
chaos occurring within the family, learn, and use problem-solving skills.
A nurse prepares to lead a discussion at a community health center regarding
children's health problems. The nurse wants to use current terminology when
discussing these issues. Which terms are appropriate for the nurse to use?
Select all that apply.
a. Autism
b. Bullying
c. Mental retardation
d. Autism spectrum disorder
e. Intellectual development disorder
B, D, E
Some dated terminology contributes to the stigma of mental illness and
misconceptions about mental illness. It's important for the nurse to use current
terminology.
A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stoned. When I woke up, I felt
emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which response should
the nurse use to clarify the patient's comment?
a. "It sounds as though you were uncomfortable with the content of your
dream."
b. "I understand what you're saying. Bad dreams leave me feeling tired, too."
c. "So you feel as though you did not get enough quality sleep last night?"
d. "Can you give me an example of what you mean by 'stoned'?"
ANS: D
The technique of clarification is therapeutic and helps the nurse examine the
meaning of the patient's statement. Asking for a definition of "stoned" directly asks
,for clarification. Restating that the patient is uncomfortable with the dream's content
is parroting, a non-therapeutic technique. The other responses fail to clarify the
meaning of the patient's comment.
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring
us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which
response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "Let's talk about something other than the CIA."
b. "It sounds like you're concerned about your privacy."
c. "The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities."
d. "You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."
ANS: B
It is important not to challenge the patient's beliefs, even if they are unrealistic.
Challenging undermines the patient's trust in the nurse. The nurse should try to
understand the underlying feelings or thoughts the patient's message conveys. The
correct response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. The other comments
are non-therapeutic. Asking to talk about something other than the concern at hand
is changing the subject. Saying that the CIA is prohibited from operating in health
care facilities gives false reassurance. Stating that the patient has lost touch with
reality is truthful, but uncompassionate.
The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree."
The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient
twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's
communication is:
a. clear.
b. mixed.
c. precise.
d. inadequate.
ANS: B
Mixed messages involve the transmission of conflicting or incongruent messages by
the speaker. The patient's verbal message that all was well in the relationship was
modified by the nonverbal behaviors denoting anxiety. Data are not present to
support the choice of the verbal message being clear, explicit, or inadequate.
A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's
comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self."
a. "I've also had traumatic life experiences. Maybe it would help if I told you
about them."
b. "Why do you think you had so much difficulty adjusting to this change in
your life?"
c. "I hope you will feel better after getting accustomed to how this unit
operates."
d. "I'd like to sit with you for a while to help you get comfortable talking to me."
ANS: D
"Offering self" is a technique that should be used in the orientation phase of the
nurse-patient relationship. Sitting with the patient, an example of "offering self," helps
, to build trust and convey that the nurse cares about the patient. Two incorrect
responses are ineffective and non-therapeutic. The other incorrect response is
therapeutic but is an example of "offering hope."
Which technique will best communicate to a patient that the nurse is
interested in listening?
a. Restating a feeling or thought the patient has expressed.
b. Asking a direct question, such as "Did you feel angry?"
c. Making a judgment about the patient's problem.
d. Saying, "I understand what you're saying."
ANS: A
Restating allows the patient to validate the nurse's understanding of what has been
communicated. Restating is an active listening technique. Judgments should be
suspended in a nurse-patient relationship. Close-ended questions such as "Did you
feel angry?" ask for specific information rather than showing understanding. When
the nurse simply states that he or she understands the patient's words, the patient
has no way of measuring the understanding.
A patient discloses several concerns and associated feelings. If the nurse
wants to seek clarification, which comment would be appropriate?
a. "What are the common elements here?"
b. "Tell me again about your experiences."
c. "Am I correct in understanding that . . ."
d. "Tell me everything from the beginning."
ANS: C
Asking, "Am I correct in understanding that..." permits clarification to ensure that both
the nurse and patient share mutual understanding of the communication. Asking
about common elements encourages comparison rather than clarification. The
remaining responses are implied questions that suggest the nurse was not listening.
A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get out of here." Select the
nurse's most therapeutic response.
a. "Don't talk that way. Of course you will leave here!"
b. "Keep up the good work, and you certainly will."
c. "You don't think you're making progress?"
d. "Everyone feels that way sometimes."
ANS: C
By asking if the patient does not believe that progress has been made, the nurse is
reflecting by putting into words what the patient is hinting. By making communication
more explicit, issues are easier to identify and resolve. The remaining options are
non-therapeutic techniques. Telling the patient not to "talk that way" is disapproving.
Saying that everyone feels that way at times minimizes feelings. Telling the patient
that good work will always result in success is falsely reassuring.
Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction,
patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and
looked under chair while stating, 'I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which
analysis is most accurate?
questions and verified answers ( detailed & elaborated) 2025-2026 graded A+
When group therapy is prescribed as a treatment modality, the nurse would
suggest placement of a 9-year-old in a group that uses:
a. guided imagery.
b. talk focused on a specific issue.
c. play and talk about a play activity.
d. group discussion about selected topics.
C
Group therapy for young children takes the form of play. For elementary school
children, therapy combines play and talk about the activity. For adolescents, group
therapy involves more talking.
Which child demonstrates behaviors indicative of a neurodevelopmental
disorder?
a. A 4-year-old who stuttered for 3 weeks after the birth of a sibling
b. A 9-month-old who does not eat vegetables and likes to be rocked
c. A 3-month-old who cries after feeding until burped and sucks a thumb
d. A 3-year-old who is mute, passive toward adults, and twirls while walking
D
Symptoms consistent with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are evident in the
correct answer. Autistic spectrum disorder is one type of neurodevelopmental
disorder. The behaviors of the other children are within normal ranges.
The parent of a child diagnosed with Tourette's disorder says to the nurse, "I
think my child is faking the tics because they come and go." Which response
by the nurse is accurate?
a. "Perhaps your child was misdiagnosed."
b. "Your observation indicates the medication is effective."
c. "Tics often change frequency or severity. That doesn't mean they aren't
real."
d. "This finding is unexpected. How have you been administering your child's
medication?"
C
Tics are sudden, rapid, involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations
characteristic of Tourette's disorder. They often fluctuate in frequency, severity, and
are reduced or absent during sleep.
When a 5-year-old is disruptive, the nurse says, "You must take a time-out."
The expectation is that the child will:
a. go to a quiet room until called for the next activity.
b. slowly count to 20 before returning to the group activity.
c. sit on the edge of the activity until able to regain self-control.
d. sit quietly on the lap of a staff member until able to apologize for the
behavior.
,C
Time-out is designed so that staff can be consistent in their interventions. Time-out
may require going to a designated room or sitting on the periphery of an activity until
the child gains self-control and reviews the episode with a staff member. Time-out
may not require going to a designated room and does not involve special attention
such as holding. Counting to 10 or 20 is not sufficient.
A parent diagnosed with schizophrenia and 13-year-old child live in a
homeless shelter. The child formed a trusting relationship with a shelter
volunteer. The child says, "My three friends and I got an A on our school
science project." The nurse can assess that the child:
a. displays resiliency.
b. has a passive temperament.
c. is at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder.
d. uses intellectualization to deal with problems.
A
Resiliency enables a child to handle the stresses of a difficult childhood. Resilient
children can adapt to changes in the environment, take advantage of nurturing
relationships with adults other than parents, distance themselves from emotional
chaos occurring within the family, learn, and use problem-solving skills.
A nurse prepares to lead a discussion at a community health center regarding
children's health problems. The nurse wants to use current terminology when
discussing these issues. Which terms are appropriate for the nurse to use?
Select all that apply.
a. Autism
b. Bullying
c. Mental retardation
d. Autism spectrum disorder
e. Intellectual development disorder
B, D, E
Some dated terminology contributes to the stigma of mental illness and
misconceptions about mental illness. It's important for the nurse to use current
terminology.
A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stoned. When I woke up, I felt
emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which response should
the nurse use to clarify the patient's comment?
a. "It sounds as though you were uncomfortable with the content of your
dream."
b. "I understand what you're saying. Bad dreams leave me feeling tired, too."
c. "So you feel as though you did not get enough quality sleep last night?"
d. "Can you give me an example of what you mean by 'stoned'?"
ANS: D
The technique of clarification is therapeutic and helps the nurse examine the
meaning of the patient's statement. Asking for a definition of "stoned" directly asks
,for clarification. Restating that the patient is uncomfortable with the dream's content
is parroting, a non-therapeutic technique. The other responses fail to clarify the
meaning of the patient's comment.
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring
us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which
response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "Let's talk about something other than the CIA."
b. "It sounds like you're concerned about your privacy."
c. "The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities."
d. "You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."
ANS: B
It is important not to challenge the patient's beliefs, even if they are unrealistic.
Challenging undermines the patient's trust in the nurse. The nurse should try to
understand the underlying feelings or thoughts the patient's message conveys. The
correct response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. The other comments
are non-therapeutic. Asking to talk about something other than the concern at hand
is changing the subject. Saying that the CIA is prohibited from operating in health
care facilities gives false reassurance. Stating that the patient has lost touch with
reality is truthful, but uncompassionate.
The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree."
The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient
twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's
communication is:
a. clear.
b. mixed.
c. precise.
d. inadequate.
ANS: B
Mixed messages involve the transmission of conflicting or incongruent messages by
the speaker. The patient's verbal message that all was well in the relationship was
modified by the nonverbal behaviors denoting anxiety. Data are not present to
support the choice of the verbal message being clear, explicit, or inadequate.
A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's
comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self."
a. "I've also had traumatic life experiences. Maybe it would help if I told you
about them."
b. "Why do you think you had so much difficulty adjusting to this change in
your life?"
c. "I hope you will feel better after getting accustomed to how this unit
operates."
d. "I'd like to sit with you for a while to help you get comfortable talking to me."
ANS: D
"Offering self" is a technique that should be used in the orientation phase of the
nurse-patient relationship. Sitting with the patient, an example of "offering self," helps
, to build trust and convey that the nurse cares about the patient. Two incorrect
responses are ineffective and non-therapeutic. The other incorrect response is
therapeutic but is an example of "offering hope."
Which technique will best communicate to a patient that the nurse is
interested in listening?
a. Restating a feeling or thought the patient has expressed.
b. Asking a direct question, such as "Did you feel angry?"
c. Making a judgment about the patient's problem.
d. Saying, "I understand what you're saying."
ANS: A
Restating allows the patient to validate the nurse's understanding of what has been
communicated. Restating is an active listening technique. Judgments should be
suspended in a nurse-patient relationship. Close-ended questions such as "Did you
feel angry?" ask for specific information rather than showing understanding. When
the nurse simply states that he or she understands the patient's words, the patient
has no way of measuring the understanding.
A patient discloses several concerns and associated feelings. If the nurse
wants to seek clarification, which comment would be appropriate?
a. "What are the common elements here?"
b. "Tell me again about your experiences."
c. "Am I correct in understanding that . . ."
d. "Tell me everything from the beginning."
ANS: C
Asking, "Am I correct in understanding that..." permits clarification to ensure that both
the nurse and patient share mutual understanding of the communication. Asking
about common elements encourages comparison rather than clarification. The
remaining responses are implied questions that suggest the nurse was not listening.
A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get out of here." Select the
nurse's most therapeutic response.
a. "Don't talk that way. Of course you will leave here!"
b. "Keep up the good work, and you certainly will."
c. "You don't think you're making progress?"
d. "Everyone feels that way sometimes."
ANS: C
By asking if the patient does not believe that progress has been made, the nurse is
reflecting by putting into words what the patient is hinting. By making communication
more explicit, issues are easier to identify and resolve. The remaining options are
non-therapeutic techniques. Telling the patient not to "talk that way" is disapproving.
Saying that everyone feels that way at times minimizes feelings. Telling the patient
that good work will always result in success is falsely reassuring.
Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction,
patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and
looked under chair while stating, 'I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which
analysis is most accurate?
