NURS 222 | NURS222 Exam 1: Mental Health - WCU
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who just lost their job. Which statement by the
nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘Why do you think your boss decided to let you go?’
B. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like.’
C. ‘You should start looking for a new job right away.’
D. ‘I understand how you feel because I was once fired too.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client in an unconditional
manner. This technique conveys interest and a desire to understand the client’s needs. It is
particularly effective for clients who are experiencing high levels of anxiety or distress. By
staying with the client, the nurse provides emotional support without demanding anything
in return. This action helps build trust within the therapeutic relationship and fosters a safe
environment.
2. During an intake assessment, a nurse asks a client, ‘What brought you to the hospital
today?’ Which type of communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Open-ended question
B. Closed-ended question
C. Restating
D. Giving recognition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended questions are designed to encourage the client to share
information in their own words. They prevent the client from giving simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’
answers, which limits the assessment data. This technique is essential during the initial
phase of the nurse-client relationship to gather a broad range of information. It allows the
client to prioritize what they feel is most important to discuss. Effective communication is a
cornerstone of psychiatric nursing assessment and intervention.
3. A client is being admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights
does the client still maintain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the hospital at any time.
,C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to consume alcohol while on the unit.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a client of their right to
refuse treatment. Unless there is a court order or an immediate emergency, the client can
decline medications. The nurse must respect this autonomy while continuing to monitor
the client’s safety and mental status. This legal principle ensures that patients are treated
with dignity and protected from arbitrary medical decisions. Documentation of the refusal
and subsequent nursing actions is a critical legal requirement.
4. A nurse is performing a Mental Status Examination (MSE). Which of the following
questions assesses the client’s ‘judgment’?
A. ‘Can you count backward from 100 by sevens?’
B. ‘Who is the current President of the United States?’
C. ‘What does the phrase ’a rolling stone gathers no moss’ mean to you?’
D. ‘Can you tell me what you would do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the
sidewalk?’
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Judgment is the ability to interpret one’s environment and situation correctly to
adapt one’s behavior. Asking the client how they would handle a specific social scenario,
like finding a lost envelope, evaluates this cognitive function. This differs from insight,
which is the client’s awareness of their own mental illness. Assessing judgment is vital for
determining the client’s safety and ability to function independently. Poor judgment often
indicates a need for increased supervision or specific discharge planning.
5. A nurse notices a client who was previously very depressed suddenly becomes energetic
and starts giving away their possessions. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Implement suicide precautions and assess for a plan.
B. Praise the client for their generosity toward others.
C. Document the improvement in the client’s mood.
D. Request a discharge order since the client feels better.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden lift in mood in a severely depressed client is a major red flag for
suicide. This change often occurs because the client has made a decision to end their life
and now feels a sense of relief. Giving away possessions is a common behavior associated
with finalizing plans for self-harm. The nurse must immediately assess for suicidal ideation
, and intent to ensure the client’s safety. Providing a safe environment is always the primary
goal in psychiatric nursing care.
6. Which ethical principle is the nurse following when they ensure that all clients on the unit
receive the same amount of time and attention?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Justice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equality in the distribution of
resources and care. In a psychiatric setting, this means treating all patients equally
regardless of their diagnosis or behavior. It prevents the nurse from showing favoritism to
‘easy’ clients while neglecting those who are more challenging. Upholding justice ensures
that every individual receives the standard of care they are entitled to. This ethical
framework guides professional conduct and maintains the integrity of the healthcare
system.
7. A client tells the nurse, ‘I am a failure at everything I do.’ The nurse responds, ‘You feel like
you have not been successful in your endeavors.’ Which technique is this?
A. Summarizing
B. Focusing
C. Reflecting
D. Restating
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea that the client has expressed using
slightly different words. This technique lets the client know that the nurse is listening and
understands the message. It provides an opportunity for the client to clarify or expand on
their statement. By echoing the client’s thoughts, the nurse validates their feelings without
adding personal bias. It is an effective way to keep the conversation focused on the client’s
internal experience.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting aggressive behavior. Which is the least
restrictive intervention the nurse should try first?
A. Using verbal de-escalation techniques.
B. Placing the client in four-point restraints.
C. Moving the client to a seclusion room.
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who just lost their job. Which statement by the
nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘Why do you think your boss decided to let you go?’
B. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like.’
C. ‘You should start looking for a new job right away.’
D. ‘I understand how you feel because I was once fired too.’
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client in an unconditional
manner. This technique conveys interest and a desire to understand the client’s needs. It is
particularly effective for clients who are experiencing high levels of anxiety or distress. By
staying with the client, the nurse provides emotional support without demanding anything
in return. This action helps build trust within the therapeutic relationship and fosters a safe
environment.
2. During an intake assessment, a nurse asks a client, ‘What brought you to the hospital
today?’ Which type of communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Open-ended question
B. Closed-ended question
C. Restating
D. Giving recognition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Open-ended questions are designed to encourage the client to share
information in their own words. They prevent the client from giving simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’
answers, which limits the assessment data. This technique is essential during the initial
phase of the nurse-client relationship to gather a broad range of information. It allows the
client to prioritize what they feel is most important to discuss. Effective communication is a
cornerstone of psychiatric nursing assessment and intervention.
3. A client is being admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights
does the client still maintain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the hospital at any time.
,C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to consume alcohol while on the unit.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a client of their right to
refuse treatment. Unless there is a court order or an immediate emergency, the client can
decline medications. The nurse must respect this autonomy while continuing to monitor
the client’s safety and mental status. This legal principle ensures that patients are treated
with dignity and protected from arbitrary medical decisions. Documentation of the refusal
and subsequent nursing actions is a critical legal requirement.
4. A nurse is performing a Mental Status Examination (MSE). Which of the following
questions assesses the client’s ‘judgment’?
A. ‘Can you count backward from 100 by sevens?’
B. ‘Who is the current President of the United States?’
C. ‘What does the phrase ’a rolling stone gathers no moss’ mean to you?’
D. ‘Can you tell me what you would do if you found a stamped, addressed envelope on the
sidewalk?’
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Judgment is the ability to interpret one’s environment and situation correctly to
adapt one’s behavior. Asking the client how they would handle a specific social scenario,
like finding a lost envelope, evaluates this cognitive function. This differs from insight,
which is the client’s awareness of their own mental illness. Assessing judgment is vital for
determining the client’s safety and ability to function independently. Poor judgment often
indicates a need for increased supervision or specific discharge planning.
5. A nurse notices a client who was previously very depressed suddenly becomes energetic
and starts giving away their possessions. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Implement suicide precautions and assess for a plan.
B. Praise the client for their generosity toward others.
C. Document the improvement in the client’s mood.
D. Request a discharge order since the client feels better.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden lift in mood in a severely depressed client is a major red flag for
suicide. This change often occurs because the client has made a decision to end their life
and now feels a sense of relief. Giving away possessions is a common behavior associated
with finalizing plans for self-harm. The nurse must immediately assess for suicidal ideation
, and intent to ensure the client’s safety. Providing a safe environment is always the primary
goal in psychiatric nursing care.
6. Which ethical principle is the nurse following when they ensure that all clients on the unit
receive the same amount of time and attention?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Justice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Justice refers to the principle of fairness and equality in the distribution of
resources and care. In a psychiatric setting, this means treating all patients equally
regardless of their diagnosis or behavior. It prevents the nurse from showing favoritism to
‘easy’ clients while neglecting those who are more challenging. Upholding justice ensures
that every individual receives the standard of care they are entitled to. This ethical
framework guides professional conduct and maintains the integrity of the healthcare
system.
7. A client tells the nurse, ‘I am a failure at everything I do.’ The nurse responds, ‘You feel like
you have not been successful in your endeavors.’ Which technique is this?
A. Summarizing
B. Focusing
C. Reflecting
D. Restating
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea that the client has expressed using
slightly different words. This technique lets the client know that the nurse is listening and
understands the message. It provides an opportunity for the client to clarify or expand on
their statement. By echoing the client’s thoughts, the nurse validates their feelings without
adding personal bias. It is an effective way to keep the conversation focused on the client’s
internal experience.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting aggressive behavior. Which is the least
restrictive intervention the nurse should try first?
A. Using verbal de-escalation techniques.
B. Placing the client in four-point restraints.
C. Moving the client to a seclusion room.
