NU160 | NU160 Mental Health Concepts Exam 1 v3
| Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who has just lost their spouse. Which
response by the nurse is an example of the therapeutic technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘Why do you think you are feeling so sad today?’
B. ‘Don’t worry, you will feel better in a few months.’
C. ‘I will sit with you for a while if you would like.’
D. ‘I know exactly how you feel because I lost my spouse too.’
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Offering self involves making oneself available to the patient
to provide support and show interest. It conveys a sense of presence and willingness
to listen without placing demands on the patient. This technique helps build trust
and rapport during the early stages of the therapeutic relationship.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding when they ensure a patient is fully
informed about the risks and benefits of a treatment plan?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
,D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care. By providing complete information, the nurse
empowers the patient to exercise their self-determination. This principle is
fundamental to obtaining valid informed consent in psychiatric nursing.
3. During the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the
following is a priority nursing action?
A. Summarizing the goals and objectives achieved.
B. Identifying the patient’s strengths and limitations.
C. Establishing the boundaries of the relationship.
D. Developing a plan for nursing interventions.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The termination phase focuses on ending the relationship and
evaluating the progress made during therapy. Summarizing goals helps the patient
recognize their growth and provides a sense of closure. It is also a time to discuss
strategies for maintaining changes after discharge.
,4. A patient who was passed over for a promotion at work comes home and starts an
argument with their spouse. Which defense mechanism is this patient using?
A. Displacement
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original
source of stress to a less threatening target. In this case, the patient is redirecting
their frustration from their boss to their spouse. This mechanism allows the
individual to release tension without facing the direct consequences of the original
conflict.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Which finding should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Enhanced ability to focus on details and solve problems.
B. Broadened perceptual field and increased awareness.
C. Feelings of dread and a significantly narrowed perceptual field.
D. A state of total withdrawal and loss of contact with reality.
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Severe anxiety causes a significant narrowing of the
perceptual field, where the person can only focus on one specific detail. The
individual often experiences physical symptoms like palpitations and
hyperventilation along with a sense of impending doom. Nursing interventions
should focus on providing simple directions and ensuring a safe environment.
6. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs must be
met first?
A. Physiological needs
B. Safety and security needs
C. Love and belonging needs
D. Self-esteem needs
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Physiological needs such as air, water, food, and sleep are the
most basic requirements for human survival. Maslow’s theory suggests that higher-
level needs cannot be addressed until these fundamental needs are satisfied. In a
psychiatric setting, ensuring the patient is physically stable is always the first
priority.
| Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who has just lost their spouse. Which
response by the nurse is an example of the therapeutic technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘Why do you think you are feeling so sad today?’
B. ‘Don’t worry, you will feel better in a few months.’
C. ‘I will sit with you for a while if you would like.’
D. ‘I know exactly how you feel because I lost my spouse too.’
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Offering self involves making oneself available to the patient
to provide support and show interest. It conveys a sense of presence and willingness
to listen without placing demands on the patient. This technique helps build trust
and rapport during the early stages of the therapeutic relationship.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding when they ensure a patient is fully
informed about the risks and benefits of a treatment plan?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
,D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care. By providing complete information, the nurse
empowers the patient to exercise their self-determination. This principle is
fundamental to obtaining valid informed consent in psychiatric nursing.
3. During the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the
following is a priority nursing action?
A. Summarizing the goals and objectives achieved.
B. Identifying the patient’s strengths and limitations.
C. Establishing the boundaries of the relationship.
D. Developing a plan for nursing interventions.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The termination phase focuses on ending the relationship and
evaluating the progress made during therapy. Summarizing goals helps the patient
recognize their growth and provides a sense of closure. It is also a time to discuss
strategies for maintaining changes after discharge.
,4. A patient who was passed over for a promotion at work comes home and starts an
argument with their spouse. Which defense mechanism is this patient using?
A. Displacement
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original
source of stress to a less threatening target. In this case, the patient is redirecting
their frustration from their boss to their spouse. This mechanism allows the
individual to release tension without facing the direct consequences of the original
conflict.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Which finding should the
nurse expect to observe?
A. Enhanced ability to focus on details and solve problems.
B. Broadened perceptual field and increased awareness.
C. Feelings of dread and a significantly narrowed perceptual field.
D. A state of total withdrawal and loss of contact with reality.
, Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Severe anxiety causes a significant narrowing of the
perceptual field, where the person can only focus on one specific detail. The
individual often experiences physical symptoms like palpitations and
hyperventilation along with a sense of impending doom. Nursing interventions
should focus on providing simple directions and ensuring a safe environment.
6. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs must be
met first?
A. Physiological needs
B. Safety and security needs
C. Love and belonging needs
D. Self-esteem needs
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Physiological needs such as air, water, food, and sleep are the
most basic requirements for human survival. Maslow’s theory suggests that higher-
level needs cannot be addressed until these fundamental needs are satisfied. In a
psychiatric setting, ensuring the patient is physically stable is always the first
priority.
