NU160 | NU160 Mental Health Concepts Midterm
v2 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is assessing a patient using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Which patient
action should the nurse prioritize first?
A. The patient expresses a desire to find a life partner.
B. The patient reports feeling unsafe in their neighborhood.
C. The patient refuses to eat or drink for two days.
D. The patient discusses their career goals and aspirations.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, physiological needs such as
food and water must be addressed before higher-level needs. Dehydration and
malnutrition represent immediate threats to physical stability and life. The nurse
must prioritize biological survival to ensure the patient is stable enough to address
safety or psychological needs.
2. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship involves the nurse and patient
identifying specific areas to work on and setting goals?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Orientation phase
,C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The orientation phase is characterized by the initial meeting
where the nurse sets the contract and establishes trust. During this phase, the nurse
and patient identify the problems that will be addressed and begin goal setting. This
foundation is necessary before the patient can engage in the active problem-solving
found in the working phase.
3. A patient says, ‘I feel like my life is falling apart and no one understands.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You feel as though you are alone and overwhelmed.’ Which
communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Giving advice
B. Restating
C. Challenging
D. Interpreting
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the
patient in different words to confirm the nurse’s understanding. This technique
,encourages the patient to continue talking and validates that their message has been
heard. It is a therapeutic technique that avoids adding the nurse’s own bias or
advice.
4. An adult patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the
following rights does this patient still retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to ignore all unit safety rules.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a patient
of the right to refuse treatment, including medication. Unless there is an emergency
or a court order specifically mandating treatment, the patient maintains autonomy
over their body. The primary restriction of involuntary status is the patient’s
freedom to leave the facility.
5. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a recommended procedure even
though the nurse believes the procedure is necessary. This is an example of which
ethical principle?
A. Beneficence
, B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care. Even if the nurse disagrees with the choice, they
must honor the patient’s self-determination. This principle is fundamental to the
legal requirement of informed consent and patient-centered care.
6. A patient consistently blames his wife for his own drinking habits, stating, ‘I
wouldn’t drink if she didn’t nag me.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Reaction formation
B. Projection
C. Sublimation
D. Displacement
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own
unacceptable thoughts or behaviors to someone else. In this case, the patient is
v2 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is assessing a patient using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Which patient
action should the nurse prioritize first?
A. The patient expresses a desire to find a life partner.
B. The patient reports feeling unsafe in their neighborhood.
C. The patient refuses to eat or drink for two days.
D. The patient discusses their career goals and aspirations.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: According to Maslow’s hierarchy, physiological needs such as
food and water must be addressed before higher-level needs. Dehydration and
malnutrition represent immediate threats to physical stability and life. The nurse
must prioritize biological survival to ensure the patient is stable enough to address
safety or psychological needs.
2. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship involves the nurse and patient
identifying specific areas to work on and setting goals?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Orientation phase
,C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The orientation phase is characterized by the initial meeting
where the nurse sets the contract and establishes trust. During this phase, the nurse
and patient identify the problems that will be addressed and begin goal setting. This
foundation is necessary before the patient can engage in the active problem-solving
found in the working phase.
3. A patient says, ‘I feel like my life is falling apart and no one understands.’ The nurse
responds, ‘You feel as though you are alone and overwhelmed.’ Which
communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Giving advice
B. Restating
C. Challenging
D. Interpreting
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the
patient in different words to confirm the nurse’s understanding. This technique
,encourages the patient to continue talking and validates that their message has been
heard. It is a therapeutic technique that avoids adding the nurse’s own bias or
advice.
4. An adult patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the
following rights does this patient still retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to ignore all unit safety rules.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a patient
of the right to refuse treatment, including medication. Unless there is an emergency
or a court order specifically mandating treatment, the patient maintains autonomy
over their body. The primary restriction of involuntary status is the patient’s
freedom to leave the facility.
5. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse a recommended procedure even
though the nurse believes the procedure is necessary. This is an example of which
ethical principle?
A. Beneficence
, B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their medical care. Even if the nurse disagrees with the choice, they
must honor the patient’s self-determination. This principle is fundamental to the
legal requirement of informed consent and patient-centered care.
6. A patient consistently blames his wife for his own drinking habits, stating, ‘I
wouldn’t drink if she didn’t nag me.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Reaction formation
B. Projection
C. Sublimation
D. Displacement
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own
unacceptable thoughts or behaviors to someone else. In this case, the patient is
