NU 334: Mental Health Exam 1
Questions with Complete Answers
2026 Updated.
A patient at an inpatient unit angrily states to a nurse "Peter is not tidy or cleaning up after
himself in the bathroom. You need to address this problem." Which is the appropriate nursing
response
A. "I'll talk to Peter and present your concerns."
B. "Why are you overreacting to this issue?"
C. "You should bring this to the attention of your treatment team."
D. "I can see that you are angry. Let's discuss ways to approach Peter with your concerns." -
Answer D. "I can see that you are angry. Let's discuss ways to approach Peter with your
concerns."
A mother who has learned that her child was killed in a tragic car accident states, I cant bear to
go on with my life. Which nursing statement conveys empathy?
a) The situation is very sad, but time is a great healer
b) I am not sure what is wrong. Have you asked the physician about your concerns
c) It must be very difficult to lose a child, I'll stay with you until your husband arrives
d) once you cry it out all of your sadness, things will seem so much better - Answer c) It must
be very difficult to lose a child, I'll stay with you until your husband arrives
The nurse should utilize which group function to help an extremely withdrawn, paranoid client
increase feelings of security?
A. Socialization
B. Empowerment
C. Support
D. Governance - Answer C. Support
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness because of the
recent death of a beloved pet. The clients appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not
changed. How should the nurse interpret the clients behaviors?
1. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
2. The client's behaviors are extensive, which indicates the presence of mental illness.
3. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
, 4. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness. -
Answer 4. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental
illness.
Meditation has been shown to be an effective anxiety management technique. When
meditation is effective, what should a nurse expect to assess?
A. An achieved state of relaxation
B. An achieved insight into ones feelings
C. A demonstration of appropriate role behaviors
D. An enhanced ability to problem-solve - Answer A. An achieved state of relaxation
Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to
stress?
a) I signed up for a yoga class this week
b) I really enjoy journaling its my private time
c) I made an appointment to meet with a therapist
d) I've found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope. - Answer d) I've found that
avoiding contact with others helps me cope.
Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment?
A. A client living under a bridge in a cardboard box
B. A client threatening to commit suicide with a verbalized plan
C. A client who never bathes and wears a wool hat in the summer
D. A client who eats waste out of a garbage can - Answer B. A client threatening to commit
suicide with a verbalized plan
People with mental health issues always have issues with aggression and should always be
approached with caution
a) True
B) False - Answer B) False
Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight or flight response?
A. Pupil constriction
B. Increased heart rate
Questions with Complete Answers
2026 Updated.
A patient at an inpatient unit angrily states to a nurse "Peter is not tidy or cleaning up after
himself in the bathroom. You need to address this problem." Which is the appropriate nursing
response
A. "I'll talk to Peter and present your concerns."
B. "Why are you overreacting to this issue?"
C. "You should bring this to the attention of your treatment team."
D. "I can see that you are angry. Let's discuss ways to approach Peter with your concerns." -
Answer D. "I can see that you are angry. Let's discuss ways to approach Peter with your
concerns."
A mother who has learned that her child was killed in a tragic car accident states, I cant bear to
go on with my life. Which nursing statement conveys empathy?
a) The situation is very sad, but time is a great healer
b) I am not sure what is wrong. Have you asked the physician about your concerns
c) It must be very difficult to lose a child, I'll stay with you until your husband arrives
d) once you cry it out all of your sadness, things will seem so much better - Answer c) It must
be very difficult to lose a child, I'll stay with you until your husband arrives
The nurse should utilize which group function to help an extremely withdrawn, paranoid client
increase feelings of security?
A. Socialization
B. Empowerment
C. Support
D. Governance - Answer C. Support
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness because of the
recent death of a beloved pet. The clients appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not
changed. How should the nurse interpret the clients behaviors?
1. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
2. The client's behaviors are extensive, which indicates the presence of mental illness.
3. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
, 4. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness. -
Answer 4. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental
illness.
Meditation has been shown to be an effective anxiety management technique. When
meditation is effective, what should a nurse expect to assess?
A. An achieved state of relaxation
B. An achieved insight into ones feelings
C. A demonstration of appropriate role behaviors
D. An enhanced ability to problem-solve - Answer A. An achieved state of relaxation
Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to
stress?
a) I signed up for a yoga class this week
b) I really enjoy journaling its my private time
c) I made an appointment to meet with a therapist
d) I've found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope. - Answer d) I've found that
avoiding contact with others helps me cope.
Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment?
A. A client living under a bridge in a cardboard box
B. A client threatening to commit suicide with a verbalized plan
C. A client who never bathes and wears a wool hat in the summer
D. A client who eats waste out of a garbage can - Answer B. A client threatening to commit
suicide with a verbalized plan
People with mental health issues always have issues with aggression and should always be
approached with caution
a) True
B) False - Answer B) False
Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight or flight response?
A. Pupil constriction
B. Increased heart rate
