NUR 253 Exam 1 V3 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale
| Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is providing care for a client who is being admitted involuntarily. Which of the
following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
B. The right to refuse prescribed psychiatric medications
C. The right to carry personal weapons in the facility
D. The right to manage their own financial assets without oversight
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically result in the loss of the
right to refuse treatment. Patients retain the right to refuse medication unless they are
deemed a danger to themselves or others in an emergency. The nurse must respect this
autonomy while following legal protocols for emergency administration if necessary.
2. During a therapeutic interaction, the nurse uses silence as a technique. What is the primary
purpose of this intervention?
A. To give the nurse time to formulate a better response
B. To signal to the client that the nurse is finished talking
,C. To encourage the client to feel uncomfortable and speak more
D. To allow the client time to process their thoughts and feelings
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Silence is a powerful therapeutic tool that provides the client space
for reflection. It encourages the client to take the lead in the conversation and share deeper
insights. The nurse should use silence purposefully rather than as a result of not knowing
what to say.
3. A client tells the nurse, ‘My family hates me and they never want to see me again.’ Which
response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think your family feels that way about you?’
B. ‘You feel that your family has completely rejected you?’
C. ‘I am sure your family loves you very much and misses you.’
D. ‘Let’s talk about something more positive to lift your spirits.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Reflecting the client’s feelings allows them to explore their emotions
further without feeling judged. It validates the client’s experience and shows that the nurse
is listening attentively. Avoiding ‘why’ questions and false reassurances is essential in
maintaining a therapeutic relationship.
, 4. Which ethical principle is the nurse applying when they keep a promise to return to a
client’s room at a specific time?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fidelity refers to the obligation of the nurse to be faithful to
commitments and promises made to clients. This helps build trust and rapport within the
therapeutic relationship. Consistently following through on promises demonstrates
professional integrity and respect for the patient.
5. A nurse observes a client pacing the hallway and wringing their hands. Which level of
anxiety is the client likely experiencing?
A. Severe
B. Moderate
C. Mild
D. Panic
Correct Answer: A
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale
| Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is providing care for a client who is being admitted involuntarily. Which of the
following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
B. The right to refuse prescribed psychiatric medications
C. The right to carry personal weapons in the facility
D. The right to manage their own financial assets without oversight
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically result in the loss of the
right to refuse treatment. Patients retain the right to refuse medication unless they are
deemed a danger to themselves or others in an emergency. The nurse must respect this
autonomy while following legal protocols for emergency administration if necessary.
2. During a therapeutic interaction, the nurse uses silence as a technique. What is the primary
purpose of this intervention?
A. To give the nurse time to formulate a better response
B. To signal to the client that the nurse is finished talking
,C. To encourage the client to feel uncomfortable and speak more
D. To allow the client time to process their thoughts and feelings
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Silence is a powerful therapeutic tool that provides the client space
for reflection. It encourages the client to take the lead in the conversation and share deeper
insights. The nurse should use silence purposefully rather than as a result of not knowing
what to say.
3. A client tells the nurse, ‘My family hates me and they never want to see me again.’ Which
response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think your family feels that way about you?’
B. ‘You feel that your family has completely rejected you?’
C. ‘I am sure your family loves you very much and misses you.’
D. ‘Let’s talk about something more positive to lift your spirits.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Reflecting the client’s feelings allows them to explore their emotions
further without feeling judged. It validates the client’s experience and shows that the nurse
is listening attentively. Avoiding ‘why’ questions and false reassurances is essential in
maintaining a therapeutic relationship.
, 4. Which ethical principle is the nurse applying when they keep a promise to return to a
client’s room at a specific time?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Fidelity refers to the obligation of the nurse to be faithful to
commitments and promises made to clients. This helps build trust and rapport within the
therapeutic relationship. Consistently following through on promises demonstrates
professional integrity and respect for the patient.
5. A nurse observes a client pacing the hallway and wringing their hands. Which level of
anxiety is the client likely experiencing?
A. Severe
B. Moderate
C. Mild
D. Panic
Correct Answer: A
