NSG 3600 EXAM 1 COMPLETE STUDY
SUITE | 150 HIGH-YIELD PSYCHIATRIC-
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING NCLEX-STYLE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & DETAILED
RATIONALES (MASTER BUNDLE)
Excel in your psychiatric-mental health nursing
course with this comprehensive study bundle
featuring 150 high-yield practice questions carefully
tailored to the NSG 3600 Exam 1 blueprint. The
collection delivers realistic, NCLEX-style clinical
scenarios testing core mental health concepts,
including therapeutic communication techniques,
nurse-client relationship phases, legal and ethical
boundaries, defense mechanisms, and anxiety or
stress-related disorders. Every single entry provides
fully separated answer keys and evidence-based
rationales styled entirely in bold-italic text for rapid,
hassle-free highlighting and direct Stuvia upload
compatibility.
, 1.A nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a client in an inpatient
psychiatric unit. Which of the following statements by the nurse illustrates the
therapeutic communication technique of restating?
A) "Can you tell me more about why you feel angry?"
B) "It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed by your current living situation."
C) "You mentioned that you are having trouble sleeping because your mind is
racing."
D) "Don't worry, everything will work out fine once your medications are
adjusted."
Correct Answer: C) "You mentioned that you are having trouble sleeping because
your mind is racing."
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main thoughts or key words that the
client has expressed to let them know the nurse is listening and to encourage
further discussion. Option A is focusing/exploring, Option B is reflecting feelings,
and Option D is false reassurance, which is non-therapeutic. [1]
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is admitted involuntarily to an acute mental health
facility following a suicide attempt. The nurse understands that an involuntary admission
changes which of the following aspects of the client's care?
A) The client loses the right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B) The client can be restrained at any time without a provider's order.
C) The client loses the right to sign legal documents or vote.
D) The client is temporarily restricted from leaving the facility against medical advice.
Correct Answer: D) The client is temporarily restricted from leaving the facility
against medical advice.
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client's immediate danger to
self or others. While it restricts their freedom to leave the facility at will, the client
still retains all other civil rights, including the right to informed consent and the
right to refuse treatment/medications, unless a separate legal court ruling or
emergency protocol dictates otherwise.
,3. A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is experiencing a severe
panic attack. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Teach the client deep-breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
B) Leave the client alone in a quiet room to minimize external stimuli.
C) Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences to communicate.
D) Administer a scheduled dose of a selective serotonin reupdate inhibitor (SSRI).
Correct Answer: C) Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences to
communicate.
Rationale: During a severe panic attack, a client's perceptual field is significantly
narrowed, and they cannot process complex information or learn new coping
strategies. The priority nursing action is to ensure safety by staying with the
client and using calm, brief, and direct communication. Teaching coping
strategies is done after the anxiety subsides. [1, 2]
4. A nurse is reviewing the ethical principles of psychiatric care. The nurse demonstrates
the principle of autonomy by performing which of the following actions?
A) Ensuring that an aggressive client is placed in seclusion for safety.
B) Helping a client explore choices and make their own decision about attending group
therapy.
C) Administering a PRN antianxiety medication to an agitated client exactly when
requested.
D) Keeping a promise to return and speak with a client at a specific designated time.
Correct Answer: B) Helping a client explore choices and make their own decision
about attending group therapy.
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that recognizes and respects a
client's right to self-determination and independent decision-making. Option D
represents fidelity, and administering PRN meds timely represents
beneficence/justice. [1]
5. During a one-on-one session, a client becomes angry, slams their fist on the table, and
states, "Everyone here treats me like a child, and you're just like my strict mother!" The
nurse should recognize that the client is demonstrating which psychological
phenomenon?
A) Countertransference
B) Transference
, C) Projection
D) Splitting
Correct Answer: B) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects or
transfers feelings, expectations, and attitudes felt toward a significant person in
their past (like a parent) onto the nurse. Countertransference is when the nurse
transfers feelings onto the client.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal. Which of
the following classifications of medication should the nurse anticipate administering first
to manage acute withdrawal symptoms?
A) Antipsychotics
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Anticonvulsants
D) Beta-blockers
Correct Answer: B) Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam) are the gold
standard for acute alcohol withdrawal. They provide cross-tolerance with alcohol,
mimicking its effects on GABA receptors to prevent severe complications like
seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
7. A nurse is reviewing the legal requirements for placing a psychiatric client in physical
restraints. Which of the following guidelines must the nurse follow?
A) A verbal order for restraints must be signed by the provider within 48 hours.
B) The nurse must document the client’s status and safety every 15 minutes.
C) Restraints can be used as a convenient method to prevent a client from pacing.
D) A restraint order can be written on an "as needed" (PRN) basis.
Correct Answer: B) The nurse must document the client’s status and safety every
15 minutes.
Rationale: Restraints require rigorous documentation, typically every 15 minutes,
regarding circulation checks, vital signs, food/fluid intake, and toileting. PRN
restraint orders are strictly forbidden. Restraints are a last resort for safety, never
for convenience.
SUITE | 150 HIGH-YIELD PSYCHIATRIC-
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING NCLEX-STYLE
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & DETAILED
RATIONALES (MASTER BUNDLE)
Excel in your psychiatric-mental health nursing
course with this comprehensive study bundle
featuring 150 high-yield practice questions carefully
tailored to the NSG 3600 Exam 1 blueprint. The
collection delivers realistic, NCLEX-style clinical
scenarios testing core mental health concepts,
including therapeutic communication techniques,
nurse-client relationship phases, legal and ethical
boundaries, defense mechanisms, and anxiety or
stress-related disorders. Every single entry provides
fully separated answer keys and evidence-based
rationales styled entirely in bold-italic text for rapid,
hassle-free highlighting and direct Stuvia upload
compatibility.
, 1.A nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a client in an inpatient
psychiatric unit. Which of the following statements by the nurse illustrates the
therapeutic communication technique of restating?
A) "Can you tell me more about why you feel angry?"
B) "It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed by your current living situation."
C) "You mentioned that you are having trouble sleeping because your mind is
racing."
D) "Don't worry, everything will work out fine once your medications are
adjusted."
Correct Answer: C) "You mentioned that you are having trouble sleeping because
your mind is racing."
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main thoughts or key words that the
client has expressed to let them know the nurse is listening and to encourage
further discussion. Option A is focusing/exploring, Option B is reflecting feelings,
and Option D is false reassurance, which is non-therapeutic. [1]
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is admitted involuntarily to an acute mental health
facility following a suicide attempt. The nurse understands that an involuntary admission
changes which of the following aspects of the client's care?
A) The client loses the right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B) The client can be restrained at any time without a provider's order.
C) The client loses the right to sign legal documents or vote.
D) The client is temporarily restricted from leaving the facility against medical advice.
Correct Answer: D) The client is temporarily restricted from leaving the facility
against medical advice.
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client's immediate danger to
self or others. While it restricts their freedom to leave the facility at will, the client
still retains all other civil rights, including the right to informed consent and the
right to refuse treatment/medications, unless a separate legal court ruling or
emergency protocol dictates otherwise.
,3. A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is experiencing a severe
panic attack. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A) Teach the client deep-breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
B) Leave the client alone in a quiet room to minimize external stimuli.
C) Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences to communicate.
D) Administer a scheduled dose of a selective serotonin reupdate inhibitor (SSRI).
Correct Answer: C) Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences to
communicate.
Rationale: During a severe panic attack, a client's perceptual field is significantly
narrowed, and they cannot process complex information or learn new coping
strategies. The priority nursing action is to ensure safety by staying with the
client and using calm, brief, and direct communication. Teaching coping
strategies is done after the anxiety subsides. [1, 2]
4. A nurse is reviewing the ethical principles of psychiatric care. The nurse demonstrates
the principle of autonomy by performing which of the following actions?
A) Ensuring that an aggressive client is placed in seclusion for safety.
B) Helping a client explore choices and make their own decision about attending group
therapy.
C) Administering a PRN antianxiety medication to an agitated client exactly when
requested.
D) Keeping a promise to return and speak with a client at a specific designated time.
Correct Answer: B) Helping a client explore choices and make their own decision
about attending group therapy.
Rationale: Autonomy is the ethical principle that recognizes and respects a
client's right to self-determination and independent decision-making. Option D
represents fidelity, and administering PRN meds timely represents
beneficence/justice. [1]
5. During a one-on-one session, a client becomes angry, slams their fist on the table, and
states, "Everyone here treats me like a child, and you're just like my strict mother!" The
nurse should recognize that the client is demonstrating which psychological
phenomenon?
A) Countertransference
B) Transference
, C) Projection
D) Splitting
Correct Answer: B) Transference
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously redirects or
transfers feelings, expectations, and attitudes felt toward a significant person in
their past (like a parent) onto the nurse. Countertransference is when the nurse
transfers feelings onto the client.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal. Which of
the following classifications of medication should the nurse anticipate administering first
to manage acute withdrawal symptoms?
A) Antipsychotics
B) Benzodiazepines
C) Anticonvulsants
D) Beta-blockers
Correct Answer: B) Benzodiazepines
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (e.g., chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam) are the gold
standard for acute alcohol withdrawal. They provide cross-tolerance with alcohol,
mimicking its effects on GABA receptors to prevent severe complications like
seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
7. A nurse is reviewing the legal requirements for placing a psychiatric client in physical
restraints. Which of the following guidelines must the nurse follow?
A) A verbal order for restraints must be signed by the provider within 48 hours.
B) The nurse must document the client’s status and safety every 15 minutes.
C) Restraints can be used as a convenient method to prevent a client from pacing.
D) A restraint order can be written on an "as needed" (PRN) basis.
Correct Answer: B) The nurse must document the client’s status and safety every
15 minutes.
Rationale: Restraints require rigorous documentation, typically every 15 minutes,
regarding circulation checks, vital signs, food/fluid intake, and toileting. PRN
restraint orders are strictly forbidden. Restraints are a last resort for safety, never
for convenience.
