NUR253 Exam 1 V2 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which
therapeutic communication technique should the nurse prioritize?
A. Using short, simple sentences and a calm voice
B. Asking the patient ‘why’ they feel anxious
C. Providing detailed information about the diagnosis
D. Leaving the patient alone to calm down
Answer: A
Rationale: Patients in a state of severe anxiety have a narrowed perceptual field and
struggle to process complex information. Using short and simple sentences helps the
patient focus and feel safe. A calm demeanor by the nurse can also help reduce the patient’s
physiological arousal level.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they honor a patient’s refusal of a
scheduled medication?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
,D. Fidelity
Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their healthcare. In mental health, even hospitalized patients retain the right to refuse
medication unless an emergency or legal court order exists. Respecting this choice is a
fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice.
3. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following is
the primary goal?
A. Evaluating the progress toward goals
B. Establishing trust and defining boundaries
C. Identifying the patient’s past coping mechanisms
D. Promoting the patient’s problem-solving skills
Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and patient get to
know each other. The primary focus is to build rapport, establish a contract, and clarify
expectations for the relationship. This phase sets the foundation for the subsequent
therapeutic work.
4. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I can handle my problems anymore.’ Which
response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’
, B. ‘It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now.’
C. ‘Why do you feel like you can’t handle things?’
D. ‘You should focus on the positive things in your life.’
Answer: B
Rationale: This response uses the technique of reflection and validation of feelings. It
acknowledges the patient’s current emotional state without being dismissive or
judgmental. Validating a patient’s feelings encourages them to continue sharing their
experience.
5. A nurse observes a patient pacing and wringing their hands. Which level of anxiety is the
patient likely experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic level anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate anxiety often manifests as increased motor activity, such as pacing or
hand-wringing. The patient’s perceptual field narrows, and they may experience tension or
a pounding heart. Identifying these signs early allows the nurse to intervene before the
anxiety escalates to a severe level.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which
therapeutic communication technique should the nurse prioritize?
A. Using short, simple sentences and a calm voice
B. Asking the patient ‘why’ they feel anxious
C. Providing detailed information about the diagnosis
D. Leaving the patient alone to calm down
Answer: A
Rationale: Patients in a state of severe anxiety have a narrowed perceptual field and
struggle to process complex information. Using short and simple sentences helps the
patient focus and feel safe. A calm demeanor by the nurse can also help reduce the patient’s
physiological arousal level.
2. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they honor a patient’s refusal of a
scheduled medication?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Autonomy
,D. Fidelity
Answer: C
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about
their healthcare. In mental health, even hospitalized patients retain the right to refuse
medication unless an emergency or legal court order exists. Respecting this choice is a
fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice.
3. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following is
the primary goal?
A. Evaluating the progress toward goals
B. Establishing trust and defining boundaries
C. Identifying the patient’s past coping mechanisms
D. Promoting the patient’s problem-solving skills
Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and patient get to
know each other. The primary focus is to build rapport, establish a contract, and clarify
expectations for the relationship. This phase sets the foundation for the subsequent
therapeutic work.
4. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I can handle my problems anymore.’ Which
response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’
, B. ‘It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now.’
C. ‘Why do you feel like you can’t handle things?’
D. ‘You should focus on the positive things in your life.’
Answer: B
Rationale: This response uses the technique of reflection and validation of feelings. It
acknowledges the patient’s current emotional state without being dismissive or
judgmental. Validating a patient’s feelings encourages them to continue sharing their
experience.
5. A nurse observes a patient pacing and wringing their hands. Which level of anxiety is the
patient likely experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic level anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate anxiety often manifests as increased motor activity, such as pacing or
hand-wringing. The patient’s perceptual field narrows, and they may experience tension or
a pounding heart. Identifying these signs early allows the nurse to intervene before the
anxiety escalates to a severe level.
