,NUR 253 Exam 1 | Concepts of Mental Health Nursing
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Mental health is best defined as a state of well-being in which an individual:
A) Can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to the
community
B) Is free from any emotional distress
C) Requires ongoing psychiatric medication to function
D) Avoids all life stressors to maintain balance
Correct Answer: Can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and
contribute to the community
Rationale: The WHO describes mental health as more than the absence of
illness. It encompasses realizing one’s potential, handling normal life stresses,
working effectively, and participating in community life. This holistic view
emphasizes functioning and well‑being.
2. A strong social support network is considered which of the following in
relation to mental health?
A) Risk factor
B) Causative factor
C) Protective factor
D) Neutral factor
Correct Answer: Protective factor
,Rationale: Protective factors buffer the impact of stress and reduce the
likelihood of mental illness. Strong social connections, resilience, and healthy
coping skills are key protective factors. Risk factors, in contrast, increase
vulnerability.
3. When a client shares a traumatic experience, the nurse uses silence. This
technique primarily aims to:
A) Change the subject to something less distressing
B) Encourage further expression and allow the client to process thoughts
C) Show disapproval for the client’s emotional reaction
D) Signal the end of the conversation
Correct Answer: Encourage further expression and allow the client to process
thoughts
Rationale: Silence gives the client time to reflect, organize thoughts, and
continue at their own pace. It is a therapeutic tool that conveys acceptance and
respect, often prompting deeper disclosure. It is not used to change the subject
or end the interaction.
4. Which nursing response best exemplifies a therapeutic communication
technique?
A) “You shouldn’t feel that way about your family.”
B) “Everything will be okay; don’t worry so much.”
C) “I know exactly what you mean; the same thing happened to me.”
D) “Tell me more about how you feel.”
, Correct Answer: “Tell me more about how you feel.”
Rationale: An open‑ended invitation encourages the client to express feelings
without judgment, promoting exploration. The other options are
non‑therapeutic: giving false reassurance, offering advice, or shifting focus to
the nurse’s experience.
5. After admission for suicidal ideation with a plan, the client is involuntarily
committed. The priority nursing action is to:
A) Ensure the client’s legal rights are protected and explained
B) Administer PRN sedation immediately
C) Obtain a complete family psychiatric history
D) Begin individual therapy immediately
Correct Answer: Ensure the client’s legal rights are protected and explained
Rationale: Even under involuntary commitment, clients retain rights (e.g., right
to refuse treatment, confidentiality). The nurse must explain these rights to
uphold ethical and legal standards. Medication, history, and therapy follow
after rights are addressed.
6. Which factors are personal risk factors for mental illness? (Select all that
apply.)
A) Strong social support network
B) Genetic predisposition, prenatal exposure to alcohol, and childhood trauma
C) Genetic predisposition only
D) Prenatal exposure to alcohol only
(2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Mental health is best defined as a state of well-being in which an individual:
A) Can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to the
community
B) Is free from any emotional distress
C) Requires ongoing psychiatric medication to function
D) Avoids all life stressors to maintain balance
Correct Answer: Can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and
contribute to the community
Rationale: The WHO describes mental health as more than the absence of
illness. It encompasses realizing one’s potential, handling normal life stresses,
working effectively, and participating in community life. This holistic view
emphasizes functioning and well‑being.
2. A strong social support network is considered which of the following in
relation to mental health?
A) Risk factor
B) Causative factor
C) Protective factor
D) Neutral factor
Correct Answer: Protective factor
,Rationale: Protective factors buffer the impact of stress and reduce the
likelihood of mental illness. Strong social connections, resilience, and healthy
coping skills are key protective factors. Risk factors, in contrast, increase
vulnerability.
3. When a client shares a traumatic experience, the nurse uses silence. This
technique primarily aims to:
A) Change the subject to something less distressing
B) Encourage further expression and allow the client to process thoughts
C) Show disapproval for the client’s emotional reaction
D) Signal the end of the conversation
Correct Answer: Encourage further expression and allow the client to process
thoughts
Rationale: Silence gives the client time to reflect, organize thoughts, and
continue at their own pace. It is a therapeutic tool that conveys acceptance and
respect, often prompting deeper disclosure. It is not used to change the subject
or end the interaction.
4. Which nursing response best exemplifies a therapeutic communication
technique?
A) “You shouldn’t feel that way about your family.”
B) “Everything will be okay; don’t worry so much.”
C) “I know exactly what you mean; the same thing happened to me.”
D) “Tell me more about how you feel.”
, Correct Answer: “Tell me more about how you feel.”
Rationale: An open‑ended invitation encourages the client to express feelings
without judgment, promoting exploration. The other options are
non‑therapeutic: giving false reassurance, offering advice, or shifting focus to
the nurse’s experience.
5. After admission for suicidal ideation with a plan, the client is involuntarily
committed. The priority nursing action is to:
A) Ensure the client’s legal rights are protected and explained
B) Administer PRN sedation immediately
C) Obtain a complete family psychiatric history
D) Begin individual therapy immediately
Correct Answer: Ensure the client’s legal rights are protected and explained
Rationale: Even under involuntary commitment, clients retain rights (e.g., right
to refuse treatment, confidentiality). The nurse must explain these rights to
uphold ethical and legal standards. Medication, history, and therapy follow
after rights are addressed.
6. Which factors are personal risk factors for mental illness? (Select all that
apply.)
A) Strong social support network
B) Genetic predisposition, prenatal exposure to alcohol, and childhood trauma
C) Genetic predisposition only
D) Prenatal exposure to alcohol only
