NU 160/NU160 Mental Health Concepts Comprehensive Practice Examination Galen College of Nursing

NU 160/NU160 Mental Health Concepts Comprehensive Practice Examination Galen College of Nursing Total Questions: 96 SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION (Questions 1-30) Question 1 – Therapeutic Communication A client states, “I don’t think I can handle this anymore. Everything is falling apart.” Which nursing response demonstrates the therapeutic technique of restating? A) “Tell me more about what is falling apart for you.” B) “You feel like you cannot handle things right now.” C) “Have you felt this way before in your life?” D) “Everything will work out in the end.” Correct Answer: B Rationale: Restating involves repeating the client’s main idea back to them using slightly different words to confirm understanding and encourage further exploration. Question 2 – Therapeutic Communication A client says, “My family doesn’t understand me at all.” The nurse responds, “Your family doesn’t understand you.” This is an example of: A) Paraphrasing B) Reflection of feeling C) Clarification D) Summarizing Correct Answer: A Rationale: Paraphrasing involves restating the client’s message in the nurse’s own words to demonstrate active listening and confirm accurate understanding. Question 3 – Therapeutic Communication When a client expresses anger, the nurse states, “I can see that you’re very angry about this situation.” This response demonstrates: A) Validation B) Reflection of feeling C) Empathy D) Interpretation Correct Answer: B Rationale: Reflection of feeling identifies and articulates the emotional content of the client’s communication, helping them recognize and validate their emotions. Question 4 – Therapeutic Communication A client is describing a traumatic experience and becomes tearful. The nurse remains present but does not speak. This use of silence is therapeutic because it: A) Encourages the client to stop crying B) Allows the client to process emotions without pressure C) Shows the nurse has nothing to say D) Forces the client to continue talking Correct Answer: B Rationale: Therapeutic silence provides clients with space to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and formulate thoughts without pressure or interruption. Question 5 – Therapeutic Communication Which statement by the nurse is an example of offering self? A) “Tell me more about your relationship with your mother.” B) “I’ll sit with you for a while if you’d like.” C) “What are your goals for treatment?” D) “You should attend the group therapy session.” Correct Answer: B Rationale: Offering self communicates presence and willingness to be with the client without demands, conveying caring and acceptance. Question 6 – Therapeutic Communication The nurse tells a grieving client, “Don’t worry, you’ll get over this soon.” This response is an example of which non-therapeutic communication technique? A) Giving recognition B) Offering general leads C) False reassurance D) Active listening Correct Answer: C Rationale: False reassurance dismisses the client’s feelings with empty promises of positive outcomes, blocking further emotional expression. Question 7 – Therapeutic Communication A client states, “I’ve been feeling really down lately.” The nurse responds, “When you say ‘down,’ do you mean sad, tired, or something else?” This is an example of: A) Clarification B) Restating C) Reflection D) Focusing Correct Answer: A Rationale: Clarification involves asking for more specific information to understand the client’s meaning fully and avoid assumptions. Question 8 – Therapeutic Communication Which response by the nurse is an example of giving recognition? A) “Good morning, I see you’re dressed and ready for the day.” B) “You should try to attend the group therapy session.” C) “Everything will be okay.” D) “Why do you feel that way?” Correct Answer: A Rationale: Giving recognition acknowledges the client’s efforts or accomplishments without judgment or evaluation. Question 9 – Therapeutic Communication A client states, “I’m afraid to leave my house.” The nurse responds, “You’re afraid to leave home.” This is an example of: A) Restating B) Interpreting C) Confronting D) Focusing Correct Answer: A Rationale: Restating involves repeating the client’s exact or paraphrased words to confirm understanding and encourage further discussion. Question 10 – Therapeutic Communication Which statement demonstrates the use of empathy? A) “I understand exactly how you feel; I went through the same thing.” B) “You’re feeling overwhelmed, and I can imagine that’s difficult.” C) “You shouldn’t feel that way.” D) “Let me tell you what worked for me.” Correct Answer: B Rationale: Empathy involves understanding and validating the client’s feelings without claiming to have had identical experiences.