PNR 200/PNR200 Exam 1 V3 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of mental health. Which behavior by the client
indicates a positive state of mental health?
A. Using defense mechanisms to avoid all conflict.
B. Setting realistic goals and expectations for oneself.
C. Basing self-worth entirely on the opinions of others.
D. Withdrawing from social interactions during stress.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mental health is characterized by the ability to adapt to changes and cope
with stressors effectively. Realistic goal setting reflects a healthy perception of self and
environment. This state allows the individual to fulfill their potential and navigate life’s
challenges with resilience.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
the client retain?
A. The right to leave the facility at any time.
B. The right to unlimited visitors without clinical review.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to possess any personal items including sharps.
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Even under involuntary commitment, clients generally retain the right to
refuse medical or psychiatric treatment unless they are an immediate danger to self or
others. This is a fundamental legal and ethical standard in mental health nursing. The nurse
must respect the client’s autonomy while monitoring for safety risks that might necessitate
legal intervention.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You seem
upset about the news you received today’?
A. Exploring
B. Giving advice
C. Sharing observations
D. Restating
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sharing observations involves calling attention to the client’s physical
behavior or apparent feelings. This technique encourages the client to verify the nurse’s
perception and elaborate on their experience. It avoids direct questioning while
demonstrating that the nurse is present and attentive.
4. A nurse is performing a Mental Status Examination (MSE). Which assessment finding
specifically evaluates the client’s cognitive function?
A. The client’s grooming and hygiene.
, B. The client’s facial expressions and eye contact.
C. The client’s ability to perform serial sevens.
D. The client’s report of feeling ‘hopeless’.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cognitive function in an MSE includes memory, attention span, and
calculation skills like serial sevens. Grooming and hygiene relate to appearance and motor
behavior. Feelings of hopelessness are assessed under mood and affect, rather than
cognitive processing.
5. A client tells the nurse, ‘I only drink because my wife makes me so angry.’ This is an
example of which defense mechanism?
A. Rationalization
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rationalization is the attempt to justify illogical or unacceptable behaviors by
making excuses. In this case, the client is blaming his wife for his choice to consume
alcohol. This allows the individual to avoid personal responsibility and reduce anxiety
associated with their behavior.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of mental health. Which behavior by the client
indicates a positive state of mental health?
A. Using defense mechanisms to avoid all conflict.
B. Setting realistic goals and expectations for oneself.
C. Basing self-worth entirely on the opinions of others.
D. Withdrawing from social interactions during stress.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mental health is characterized by the ability to adapt to changes and cope
with stressors effectively. Realistic goal setting reflects a healthy perception of self and
environment. This state allows the individual to fulfill their potential and navigate life’s
challenges with resilience.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
the client retain?
A. The right to leave the facility at any time.
B. The right to unlimited visitors without clinical review.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to possess any personal items including sharps.
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Even under involuntary commitment, clients generally retain the right to
refuse medical or psychiatric treatment unless they are an immediate danger to self or
others. This is a fundamental legal and ethical standard in mental health nursing. The nurse
must respect the client’s autonomy while monitoring for safety risks that might necessitate
legal intervention.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You seem
upset about the news you received today’?
A. Exploring
B. Giving advice
C. Sharing observations
D. Restating
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sharing observations involves calling attention to the client’s physical
behavior or apparent feelings. This technique encourages the client to verify the nurse’s
perception and elaborate on their experience. It avoids direct questioning while
demonstrating that the nurse is present and attentive.
4. A nurse is performing a Mental Status Examination (MSE). Which assessment finding
specifically evaluates the client’s cognitive function?
A. The client’s grooming and hygiene.
, B. The client’s facial expressions and eye contact.
C. The client’s ability to perform serial sevens.
D. The client’s report of feeling ‘hopeless’.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Cognitive function in an MSE includes memory, attention span, and
calculation skills like serial sevens. Grooming and hygiene relate to appearance and motor
behavior. Feelings of hopelessness are assessed under mood and affect, rather than
cognitive processing.
5. A client tells the nurse, ‘I only drink because my wife makes me so angry.’ This is an
example of which defense mechanism?
A. Rationalization
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rationalization is the attempt to justify illogical or unacceptable behaviors by
making excuses. In this case, the client is blaming his wife for his choice to consume
alcohol. This allows the individual to avoid personal responsibility and reduce anxiety
associated with their behavior.
