, NR 326 Mental Health Final Exam Actual 2026/2027 – 100%
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SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS & THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
Question 1
A nurse prioritizes care for four patients. Which patient should be seen first?
• A. Patient requesting water
• B. Postoperative patient with shortness of breath
• C. Patient scheduled for discharge
• D. Patient with mild headache
Correct Answer: B - Postoperative patient with shortness of breath
Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority per Maslow's hierarchy and ABC
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation) principles. Shortness of breath indicates a
potential life-threatening respiratory compromise that requires immediate
intervention. The other options represent lower-priority needs that can be
addressed after stabilizing the patient's breathing .
Question 2
The nurse demonstrates professionalism by:
• A. Discussing patient details in the break room
• B. Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• C. Ignoring organizational policies
• D. Sharing personal opinions with patients
Correct Answer: B - Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
Rationale: Professionalism in nursing includes maintaining patient confidentiality,
establishing and maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries, adhering to
ethical standards, and practicing within the scope of the nursing role. Discussing
,patient information outside of appropriate care settings violates HIPAA and
professional standards .
Question 3
Which is an example of a breach of confidentiality?
• A. Discussing a patient's chart in a hallway
• B. Consulting a provider about lab results
• C. Documenting care in the EHR
• D. Reporting abuse to authorities
Correct Answer: A - Discussing a patient's chart in a hallway
Rationale: Confidential patient information must be protected; public discussions
in hallways or other non-private areas violate HIPAA regulations. Consulting with
providers about patient care and documenting in the EHR are appropriate
professional activities. Reporting abuse is a legal and ethical obligation that does
not constitute a breach of confidentiality .
Question 4
The nurse demonstrates accountability by:
• A. Delegating medication administration and ignoring outcomes
• B. Documenting care accurately and taking responsibility for interventions
• C. Avoiding tasks outside comfort zone
• D. Reporting a colleague's error without own assessment
Correct Answer: B - Documenting care accurately and taking responsibility for
interventions
Rationale: Accountability means being responsible for nursing actions, patient
outcomes, and accurate documentation. This includes accepting ownership of
, one's decisions and actions, ensuring proper delegation practices, and
maintaining professional responsibility for the care provided .
Question 5
During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse should:
• A. Establish trust and set boundaries
• B. Explore past traumas in depth
• C. Terminate the relationship
• D. Share personal life details
Correct Answer: A - Establish trust and set boundaries
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on establishing rapport, defining
confidentiality, identifying roles, setting boundaries, and formulating nursing
diagnoses and goals. Deep exploration of traumas occurs in the working phase.
Termination occurs at the end of the therapeutic relationship .
Question 6
A nurse feels very protective of a patient who reminds the nurse of their younger
sibling. This is an example of:
• A. Transference
• B. Countertransference
• C. Empathy
• D. Sympathy
Correct Answer: B - Countertransference
Rationale: Countertransference is the nurse's emotional reaction to a patient
based on the nurse's own past experiences and unresolved issues. It requires self-
awareness and may interfere with therapeutic effectiveness if not recognized and
managed. Transference is the patient's projection of feelings onto the nurse .
Verified | Detailed Rationales – Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS & THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
Question 1
A nurse prioritizes care for four patients. Which patient should be seen first?
• A. Patient requesting water
• B. Postoperative patient with shortness of breath
• C. Patient scheduled for discharge
• D. Patient with mild headache
Correct Answer: B - Postoperative patient with shortness of breath
Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority per Maslow's hierarchy and ABC
(Airway, Breathing, Circulation) principles. Shortness of breath indicates a
potential life-threatening respiratory compromise that requires immediate
intervention. The other options represent lower-priority needs that can be
addressed after stabilizing the patient's breathing .
Question 2
The nurse demonstrates professionalism by:
• A. Discussing patient details in the break room
• B. Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
• C. Ignoring organizational policies
• D. Sharing personal opinions with patients
Correct Answer: B - Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries
Rationale: Professionalism in nursing includes maintaining patient confidentiality,
establishing and maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries, adhering to
ethical standards, and practicing within the scope of the nursing role. Discussing
,patient information outside of appropriate care settings violates HIPAA and
professional standards .
Question 3
Which is an example of a breach of confidentiality?
• A. Discussing a patient's chart in a hallway
• B. Consulting a provider about lab results
• C. Documenting care in the EHR
• D. Reporting abuse to authorities
Correct Answer: A - Discussing a patient's chart in a hallway
Rationale: Confidential patient information must be protected; public discussions
in hallways or other non-private areas violate HIPAA regulations. Consulting with
providers about patient care and documenting in the EHR are appropriate
professional activities. Reporting abuse is a legal and ethical obligation that does
not constitute a breach of confidentiality .
Question 4
The nurse demonstrates accountability by:
• A. Delegating medication administration and ignoring outcomes
• B. Documenting care accurately and taking responsibility for interventions
• C. Avoiding tasks outside comfort zone
• D. Reporting a colleague's error without own assessment
Correct Answer: B - Documenting care accurately and taking responsibility for
interventions
Rationale: Accountability means being responsible for nursing actions, patient
outcomes, and accurate documentation. This includes accepting ownership of
, one's decisions and actions, ensuring proper delegation practices, and
maintaining professional responsibility for the care provided .
Question 5
During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse should:
• A. Establish trust and set boundaries
• B. Explore past traumas in depth
• C. Terminate the relationship
• D. Share personal life details
Correct Answer: A - Establish trust and set boundaries
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on establishing rapport, defining
confidentiality, identifying roles, setting boundaries, and formulating nursing
diagnoses and goals. Deep exploration of traumas occurs in the working phase.
Termination occurs at the end of the therapeutic relationship .
Question 6
A nurse feels very protective of a patient who reminds the nurse of their younger
sibling. This is an example of:
• A. Transference
• B. Countertransference
• C. Empathy
• D. Sympathy
Correct Answer: B - Countertransference
Rationale: Countertransference is the nurse's emotional reaction to a patient
based on the nurse's own past experiences and unresolved issues. It requires self-
awareness and may interfere with therapeutic effectiveness if not recognized and
managed. Transference is the patient's projection of feelings onto the nurse .
