NUR 208/NUR208 Exam 1 V1 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client who was voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit. The client
asks to leave against medical advice. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the psychiatrist to assess for potential danger to self or others.
B. Place the client in a seclusion room to ensure safety.
C. Tell the client they cannot leave because they are under medical care.
D. Administer an emergency sedative to prevent the client from leaving.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Clients admitted voluntarily have the right to request discharge at any time.
The nurse must notify the physician so a formal assessment of the client’s safety can be
conducted before they leave. If the client is determined to be a danger to themselves or
others, the status may be converted to involuntary.
2. Which statement by a client demonstrates the successful use of the defense mechanism
‘Sublimation’?
A. “I drink every night because my boss is so demanding.”
B. “My wife is the one who is always late, not me.”
C. “I don’t remember anything about the accident that happened last week.”
D. “I started taking kickboxing classes to deal with my anger at work.”
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses
are channeled into socially acceptable activities. In this case, kickboxing serves as a
productive outlet for anger. This mechanism helps the individual manage stress without
harmful consequences.
3. A nurse is using the technique of ‘Reflecting’ during a conversation with a client. Which
response by the nurse is an example of this?
A. “You seem to be feeling very frustrated with your progress.”
B. “What would you like to talk about today?”
C. “Are you saying that your family is the cause of your stress?”
D. “I will sit here with you for a while in silence.”
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Reflecting involves directing the client’s feelings or ideas back to them to
encourage further exploration. It validates the client’s emotions and helps them recognize
their own feelings. This technique promotes self-awareness and active participation in the
therapeutic process.
4. During a Mental Status Exam (MSE), the nurse asks the client to interpret the proverb
‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Abstract thinking
B. Memory recall
, C. Orientation to reality
D. Attention span
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information beyond literal
meanings. Clients with cognitive impairment or certain psychiatric conditions may provide
concrete interpretations instead. This assessment helps the nurse determine the client’s
cognitive functioning level.
5. A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment. Which question focuses on the client’s
support system?
A. “What medications are you currently taking at home?”
B. “Have you ever been hospitalized for mental health issues before?”
C. “Who do you usually talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed?”
D. “How would you describe your mood over the last two weeks?”
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Assessing the support system identifies external resources available to the
client during a crisis. It helps the nurse understand the client’s social network and
environment. Identifying reliable support is a crucial component of discharge planning and
long-term recovery.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client who was voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit. The client
asks to leave against medical advice. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the psychiatrist to assess for potential danger to self or others.
B. Place the client in a seclusion room to ensure safety.
C. Tell the client they cannot leave because they are under medical care.
D. Administer an emergency sedative to prevent the client from leaving.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Clients admitted voluntarily have the right to request discharge at any time.
The nurse must notify the physician so a formal assessment of the client’s safety can be
conducted before they leave. If the client is determined to be a danger to themselves or
others, the status may be converted to involuntary.
2. Which statement by a client demonstrates the successful use of the defense mechanism
‘Sublimation’?
A. “I drink every night because my boss is so demanding.”
B. “My wife is the one who is always late, not me.”
C. “I don’t remember anything about the accident that happened last week.”
D. “I started taking kickboxing classes to deal with my anger at work.”
,Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses
are channeled into socially acceptable activities. In this case, kickboxing serves as a
productive outlet for anger. This mechanism helps the individual manage stress without
harmful consequences.
3. A nurse is using the technique of ‘Reflecting’ during a conversation with a client. Which
response by the nurse is an example of this?
A. “You seem to be feeling very frustrated with your progress.”
B. “What would you like to talk about today?”
C. “Are you saying that your family is the cause of your stress?”
D. “I will sit here with you for a while in silence.”
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Reflecting involves directing the client’s feelings or ideas back to them to
encourage further exploration. It validates the client’s emotions and helps them recognize
their own feelings. This technique promotes self-awareness and active participation in the
therapeutic process.
4. During a Mental Status Exam (MSE), the nurse asks the client to interpret the proverb
‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Abstract thinking
B. Memory recall
, C. Orientation to reality
D. Attention span
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information beyond literal
meanings. Clients with cognitive impairment or certain psychiatric conditions may provide
concrete interpretations instead. This assessment helps the nurse determine the client’s
cognitive functioning level.
5. A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment. Which question focuses on the client’s
support system?
A. “What medications are you currently taking at home?”
B. “Have you ever been hospitalized for mental health issues before?”
C. “Who do you usually talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed?”
D. “How would you describe your mood over the last two weeks?”
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Assessing the support system identifies external resources available to the
client during a crisis. It helps the nurse understand the client’s social network and
environment. Identifying reliable support is a crucial component of discharge planning and
long-term recovery.
