SCHOOL OF NURSING AND BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES
NUR 375 THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION IN PSYCHIATRIC AND
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING FINAL EXAMINATION PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
2026-2027 UPDATE
Instructions: Answer all sixty (60) practice questions. Select the single best option for each
multiple-choice question. Highlighted options indicate correct answers along with verified solutions
and comprehensive rationales.
1. A patient admitted with major depressive disorder states, "I just feel so worthless and
like a burden to everyone around me." Which response by the nurse demonstrates the
therapeutic technique of reflecting?
A) "You shouldn't feel that way because your family cares about you."
B) "You feel like you're a burden to those around you?"
C) "Why do you think you have become a burden?"
D) "Let's talk about something more positive today."
Rationale: Reflecting mirrors the patient's feelings and statements back to them, encouraging further expression
without judgment or unsolicited advice.
2. A nurse is establishing a nurse-patient relationship during the initial orientation phase.
What primary task should the nurse focus on accomplishing during this phase?
A) Establishing trust, boundaries, and a mutually agreed-upon therapeutic contract
B) Promoting independent problem-solving and behavioral changes
C) Evaluating goal achievement and preparing for discharge
D) Overcoming resistance to difficult emotional insights
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on building rapport, establishing trust, defining roles, and setting
parameters for the relationship.
3. During a one-on-one session, a patient with generalized anxiety disorder becomes
silent for over two minutes. What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A) Break the silence immediately by asking a new question.
B) Maintain quiet attentiveness and allow the patient time to process thoughts.
C) Terminate the interview session early.
D) Tell the patient that silence is uncomfortable and unproductive.
, Rationale: Using silence gives the patient space to organize thoughts and process deep feelings without feeling
rushed.
4. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia states, "The government is using satellite rays
to control my brain." Which response by the nurse addresses the delusion
therapeutically without reinforcing it?
A) "That sounds crazy; satellites can't do that."
B) "I know the satellites are controlling you, but you're safe here."
C) "It must feel frightening to feel like you're losing control, but I don't see any
satellites."
D) "Why do you think the government cares about controlling your brain?"
Rationale: Validating the underlying feeling while gently presenting reality avoids validating the delusion or
arguing with the patient.
5. A nurse observes a patient pacing the hallway, clenching fists, and breathing rapidly.
What open-ended statement should the nurse use to initiate therapeutic contact?
A) "You seem restless right now. Tell me what you're experiencing."
B) "Are you angry because someone upset you?"
C) "You need to sit down right now and calm down."
D) "If you don't stop pacing, you will have to go to your room."
Rationale: Open-ended statements invite the patient to express feelings freely without feeling cornered or
defensive.
6. A patient asks the nurse, "Do you think I should divorce my spouse?" Which response
avoids giving non-therapeutic advice?
A) "Yes, your spouse sounds very unsupportive."
B) "What are your thoughts about what would be best for your relationship?"
C) "I think you should wait at least six months before deciding."
D) "If I were in your position, I would leave."
Rationale: Giving advice fosters dependency; redirecting the question back encourages self-exploration and
personal decision-making.
7. What non-verbal communication behavior by the nurse best conveys active listening
using the SOLER framework?
A) Sitting with arms crossed and leaning backward
B) Facing the patient squarely, adopting an open posture, and maintaining
appropriate eye contact
C) Looking at a clock frequently to keep time
D) Standing over the seated patient to maintain professional authority
Rationale: The SOLER acronym stands for Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean toward, Eye contact, and Relax,
SCIENCES
NUR 375 THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION IN PSYCHIATRIC AND
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING FINAL EXAMINATION PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
2026-2027 UPDATE
Instructions: Answer all sixty (60) practice questions. Select the single best option for each
multiple-choice question. Highlighted options indicate correct answers along with verified solutions
and comprehensive rationales.
1. A patient admitted with major depressive disorder states, "I just feel so worthless and
like a burden to everyone around me." Which response by the nurse demonstrates the
therapeutic technique of reflecting?
A) "You shouldn't feel that way because your family cares about you."
B) "You feel like you're a burden to those around you?"
C) "Why do you think you have become a burden?"
D) "Let's talk about something more positive today."
Rationale: Reflecting mirrors the patient's feelings and statements back to them, encouraging further expression
without judgment or unsolicited advice.
2. A nurse is establishing a nurse-patient relationship during the initial orientation phase.
What primary task should the nurse focus on accomplishing during this phase?
A) Establishing trust, boundaries, and a mutually agreed-upon therapeutic contract
B) Promoting independent problem-solving and behavioral changes
C) Evaluating goal achievement and preparing for discharge
D) Overcoming resistance to difficult emotional insights
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on building rapport, establishing trust, defining roles, and setting
parameters for the relationship.
3. During a one-on-one session, a patient with generalized anxiety disorder becomes
silent for over two minutes. What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A) Break the silence immediately by asking a new question.
B) Maintain quiet attentiveness and allow the patient time to process thoughts.
C) Terminate the interview session early.
D) Tell the patient that silence is uncomfortable and unproductive.
, Rationale: Using silence gives the patient space to organize thoughts and process deep feelings without feeling
rushed.
4. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia states, "The government is using satellite rays
to control my brain." Which response by the nurse addresses the delusion
therapeutically without reinforcing it?
A) "That sounds crazy; satellites can't do that."
B) "I know the satellites are controlling you, but you're safe here."
C) "It must feel frightening to feel like you're losing control, but I don't see any
satellites."
D) "Why do you think the government cares about controlling your brain?"
Rationale: Validating the underlying feeling while gently presenting reality avoids validating the delusion or
arguing with the patient.
5. A nurse observes a patient pacing the hallway, clenching fists, and breathing rapidly.
What open-ended statement should the nurse use to initiate therapeutic contact?
A) "You seem restless right now. Tell me what you're experiencing."
B) "Are you angry because someone upset you?"
C) "You need to sit down right now and calm down."
D) "If you don't stop pacing, you will have to go to your room."
Rationale: Open-ended statements invite the patient to express feelings freely without feeling cornered or
defensive.
6. A patient asks the nurse, "Do you think I should divorce my spouse?" Which response
avoids giving non-therapeutic advice?
A) "Yes, your spouse sounds very unsupportive."
B) "What are your thoughts about what would be best for your relationship?"
C) "I think you should wait at least six months before deciding."
D) "If I were in your position, I would leave."
Rationale: Giving advice fosters dependency; redirecting the question back encourages self-exploration and
personal decision-making.
7. What non-verbal communication behavior by the nurse best conveys active listening
using the SOLER framework?
A) Sitting with arms crossed and leaning backward
B) Facing the patient squarely, adopting an open posture, and maintaining
appropriate eye contact
C) Looking at a clock frequently to keep time
D) Standing over the seated patient to maintain professional authority
Rationale: The SOLER acronym stands for Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean toward, Eye contact, and Relax,
