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VARCAROLIS ESSENTIALS OF PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Original
Study Guide with Practice Questions by Chapter
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
1. Which of the following best defines mental health?
A) The absence of any mental disorder
B) A state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own
abilities and can cope with normal life stresses
C) The absence of stress
D) A condition requiring medication
Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined by the WHO as a state of
well-being where the individual realizes their own abilities, can
cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to
their community. It is more than the absence of mental illness.
2. The "fight or flight" response is mediated by which system?
A) Parasympathetic nervous system
B) Sympathetic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Endocrine system only
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Answer: B
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-
or-flight response, releasing catecholamines (epinephrine,
norepinephrine) and preparing the body for action.
3. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) is published by:
A) World Health Organization
B) American Psychiatric Association
C) American Psychological Association
D) National Institute of Mental Health
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 is published by the American Psychiatric
Association (APA) and provides diagnostic criteria for mental
disorders.
4. Which of the following is a key principle of therapeutic
communication?
A) Giving advice freely
B) Using open-ended questions and active listening
C) Arguing with the patient
D) Asking "why" questions repeatedly
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Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication uses open-ended
questions, active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental
responses. Giving advice and arguing are non-therapeutic.
5. The nurse-patient relationship differs from a social
relationship in that it is:
A) Mutual and reciprocal
B) Goal-directed, time-limited, and focused on the patient
C) Based on friendship
D) Not bound by confidentiality
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is goal-
directed, time-limited, and focused solely on the patient's
needs.
6. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship involves
establishing trust and rapport?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Termination phase
D) Pre-interaction phase
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Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase involves establishing trust,
setting boundaries, and defining goals.
7. During the termination phase, the nurse should:
A) Avoid discussing feelings
B) Discuss feelings about ending the relationship and review
progress
C) Abruptly end the relationship
D) Only focus on new goals
Answer: B
Rationale: Termination involves reviewing progress, discussing
feelings, and providing closure.
8. Which of the following is a nontherapeutic communication
technique?
A) Active listening
B) Offering self
C) Giving false reassurance
D) Reflecting
Answer: C
VARCAROLIS ESSENTIALS OF PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Original
Study Guide with Practice Questions by Chapter
SECTION 1: FOUNDATIONS OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
1. Which of the following best defines mental health?
A) The absence of any mental disorder
B) A state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own
abilities and can cope with normal life stresses
C) The absence of stress
D) A condition requiring medication
Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined by the WHO as a state of
well-being where the individual realizes their own abilities, can
cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to
their community. It is more than the absence of mental illness.
2. The "fight or flight" response is mediated by which system?
A) Parasympathetic nervous system
B) Sympathetic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Endocrine system only
, Page |2
Answer: B
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-
or-flight response, releasing catecholamines (epinephrine,
norepinephrine) and preparing the body for action.
3. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) is published by:
A) World Health Organization
B) American Psychiatric Association
C) American Psychological Association
D) National Institute of Mental Health
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 is published by the American Psychiatric
Association (APA) and provides diagnostic criteria for mental
disorders.
4. Which of the following is a key principle of therapeutic
communication?
A) Giving advice freely
B) Using open-ended questions and active listening
C) Arguing with the patient
D) Asking "why" questions repeatedly
, Page |3
Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication uses open-ended
questions, active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental
responses. Giving advice and arguing are non-therapeutic.
5. The nurse-patient relationship differs from a social
relationship in that it is:
A) Mutual and reciprocal
B) Goal-directed, time-limited, and focused on the patient
C) Based on friendship
D) Not bound by confidentiality
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is goal-
directed, time-limited, and focused solely on the patient's
needs.
6. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship involves
establishing trust and rapport?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Termination phase
D) Pre-interaction phase
, Page |4
Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase involves establishing trust,
setting boundaries, and defining goals.
7. During the termination phase, the nurse should:
A) Avoid discussing feelings
B) Discuss feelings about ending the relationship and review
progress
C) Abruptly end the relationship
D) Only focus on new goals
Answer: B
Rationale: Termination involves reviewing progress, discussing
feelings, and providing closure.
8. Which of the following is a nontherapeutic communication
technique?
A) Active listening
B) Offering self
C) Giving false reassurance
D) Reflecting
Answer: C
