NR 326 EXAM 1 Mental Health and Illness 50 Multiple-
Choice Questions with Rationales– Chamberlain
1. A 45-year-old patient tells the nurse, "I failed my exam because the instructor
asked stupid questions." This is an example of which defense mechanism?
A. Suppression
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Displacement
Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization is creating an acceptable explanation for unacceptable
behavior or failure. The patient is justifying the failure by blaming the instructor.
2. The nurse observes a patient who was just told she cannot go home today smiling
and talking politely with her family. Earlier, the patient had been yelling at staff. The
patient is using:
A. Reaction formation
B. Undoing
C. Repression
D. Altruism
Answer: A
Rationale: Reaction formation is behaving exactly opposite to how one truly feels. The
patient is acting pleasant toward family despite being angry about not being
discharged.
3. A patient who is angry with the physician comes out of the office and shouts at
the parking attendant. This is best described as:
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Displacement
D. Regression
Answer: C
Rationale: Displacement is shifting feelings from one person or situation to another,
less threatening person. The patient is redirecting anger toward the physician onto the
attendant.
, 4. A nurse explains to a patient that schizophrenia is a lifelong illness with no cure.
This is an example of which ethical principle?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Veracity
Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is being truthful. The nurse is providing honest information about
the illness.
5. A patient has been prescribed a tranquilizer but refuses to take it. The nurse
respects this decision. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy supports the patient's right to make decisions about their own
care, including refusing medication.
6. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit involuntarily. In Illinois, which two
documents are required for an involuntary admission?
A. A physician's order and a nursing assessment
B. A petition and a certificate
C. A police report and a medical clearance
D. A court order and a family request
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary admission requires a petition and a certificate from a qualified
examiner, per Illinois law.
7. When must the physician provide a verbal order for restraints after they are
applied?
A. Immediately, before applying restraints
B. Within 1 hour
C. Within 4 hours
Choice Questions with Rationales– Chamberlain
1. A 45-year-old patient tells the nurse, "I failed my exam because the instructor
asked stupid questions." This is an example of which defense mechanism?
A. Suppression
B. Rationalization
C. Projection
D. Displacement
Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization is creating an acceptable explanation for unacceptable
behavior or failure. The patient is justifying the failure by blaming the instructor.
2. The nurse observes a patient who was just told she cannot go home today smiling
and talking politely with her family. Earlier, the patient had been yelling at staff. The
patient is using:
A. Reaction formation
B. Undoing
C. Repression
D. Altruism
Answer: A
Rationale: Reaction formation is behaving exactly opposite to how one truly feels. The
patient is acting pleasant toward family despite being angry about not being
discharged.
3. A patient who is angry with the physician comes out of the office and shouts at
the parking attendant. This is best described as:
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Displacement
D. Regression
Answer: C
Rationale: Displacement is shifting feelings from one person or situation to another,
less threatening person. The patient is redirecting anger toward the physician onto the
attendant.
, 4. A nurse explains to a patient that schizophrenia is a lifelong illness with no cure.
This is an example of which ethical principle?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Veracity
Answer: D
Rationale: Veracity is being truthful. The nurse is providing honest information about
the illness.
5. A patient has been prescribed a tranquilizer but refuses to take it. The nurse
respects this decision. Which ethical principle is being applied?
A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy supports the patient's right to make decisions about their own
care, including refusing medication.
6. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit involuntarily. In Illinois, which two
documents are required for an involuntary admission?
A. A physician's order and a nursing assessment
B. A petition and a certificate
C. A police report and a medical clearance
D. A court order and a family request
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary admission requires a petition and a certificate from a qualified
examiner, per Illinois law.
7. When must the physician provide a verbal order for restraints after they are
applied?
A. Immediately, before applying restraints
B. Within 1 hour
C. Within 4 hours
