NUR 185 Test 1 Exam - Complete Questions, Correct Answers
and Detailed Explanations - Latest Update 2026/2027 | 100%
Guaranteed Pass || Graded A+ (Hondros College).
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has recently been admitted to a psychiatric
unit. Which finding most strongly indicates that the client may be
experiencing a mental health crisis rather than simply having a difficult day?
A. Temporary frustration after an argument
B. Inability to cope with normal stressors and significant impairment in
functioning
C. Mild anxiety before an appointment
D. Occasional difficulty sleeping
Correct Answer: B. Inability to cope with normal stressors and
significant impairment in functioning
Explanation:
A crisis occurs when a person's usual coping mechanisms are insufficient to
manage a stressful situation, resulting in significant emotional, cognitive,
behavioral, or functional impairment. The nurse should assess the
precipitating event, available coping mechanisms, support systems, and
potential safety concerns. Crisis intervention focuses on restoring functioning
and helping the client develop effective coping strategies.
2. A client says to the nurse, “Nobody understands what I am going through.”
Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
B. “You shouldn't think so negatively.”
C. “Tell me more about what you feel others don't understand.”
D. “Your family is probably trying their best.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what you feel others don't
understand.”
Explanation:
This response uses an open-ended invitation that encourages the client to
,explore feelings and experiences. Therapeutic communication should promote
expression without judging, minimizing, or immediately offering advice.
Responses such as “everyone feels that way” can minimize the client's
experience.
3. A client begins crying while discussing a recent traumatic experience. What
should the nurse do?
A. Immediately change the subject
B. Tell the client to stop crying
C. Remain present and allow the client time to express emotions
D. Explain that crying will make the situation worse
Correct Answer: C. Remain present and allow the client time to express
emotions
Explanation:
The nurse should provide emotional support and allow the client to express
feelings at their own pace. Silence, presence, and attentive listening can be
highly therapeutic. The nurse should avoid rushing the client, minimizing the
experience, or forcing discussion of traumatic details.
4. Which statement by a nurse is an example of therapeutic use of silence?
A. “You need to tell me what happened.”
B. “Why are you behaving this way?”
C. “…” while remaining attentively present with the client
D. “I know exactly how you feel.”
Correct Answer: C. “…” while remaining attentively present with the
client
Explanation:
Therapeutic silence gives the client time to organize thoughts and feelings.
The nurse's presence communicates acceptance and willingness to listen.
Silence should be purposeful rather than a sign that the nurse has disengaged
from the client.
,5. A client says, “I am completely worthless and nothing will ever get better.”
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “You have many good qualities.”
B. “Why would you say something like that?”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
D. “You need to think more positively.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
Explanation:
The response encourages further exploration of the client's thoughts and
emotions without arguing with or dismissing them. Statements reflecting
hopelessness and worthlessness can also be associated with depression and
suicide risk, so further assessment is important.
6. Which client statement requires the nurse to perform an immediate suicide
risk assessment?
A. “I am tired of taking my medications.”
B. “I don't enjoy my hobbies anymore.”
C. “My family would be better off if I weren't here.”
D. “I have been sleeping poorly.”
Correct Answer: C. “My family would be better off if I weren't here.”
Explanation:
Statements suggesting that others would be better off without the client may
indicate suicidal thinking or feelings of being a burden. The nurse should
directly assess suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, access to means, previous
attempts, and protective factors. Safety assessment takes priority.
7. A client tells the nurse, “I am thinking about killing myself.” What is the
nurse's priority response?
, A. “You shouldn't think that way.”
B. “Do you have a specific plan for how you would kill yourself?”
C. “Think about how much your family loves you.”
D. “Let's talk about something more positive.”
Correct Answer: B. “Do you have a specific plan for how you would kill
yourself?”
Explanation:
Direct assessment is essential when suicidal ideation is expressed. The nurse
should determine the presence of a plan, intent, access to means, previous
attempts, and other risk factors. Asking directly does not cause or increase
suicidal behavior and provides critical information for determining the
appropriate level of safety precautions.
8. A client experiencing panic-level anxiety is unable to concentrate and
repeatedly states, “I can't breathe.” Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide detailed education about panic disorder
B. Ask the client to make several decisions
C. Remain with the client and provide calm, brief instructions
D. Leave the client alone to regain control
Correct Answer: C. Remain with the client and provide calm, brief
instructions
Explanation:
Panic-level anxiety severely interferes with perception, concentration, and
problem-solving. The nurse should remain with the client, reduce
environmental stimulation, speak calmly, and provide simple directions. Once
the client's anxiety decreases, additional teaching and problem-solving can
occur.
9. A client with generalized anxiety disorder asks the nurse which strategy
may help manage anxiety. Which response is best?
and Detailed Explanations - Latest Update 2026/2027 | 100%
Guaranteed Pass || Graded A+ (Hondros College).
1. A nurse is assessing a client who has recently been admitted to a psychiatric
unit. Which finding most strongly indicates that the client may be
experiencing a mental health crisis rather than simply having a difficult day?
A. Temporary frustration after an argument
B. Inability to cope with normal stressors and significant impairment in
functioning
C. Mild anxiety before an appointment
D. Occasional difficulty sleeping
Correct Answer: B. Inability to cope with normal stressors and
significant impairment in functioning
Explanation:
A crisis occurs when a person's usual coping mechanisms are insufficient to
manage a stressful situation, resulting in significant emotional, cognitive,
behavioral, or functional impairment. The nurse should assess the
precipitating event, available coping mechanisms, support systems, and
potential safety concerns. Crisis intervention focuses on restoring functioning
and helping the client develop effective coping strategies.
2. A client says to the nurse, “Nobody understands what I am going through.”
Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
B. “You shouldn't think so negatively.”
C. “Tell me more about what you feel others don't understand.”
D. “Your family is probably trying their best.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what you feel others don't
understand.”
Explanation:
This response uses an open-ended invitation that encourages the client to
,explore feelings and experiences. Therapeutic communication should promote
expression without judging, minimizing, or immediately offering advice.
Responses such as “everyone feels that way” can minimize the client's
experience.
3. A client begins crying while discussing a recent traumatic experience. What
should the nurse do?
A. Immediately change the subject
B. Tell the client to stop crying
C. Remain present and allow the client time to express emotions
D. Explain that crying will make the situation worse
Correct Answer: C. Remain present and allow the client time to express
emotions
Explanation:
The nurse should provide emotional support and allow the client to express
feelings at their own pace. Silence, presence, and attentive listening can be
highly therapeutic. The nurse should avoid rushing the client, minimizing the
experience, or forcing discussion of traumatic details.
4. Which statement by a nurse is an example of therapeutic use of silence?
A. “You need to tell me what happened.”
B. “Why are you behaving this way?”
C. “…” while remaining attentively present with the client
D. “I know exactly how you feel.”
Correct Answer: C. “…” while remaining attentively present with the
client
Explanation:
Therapeutic silence gives the client time to organize thoughts and feelings.
The nurse's presence communicates acceptance and willingness to listen.
Silence should be purposeful rather than a sign that the nurse has disengaged
from the client.
,5. A client says, “I am completely worthless and nothing will ever get better.”
Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. “You have many good qualities.”
B. “Why would you say something like that?”
C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
D. “You need to think more positively.”
Correct Answer: C. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless.”
Explanation:
The response encourages further exploration of the client's thoughts and
emotions without arguing with or dismissing them. Statements reflecting
hopelessness and worthlessness can also be associated with depression and
suicide risk, so further assessment is important.
6. Which client statement requires the nurse to perform an immediate suicide
risk assessment?
A. “I am tired of taking my medications.”
B. “I don't enjoy my hobbies anymore.”
C. “My family would be better off if I weren't here.”
D. “I have been sleeping poorly.”
Correct Answer: C. “My family would be better off if I weren't here.”
Explanation:
Statements suggesting that others would be better off without the client may
indicate suicidal thinking or feelings of being a burden. The nurse should
directly assess suicidal thoughts, intent, plan, access to means, previous
attempts, and protective factors. Safety assessment takes priority.
7. A client tells the nurse, “I am thinking about killing myself.” What is the
nurse's priority response?
, A. “You shouldn't think that way.”
B. “Do you have a specific plan for how you would kill yourself?”
C. “Think about how much your family loves you.”
D. “Let's talk about something more positive.”
Correct Answer: B. “Do you have a specific plan for how you would kill
yourself?”
Explanation:
Direct assessment is essential when suicidal ideation is expressed. The nurse
should determine the presence of a plan, intent, access to means, previous
attempts, and other risk factors. Asking directly does not cause or increase
suicidal behavior and provides critical information for determining the
appropriate level of safety precautions.
8. A client experiencing panic-level anxiety is unable to concentrate and
repeatedly states, “I can't breathe.” Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide detailed education about panic disorder
B. Ask the client to make several decisions
C. Remain with the client and provide calm, brief instructions
D. Leave the client alone to regain control
Correct Answer: C. Remain with the client and provide calm, brief
instructions
Explanation:
Panic-level anxiety severely interferes with perception, concentration, and
problem-solving. The nurse should remain with the client, reduce
environmental stimulation, speak calmly, and provide simple directions. Once
the client's anxiety decreases, additional teaching and problem-solving can
occur.
9. A client with generalized anxiety disorder asks the nurse which strategy
may help manage anxiety. Which response is best?
