,NR 326 Mental Health Nursing Exam
Prep — Comprehensive Review +
Practice MCQs — Chamberlain College
of Nursing 2025/2026
1. A nurse is teaching a client about the definition of mental health. Which statement by the client indicates
correct understanding?
A. “Mental health means never feeling anxious or sad.”
B. “Mental health is the ability to adapt to stressors with age-appropriate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.”
C. “Mental health is only about being free from psychiatric diagnosis.”
D. “Mental health requires complete independence from others.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined as successful adaptation to internal and external stressors, evidenced by
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors congruent with age and cultural norms. It is not the absence of all negative
emotions or complete independence.
2. A nurse is applying Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. During which phase does the nurse establish
trust and identify the client’s needs?
A. Preinteraction phase
B. Orientation phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The orientation phase is when the nurse and client meet, establish trust, and identify the client’s
needs and problems. The preinteraction phase occurs before the first meeting; the working phase involves
problem-solving; termination involves ending the relationship.
3. A client tells the nurse, “I don’t think I can go on anymore. Everything is hopeless.” What is the nurse’s
priority response?
A. “You have so much to live for.”
B. “Have you thought about harming yourself?”
C. “You’ll feel better after you rest.”
D. “Let’s focus on the positive things.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client expresses hopelessness, the priority is to directly assess for suicide risk. Asking about
suicidal ideation does not plant the idea and allows for appropriate safety interventions.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication
technique is most appropriate?
A. Arguing with the client about the reality of the voices
B. Acknowledging the client’s feelings and redirecting to reality-based coping strategies
C. Ignoring the hallucinations
D. Encouraging the client to respond to the voices
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client’s feelings without validating the hallucination, then gently
redirect to reality-based coping. Arguing can increase agitation; ignoring or encouraging engagement is not
therapeutic.
5. Which individual is credited with reforming mental health treatment in the United States during the 19th
century?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Dorothea Dix
D. Philippe Pinel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dorothea Dix was a 19th-century reformer who advocated for humane treatment of individuals with
mental illness and was instrumental in establishing state psychiatric hospitals in the U.S.
6. A nurse is using active listening with a client. Which behavior best demonstrates this technique?
A. Completing documentation while the client speaks
B. Maintaining eye contact and nodding appropriately
C. Interrupting to ask clarifying questions
D. Changing the subject when the conversation becomes uncomfortable
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Active listening involves giving full attention, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate
nonverbal cues such as nodding. The other options interfere with therapeutic communication.
Prep — Comprehensive Review +
Practice MCQs — Chamberlain College
of Nursing 2025/2026
1. A nurse is teaching a client about the definition of mental health. Which statement by the client indicates
correct understanding?
A. “Mental health means never feeling anxious or sad.”
B. “Mental health is the ability to adapt to stressors with age-appropriate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.”
C. “Mental health is only about being free from psychiatric diagnosis.”
D. “Mental health requires complete independence from others.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined as successful adaptation to internal and external stressors, evidenced by
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors congruent with age and cultural norms. It is not the absence of all negative
emotions or complete independence.
2. A nurse is applying Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. During which phase does the nurse establish
trust and identify the client’s needs?
A. Preinteraction phase
B. Orientation phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The orientation phase is when the nurse and client meet, establish trust, and identify the client’s
needs and problems. The preinteraction phase occurs before the first meeting; the working phase involves
problem-solving; termination involves ending the relationship.
3. A client tells the nurse, “I don’t think I can go on anymore. Everything is hopeless.” What is the nurse’s
priority response?
A. “You have so much to live for.”
B. “Have you thought about harming yourself?”
C. “You’ll feel better after you rest.”
D. “Let’s focus on the positive things.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client expresses hopelessness, the priority is to directly assess for suicide risk. Asking about
suicidal ideation does not plant the idea and allows for appropriate safety interventions.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication
technique is most appropriate?
A. Arguing with the client about the reality of the voices
B. Acknowledging the client’s feelings and redirecting to reality-based coping strategies
C. Ignoring the hallucinations
D. Encouraging the client to respond to the voices
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client’s feelings without validating the hallucination, then gently
redirect to reality-based coping. Arguing can increase agitation; ignoring or encouraging engagement is not
therapeutic.
5. Which individual is credited with reforming mental health treatment in the United States during the 19th
century?
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Hildegard Peplau
C. Dorothea Dix
D. Philippe Pinel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dorothea Dix was a 19th-century reformer who advocated for humane treatment of individuals with
mental illness and was instrumental in establishing state psychiatric hospitals in the U.S.
6. A nurse is using active listening with a client. Which behavior best demonstrates this technique?
A. Completing documentation while the client speaks
B. Maintaining eye contact and nodding appropriately
C. Interrupting to ask clarifying questions
D. Changing the subject when the conversation becomes uncomfortable
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Active listening involves giving full attention, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate
nonverbal cues such as nodding. The other options interfere with therapeutic communication.
