MENTAL HEALTH EAQ – EVIDENCE-BASED 100 PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS | PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
REVIEW INCLUDING THE MOST TESTED QUESTIONS GRADED A+
MENTAL HEALTH EAQ QUESTIONS HELP NURSING STUDENTS REINFORCE
CONCEPTS RELATED TO PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT, INTERVENTION, AND
CLIENT COMMUNICATION. THESE PRACTICE ITEMS REFLECT REALISTIC CLINICAL
SCENARIOS, PROMOTING CRITICAL THINKING AND PREPARATION FOR EXAMS
SUCH AS THE NCLEX OR COURSE-SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS IN PSYCHIATRIC
NURSING.
A client who recently was diagnosed as having myelocytic leukemia discusses the diagnosis by
referring to statistics, facts, and figures. The nurse determines that the client is using which defense
mechanism? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTELLECTUALIZATION: Intellectualization is the use of
reasoning and thought processes to avoid the emotional aspects of a situation; this is a defense
against anxiety. Projection is denying unacceptable traits and regarding them as belonging to
another person. Sublimation is a defense wherein the person redirects the energy of unacceptable
impulses into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. Identification is the reduction of anxiety by
imitating someone respected or feared.
Incidences of child molestation often are revealed years later when the victim is an adult. Which
defense mechanism reflects this situation? - CORRECT ANSWER-REPRESSION: is a coping
mechanism in which unacceptable feelings are kept out of conscious awareness; later, under stress
or anxiety, thoughts or feelings surface and come into one's conscious awareness. Isolation is the
separation of a thought from a feeling tone. Regression is the use of an unconscious coping
mechanism through which a person avoids anxiety by returning to an earlier more satisfying or
comfortable time in life. Introjection is the integration of the beliefs and values of another into one's
own ego structure.
A client's hands are raw and bloody from a ritual involving frequent hand washing. Which defense
mechanism does the nurse identify? - CORRECT ANSWER-UNDOING: is an act that partially
negates a previous one; the client is using this primitive defense mechanism to reduce anxiety.
Clients who wash their hands compulsively may be having thoughts that they consider "dirty."
Projection is the attribution of one's thoughts or impulses to another. Introjection is treating
something outside the self as if it is actually inside the self. Suppression is a process that is often
considered to be as a defense mechanism, but it is actually a conscious, intentional exclusion of
material from one's awareness.
An older adult who lives alone tells a nurse at the community health center, "I really don't need
anyone to talk to. The TV is my best friend." What defense mechanism does the nurse identify? -
,CORRECT ANSWER-DENIAL: The client's statement is an example of the use of denial, a defense
that blocks problems by unconsciously refusing to admit that they exist. Projection is a defense that
is used to deny unacceptable feelings and emotions and attribute them to others. Sublimation is a
defense in which socially acceptable behavior is substituted for unacceptable instincts. Displacement
is a defense that is used to allow the shifting of feeling from an emotionally charged person or object
to a safe substitute person or object.
After an automobile collision involving a fatality and a subsequent arrest for speeding, a client has
amnesia regarding the events surrounding the accident. Which defense mechanism is being used by
the client? - CORRECT ANSWER-REPRESSION: is coping with overwhelming emotions by
blocking awareness or memory of the stressful event. Projection is attributing one's own
unacceptable feelings and thoughts to others. Suppression is consciously keeping unacceptable
feelings and thoughts out of awareness. Rationalization is the attempt to mask unacceptable feelings
or behaviors by providing excuses and explanations.
A nurse reminds a client that it is time for group therapy. The client responds by shouting, "You're
always telling me what to do, just like my father!" What defense mechanism is the client using? -
CORRECT ANSWER-TRANSFERENCE: a client assigns to someone the feelings and attitudes
originally associated with an important significant other. In regression a client reverts to past levels
of coping to reduce anxiety. In reaction formation a client displays the exact opposite behavior,
attitude, or feeling to that which is demonstrated in a given situation. Cognitive distortions are
thought patterns that exaggerate reality or are irrational, such as black-and-white thinking or
overgeneralization.
A client with diabetes mellitus is able to discuss in detail the diabetic metabolic process while eating
a piece of chocolate cake. What defense mechanism does the nurse identify when evaluating this
behavior? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTELLECTUALIZATION: is the avoidance of a painful emotion
with the use of a rational explanation that removes the event from any personal significance.
Projection is the attribution of unacceptable thoughts and feelings to others. Dissociation is a
temporary alteration of consciousness or identity used to handle conflict; amnesia is an example.
Displacement is the discharge of a pent-up feeling, generally hostility, on an object or person
perceived to be weaker than the person who aroused the feelings.
A client in the mental health clinic who has concerns about getting married says to the nurse, "I
guess I'd better get married. All the plans are made and paid for, and the invitations have all been
mailed." What defense mechanism is the client using? - CORRECT ANSWER-RATIONALIZATION:
seemingly logical reasons are used to justify behaviors or feelings that are unacceptable or painful.
This is not introjection, because the client has not assumed the feelings of another. This is not
identification, because the client has not attempted to emulate another person. This is not
compensation, because the client is not counterbalancing deficiencies in one area by excelling in
another area.
, A client in the mental health clinic who has been seeing a therapist for more than 6 months begins
to talk and act like a therapist who is analyzing coworkers. What defense mechanism does the nurse
identify? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTROJECTION: is treating something outside the self as if it is
actually inside the self; it is unconsciously incorporating the wishes, values, and attitudes of another
as if they were one's own. Undoing is taking some action to counteract or make up for a
wrongdoing. Projection is attributing to another person or group one's own unacceptable attitudes
or characteristics. Intellectualization is using logical explanations without feelings or an affective
component.
A nurse reminds a client that it is time for group therapy. The client responds by shouting, "You're
always telling me what to do, just like my father!" What defense mechanism is the client using? -
CORRECT ANSWER-TRANSFERENCE: a client assigns to someone the feelings and attitudes
originally associated with an important significant other. In regression a client reverts to past levels
of coping to reduce anxiety. In reaction formation a client displays the exact opposite behavior,
attitude, or feeling to that which is demonstrated in a given situation. Cognitive distortions are
thought patterns that exaggerate reality or are irrational, such as black-and-white thinking or
overgeneralization.
A male long-distance jumper improves his distance by 3 ½ inches (8 cm) and earns the praise of his
coach, but on another day, when he does not reach his mark, he forcefully kicks the door of his
locker. What defense mechanism does his outburst demonstrate? - CORRECT ANSWER-
DISPLACEMENT: is the discharging of pent-up feelings on a less threatening object, in this case the
locker door. Anger is not a defense mechanism. Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable
feelings, impulses, or thoughts to another. Rationalization is behavior that attempts to prove that
one's feelings or behavior is justifiable.
One afternoon the nurse on the unit overhears a young female client having an argument with her
boyfriend. A while later the client complains to the nurse that dinner is always late and the meals are
terrible. What does the nurse identify the defense mechanism that the client is using as? -
CORRECT ANSWER-DISPLACEMENT: reduces anxiety by transferring the emotions associated
with an object or person to another emotionally safer object or person. Projection is the attempt to
deal with unacceptable feelings by attributing them to another. Dissociation is an attempt to detach
emotional involvement or the self from an interaction or the environment. Intellectualization is the
use of facts or other logical reasoning rather than feelings to deal with the emotional effect of a
problem; it is a form of denial.
When a person who is nonathletic and uncoordinated is successful in a musical career, it may be
related to which defense mechanism? - CORRECT ANSWER-COMPENSATION: is replacing a
weak area or trait with a more desirable one. Sublimation is rechanneling unacceptable desires and
drives into those that are socially acceptable. Transference is the unconscious tendency to assign to
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS | PSYCHIATRIC NURSING
REVIEW INCLUDING THE MOST TESTED QUESTIONS GRADED A+
MENTAL HEALTH EAQ QUESTIONS HELP NURSING STUDENTS REINFORCE
CONCEPTS RELATED TO PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT, INTERVENTION, AND
CLIENT COMMUNICATION. THESE PRACTICE ITEMS REFLECT REALISTIC CLINICAL
SCENARIOS, PROMOTING CRITICAL THINKING AND PREPARATION FOR EXAMS
SUCH AS THE NCLEX OR COURSE-SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS IN PSYCHIATRIC
NURSING.
A client who recently was diagnosed as having myelocytic leukemia discusses the diagnosis by
referring to statistics, facts, and figures. The nurse determines that the client is using which defense
mechanism? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTELLECTUALIZATION: Intellectualization is the use of
reasoning and thought processes to avoid the emotional aspects of a situation; this is a defense
against anxiety. Projection is denying unacceptable traits and regarding them as belonging to
another person. Sublimation is a defense wherein the person redirects the energy of unacceptable
impulses into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. Identification is the reduction of anxiety by
imitating someone respected or feared.
Incidences of child molestation often are revealed years later when the victim is an adult. Which
defense mechanism reflects this situation? - CORRECT ANSWER-REPRESSION: is a coping
mechanism in which unacceptable feelings are kept out of conscious awareness; later, under stress
or anxiety, thoughts or feelings surface and come into one's conscious awareness. Isolation is the
separation of a thought from a feeling tone. Regression is the use of an unconscious coping
mechanism through which a person avoids anxiety by returning to an earlier more satisfying or
comfortable time in life. Introjection is the integration of the beliefs and values of another into one's
own ego structure.
A client's hands are raw and bloody from a ritual involving frequent hand washing. Which defense
mechanism does the nurse identify? - CORRECT ANSWER-UNDOING: is an act that partially
negates a previous one; the client is using this primitive defense mechanism to reduce anxiety.
Clients who wash their hands compulsively may be having thoughts that they consider "dirty."
Projection is the attribution of one's thoughts or impulses to another. Introjection is treating
something outside the self as if it is actually inside the self. Suppression is a process that is often
considered to be as a defense mechanism, but it is actually a conscious, intentional exclusion of
material from one's awareness.
An older adult who lives alone tells a nurse at the community health center, "I really don't need
anyone to talk to. The TV is my best friend." What defense mechanism does the nurse identify? -
,CORRECT ANSWER-DENIAL: The client's statement is an example of the use of denial, a defense
that blocks problems by unconsciously refusing to admit that they exist. Projection is a defense that
is used to deny unacceptable feelings and emotions and attribute them to others. Sublimation is a
defense in which socially acceptable behavior is substituted for unacceptable instincts. Displacement
is a defense that is used to allow the shifting of feeling from an emotionally charged person or object
to a safe substitute person or object.
After an automobile collision involving a fatality and a subsequent arrest for speeding, a client has
amnesia regarding the events surrounding the accident. Which defense mechanism is being used by
the client? - CORRECT ANSWER-REPRESSION: is coping with overwhelming emotions by
blocking awareness or memory of the stressful event. Projection is attributing one's own
unacceptable feelings and thoughts to others. Suppression is consciously keeping unacceptable
feelings and thoughts out of awareness. Rationalization is the attempt to mask unacceptable feelings
or behaviors by providing excuses and explanations.
A nurse reminds a client that it is time for group therapy. The client responds by shouting, "You're
always telling me what to do, just like my father!" What defense mechanism is the client using? -
CORRECT ANSWER-TRANSFERENCE: a client assigns to someone the feelings and attitudes
originally associated with an important significant other. In regression a client reverts to past levels
of coping to reduce anxiety. In reaction formation a client displays the exact opposite behavior,
attitude, or feeling to that which is demonstrated in a given situation. Cognitive distortions are
thought patterns that exaggerate reality or are irrational, such as black-and-white thinking or
overgeneralization.
A client with diabetes mellitus is able to discuss in detail the diabetic metabolic process while eating
a piece of chocolate cake. What defense mechanism does the nurse identify when evaluating this
behavior? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTELLECTUALIZATION: is the avoidance of a painful emotion
with the use of a rational explanation that removes the event from any personal significance.
Projection is the attribution of unacceptable thoughts and feelings to others. Dissociation is a
temporary alteration of consciousness or identity used to handle conflict; amnesia is an example.
Displacement is the discharge of a pent-up feeling, generally hostility, on an object or person
perceived to be weaker than the person who aroused the feelings.
A client in the mental health clinic who has concerns about getting married says to the nurse, "I
guess I'd better get married. All the plans are made and paid for, and the invitations have all been
mailed." What defense mechanism is the client using? - CORRECT ANSWER-RATIONALIZATION:
seemingly logical reasons are used to justify behaviors or feelings that are unacceptable or painful.
This is not introjection, because the client has not assumed the feelings of another. This is not
identification, because the client has not attempted to emulate another person. This is not
compensation, because the client is not counterbalancing deficiencies in one area by excelling in
another area.
, A client in the mental health clinic who has been seeing a therapist for more than 6 months begins
to talk and act like a therapist who is analyzing coworkers. What defense mechanism does the nurse
identify? - CORRECT ANSWER-INTROJECTION: is treating something outside the self as if it is
actually inside the self; it is unconsciously incorporating the wishes, values, and attitudes of another
as if they were one's own. Undoing is taking some action to counteract or make up for a
wrongdoing. Projection is attributing to another person or group one's own unacceptable attitudes
or characteristics. Intellectualization is using logical explanations without feelings or an affective
component.
A nurse reminds a client that it is time for group therapy. The client responds by shouting, "You're
always telling me what to do, just like my father!" What defense mechanism is the client using? -
CORRECT ANSWER-TRANSFERENCE: a client assigns to someone the feelings and attitudes
originally associated with an important significant other. In regression a client reverts to past levels
of coping to reduce anxiety. In reaction formation a client displays the exact opposite behavior,
attitude, or feeling to that which is demonstrated in a given situation. Cognitive distortions are
thought patterns that exaggerate reality or are irrational, such as black-and-white thinking or
overgeneralization.
A male long-distance jumper improves his distance by 3 ½ inches (8 cm) and earns the praise of his
coach, but on another day, when he does not reach his mark, he forcefully kicks the door of his
locker. What defense mechanism does his outburst demonstrate? - CORRECT ANSWER-
DISPLACEMENT: is the discharging of pent-up feelings on a less threatening object, in this case the
locker door. Anger is not a defense mechanism. Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable
feelings, impulses, or thoughts to another. Rationalization is behavior that attempts to prove that
one's feelings or behavior is justifiable.
One afternoon the nurse on the unit overhears a young female client having an argument with her
boyfriend. A while later the client complains to the nurse that dinner is always late and the meals are
terrible. What does the nurse identify the defense mechanism that the client is using as? -
CORRECT ANSWER-DISPLACEMENT: reduces anxiety by transferring the emotions associated
with an object or person to another emotionally safer object or person. Projection is the attempt to
deal with unacceptable feelings by attributing them to another. Dissociation is an attempt to detach
emotional involvement or the self from an interaction or the environment. Intellectualization is the
use of facts or other logical reasoning rather than feelings to deal with the emotional effect of a
problem; it is a form of denial.
When a person who is nonathletic and uncoordinated is successful in a musical career, it may be
related to which defense mechanism? - CORRECT ANSWER-COMPENSATION: is replacing a
weak area or trait with a more desirable one. Sublimation is rechanneling unacceptable desires and
drives into those that are socially acceptable. Transference is the unconscious tendency to assign to
