10TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SHEILA L. VIDEBECK
TEST BANK
UNIT 1 — CURRENT THEORIES & PRACTICE
Question 1
Reference: Ch. 1 — Foundations — Mental Health and Mental
Illness
Stem: A nurse is orienting a new graduate to the psychiatric-
mental health unit. The graduate states, "I'm still confused
about what exactly defines mental health versus mental
illness." Which response by the nurse best reflects the
contemporary, multidimensional understanding of mental
health as described in foundational nursing texts?
,Options:
A. "Mental health is best defined as the absence of a DSM-5-TR
diagnosis."
B. "It's a state of well-being where a person realizes their
abilities, copes with stress, works productively, and contributes
to their community."
C. "Primarily, it's the successful adaptation to stressors from the
internal and external environment."
D. "The key indicator is a person's ability to think logically and
communicate clearly at all times."
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct Answer B: This definition, aligned with the World
Health Organization and modern nursing frameworks,
emphasizes positive attributes and functionality. It moves
beyond mere absence of illness to include resilience,
productivity, and community engagement, which is central
to a recovery-oriented model of care.
• Incorrect Answer A: This is a reductionist view. While the
DSM-5-TR is a diagnostic tool, mental health is a broader
concept. A person without a diagnosis may still struggle
with coping or well-being, and a person with a diagnosis
can experience periods of mental health.
• Incorrect Answer C: While adaptation is a component, this
definition is incomplete and overly narrow. Contemporary
, understanding includes positive dimensions like self-
esteem, relationships, and fulfillment, not just reaction to
stress.
• Incorrect Answer D: Logical thinking is one aspect of
mental health, but it is not the sole or constant indicator.
Mental health allows for a range of emotions and is
influenced by cultural, spiritual, and social factors.
Teaching Point: Mental health is a positive state of well-being
and functioning, not merely the absence of diagnosable illness.
Citation: Videbeck, S. L. (2025). Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing (10th ed.). Ch. 1.
Question 2
Reference: Ch. 1 — Foundations — DSM-5-TR
Stem: A nurse is reviewing the chart of a client newly admitted
with major depressive disorder. The nurse notes the diagnosis is
listed as "F32.2 Major Depressive Disorder, single episode,
severe, without psychotic features." What is the
primary nursing implication of using this standardized
diagnostic nomenclature from the DSM-5-TR?
Options:
A. It provides a legal justification for the client's involuntary
commitment to the hospital.
B. It establishes a universally understood foundation for the
, treatment team to communicate about the client's condition.
C. It allows the nurse to predict the exact psychopharmacologic
treatment the client will be prescribed.
D. It relieves the nurse of responsibility for an independent
psychosocial assessment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationales:
• Correct Answer B: The DSM-5-TR provides a common
language for diagnosis. This shared terminology enhances
accurate communication among nurses, psychiatrists,
social workers, and other team members, facilitating
coordinated, evidence-based care planning.
• Incorrect Answer A: Legal standards for commitment are
defined by state statutes, not by a diagnostic manual. A
diagnosis alone is insufficient for involuntary hold; specific
criteria of danger to self/others or grave disability must be
met.
• Incorrect Answer C: While diagnosis guides treatment, the
DSM-5-TR does not prescribe specific medications.
Treatment is individualized based on client history,
symptoms, side effects, and response.
• Incorrect Answer D: The nursing process is independent
and holistic. A medical diagnosis informs but does not
replace the nurse's essential assessment of strengths,
coping skills, support systems, and functional status.