NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who has just been diagnosed with a
terminal illness. The nurse states, ‘I will stay here with you for a while.’ Which
therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Seeking clarification
B. Giving broad openings
C. Offering self
D. Summarizing
Answer: C
Rationale: Offering self makes the nurse available to the client and shows interest in the
client’s needs without making demands.
2. A client is scheduled for an involuntary admission to a mental health facility.
Which of the following is a primary legal requirement for this type of
admission?
A. The client must be a danger to themselves or others.
B. The client must have a diagnosed personality disorder.
C. The client must be unable to afford private care.
D. The client must agree to all prescribed treatments.
Answer: A
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client’s need for psychiatric treatment,
the risk of harm to self or others, or the inability to provide self-care.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in a seclusion room. According to most standards,
how often should a nurse assess and document the client’s condition?
A. Every 4 hours
B. Once per shift
C. Only when the client requests assistance
D. Every 15 to 30 minutes
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients in restraints or seclusion require frequent monitoring (usually every 15-
30 minutes) for safety, physical needs, and readiness for release.
, 4. A client tells the nurse, ‘I don’t need to be here. My wife is the one with the
problem.’ The nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Denial
Answer: A
Rationale: Projection is the attribution of one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings
onto another person.
5. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which of the
following should be the nurse’s priority?
A. Establishing boundaries and trust
B. Encouraging the client to work through problems
C. Identifying available support systems
D. Reviewing progress toward goals
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on introducing the nurse and client, establishing
a contract, setting boundaries, and building rapport and trust.
6. A client with depression is prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitor (SSRI). Which side effect should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Weight loss and increased energy
B. Urinary retention
C. Hypertensive crisis
D. Sexual dysfunction
Answer: D
Rationale: Common side effects of SSRIs include sexual dysfunction, nausea, headache, and
insomnia. Hypertensive crisis is associated with MAOIs.
7. A nurse is monitoring a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
findings is consistent with this condition?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Hyporeflexia and lethargy
C. Muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Constipation and dry mouth
Answer: C
Correct Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who has just been diagnosed with a
terminal illness. The nurse states, ‘I will stay here with you for a while.’ Which
therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using?
A. Seeking clarification
B. Giving broad openings
C. Offering self
D. Summarizing
Answer: C
Rationale: Offering self makes the nurse available to the client and shows interest in the
client’s needs without making demands.
2. A client is scheduled for an involuntary admission to a mental health facility.
Which of the following is a primary legal requirement for this type of
admission?
A. The client must be a danger to themselves or others.
B. The client must have a diagnosed personality disorder.
C. The client must be unable to afford private care.
D. The client must agree to all prescribed treatments.
Answer: A
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client’s need for psychiatric treatment,
the risk of harm to self or others, or the inability to provide self-care.
3. A nurse is caring for a client in a seclusion room. According to most standards,
how often should a nurse assess and document the client’s condition?
A. Every 4 hours
B. Once per shift
C. Only when the client requests assistance
D. Every 15 to 30 minutes
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients in restraints or seclusion require frequent monitoring (usually every 15-
30 minutes) for safety, physical needs, and readiness for release.
, 4. A client tells the nurse, ‘I don’t need to be here. My wife is the one with the
problem.’ The nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Denial
Answer: A
Rationale: Projection is the attribution of one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings
onto another person.
5. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which of the
following should be the nurse’s priority?
A. Establishing boundaries and trust
B. Encouraging the client to work through problems
C. Identifying available support systems
D. Reviewing progress toward goals
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase focuses on introducing the nurse and client, establishing
a contract, setting boundaries, and building rapport and trust.
6. A client with depression is prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitor (SSRI). Which side effect should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Weight loss and increased energy
B. Urinary retention
C. Hypertensive crisis
D. Sexual dysfunction
Answer: D
Rationale: Common side effects of SSRIs include sexual dysfunction, nausea, headache, and
insomnia. Hypertensive crisis is associated with MAOIs.
7. A nurse is monitoring a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
findings is consistent with this condition?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Hyporeflexia and lethargy
C. Muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Constipation and dry mouth
Answer: C
