NUR 356 Exam 1: Mental Health Theory & Application V3 -
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which ethical principle is prioritized when a nurse allows a patient to choose their own activities while
hospitalized, provided they are safe?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Ans: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about their care. This
principle encourages independence and self-determination in the therapeutic environment. When a
nurse supports a patient’s choices, they are validating the patient’s individual rights. However, this
autonomy is limited by safety considerations within the psychiatric unit. Promoting autonomy is a
fundamental aspect of the nurse-patient relationship in mental health.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a behavioral health unit. Which right does this client typically lose
upon admission?
A. The right to informed consent
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
D. The right to legal counsel
Ans: B
,Explanation: Involuntary commitment specifically restricts the patient’s freedom to leave the facility at
will. This occurs because the individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others. Despite being
committed, patients usually retain the right to refuse medications unless a separate legal order exists.
They also maintain rights to informed consent and access to legal representation. Ensuring the patient
understands these remaining rights is a key nursing responsibility.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to
alleviate symptoms of depression?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Ans: C
Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased
level of serotonin helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin is often referred to as the ‘feel-
good’ neurotransmitter in psychiatric literature. Patients should be monitored for improvements in mood
over several weeks of therapy. It is important to educate patients that these medications do not provide
instant relief.
4. According to Hildegard Peplau’s theory, in which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse
help the patient identify and explore problems?
A. Working phase
B. Orientation phase
C. Termination phase
, D. Pre-orientation phase
Ans: A
Explanation: The working phase involves the active exploration of the patient’s issues and coping
mechanisms. During this time, the nurse and patient collaborate to set goals and implement
interventions. It is characterized by the development of trust and the use of therapeutic techniques. The
patient begins to test new behaviors and develops insight into their condition. This phase is often the
longest part of the therapeutic relationship.
5. Which side effect of typical antipsychotics is characterized by a life-threatening muscle rigidity, high fever,
and autonomic instability?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Akathisia
D. Pseudo-parkinsonism
Ans: A
Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate
intervention and cessation of antipsychotics. It is marked by severe muscle lead-pipe rigidity and a
significant elevation in body temperature. Tachycardia and blood pressure fluctuations are also common
clinical signs of NMS. Nurses must monitor vital signs closely when patients start new high-potency
antipsychotic drugs. Prompt recognition can prevent severe complications or death in the psychiatric
population.
6. A nurse is practicing active listening. Which non-verbal behavior best demonstrates this technique?
A. Crossing arms to maintain professional boundaries
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. Which ethical principle is prioritized when a nurse allows a patient to choose their own activities while
hospitalized, provided they are safe?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Ans: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions about their care. This
principle encourages independence and self-determination in the therapeutic environment. When a
nurse supports a patient’s choices, they are validating the patient’s individual rights. However, this
autonomy is limited by safety considerations within the psychiatric unit. Promoting autonomy is a
fundamental aspect of the nurse-patient relationship in mental health.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a behavioral health unit. Which right does this client typically lose
upon admission?
A. The right to informed consent
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
D. The right to legal counsel
Ans: B
,Explanation: Involuntary commitment specifically restricts the patient’s freedom to leave the facility at
will. This occurs because the individual is deemed a danger to themselves or others. Despite being
committed, patients usually retain the right to refuse medications unless a separate legal order exists.
They also maintain rights to informed consent and access to legal representation. Ensuring the patient
understands these remaining rights is a key nursing responsibility.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to
alleviate symptoms of depression?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine
Ans: C
Explanation: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased
level of serotonin helps to regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin is often referred to as the ‘feel-
good’ neurotransmitter in psychiatric literature. Patients should be monitored for improvements in mood
over several weeks of therapy. It is important to educate patients that these medications do not provide
instant relief.
4. According to Hildegard Peplau’s theory, in which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse
help the patient identify and explore problems?
A. Working phase
B. Orientation phase
C. Termination phase
, D. Pre-orientation phase
Ans: A
Explanation: The working phase involves the active exploration of the patient’s issues and coping
mechanisms. During this time, the nurse and patient collaborate to set goals and implement
interventions. It is characterized by the development of trust and the use of therapeutic techniques. The
patient begins to test new behaviors and develops insight into their condition. This phase is often the
longest part of the therapeutic relationship.
5. Which side effect of typical antipsychotics is characterized by a life-threatening muscle rigidity, high fever,
and autonomic instability?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Akathisia
D. Pseudo-parkinsonism
Ans: A
Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate
intervention and cessation of antipsychotics. It is marked by severe muscle lead-pipe rigidity and a
significant elevation in body temperature. Tachycardia and blood pressure fluctuations are also common
clinical signs of NMS. Nurses must monitor vital signs closely when patients start new high-potency
antipsychotic drugs. Prompt recognition can prevent severe complications or death in the psychiatric
population.
6. A nurse is practicing active listening. Which non-verbal behavior best demonstrates this technique?
A. Crossing arms to maintain professional boundaries
