NUR 356 Final Exam: Mental Health Theory & Application
V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which therapeutic communication technique involves the nurse repeating the main idea of what the
client has said?
A. Exploring
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Offering self
Ans: B
Explanation: Restating allows the client to know that the nurse is listening and understands the
message. It provides the client with the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. This technique is
fundamental in establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. By echoing the client’s thoughts, the
nurse encourages further expression of feelings. Effective communication is a core competency tested in
the NUR 356 curriculum.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the client still maintain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to decide when they are discharged
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
D. The right to ignore all unit rules
Ans: C
,Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a client of the right to refuse treatment.
Patients retain the right to informed consent regarding their medical care. Legal standards protect
individual autonomy even during psychiatric crises. The nurse must respect these rights unless an
emergency court order is obtained. Understanding legal rights is essential for ethical nursing practice in
mental health.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. Acetylcholine
Ans: B
Explanation: Norepinephrine plays a significant role in the body’s acute stress response. It increases
heart rate and blood pressure to prepare the body for action. Imbalances in this neurotransmitter are
often linked to anxiety disorders. Nurses monitor for physical symptoms related to high norepinephrine
levels. This basic physiological knowledge is key to understanding mental health pathology.
4. A client on Lithium therapy reports persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Hold the medication and notify the provider
B. Encourage the client to drink more water
C. Administer the next dose as scheduled
D. Tell the client these are normal side effects
Ans: A
, Explanation: The reported symptoms are classic early signs of Lithium toxicity. Lithium has a narrow
therapeutic index, making toxicity a life-threatening risk. Holding the dose prevents further accumulation
of the drug in the system. The provider must assess the client’s serum lithium levels immediately. Patient
safety depends on the nurse’s ability to recognize these critical warnings.
5. Which defense mechanism involves a person attributing their own unacceptable feelings to another
person?
A. Displacement
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
Ans: B
Explanation: Projection is a common ego defense mechanism used to reduce anxiety. It involves placing
one’s own undesirable traits onto someone else. For example, a person who is angry might accuse others
of being hostile. Recognizing these mechanisms helps the nurse understand client behaviors. This
concept is vital for the theoretical application of mental health nursing.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD. What is the primary purpose of the client’s ritualistic behaviors?
A. To gain attention from the staff
B. To reduce anxiety levels
C. To control the behavior of others
D. To avoid participating in unit activities
Ans: B
V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which therapeutic communication technique involves the nurse repeating the main idea of what the
client has said?
A. Exploring
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Offering self
Ans: B
Explanation: Restating allows the client to know that the nurse is listening and understands the
message. It provides the client with the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. This technique is
fundamental in establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. By echoing the client’s thoughts, the
nurse encourages further expression of feelings. Effective communication is a core competency tested in
the NUR 356 curriculum.
2. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the client still maintain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to decide when they are discharged
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
D. The right to ignore all unit rules
Ans: C
,Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically strip a client of the right to refuse treatment.
Patients retain the right to informed consent regarding their medical care. Legal standards protect
individual autonomy even during psychiatric crises. The nurse must respect these rights unless an
emergency court order is obtained. Understanding legal rights is essential for ethical nursing practice in
mental health.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Serotonin
B. Norepinephrine
C. Dopamine
D. Acetylcholine
Ans: B
Explanation: Norepinephrine plays a significant role in the body’s acute stress response. It increases
heart rate and blood pressure to prepare the body for action. Imbalances in this neurotransmitter are
often linked to anxiety disorders. Nurses monitor for physical symptoms related to high norepinephrine
levels. This basic physiological knowledge is key to understanding mental health pathology.
4. A client on Lithium therapy reports persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Hold the medication and notify the provider
B. Encourage the client to drink more water
C. Administer the next dose as scheduled
D. Tell the client these are normal side effects
Ans: A
, Explanation: The reported symptoms are classic early signs of Lithium toxicity. Lithium has a narrow
therapeutic index, making toxicity a life-threatening risk. Holding the dose prevents further accumulation
of the drug in the system. The provider must assess the client’s serum lithium levels immediately. Patient
safety depends on the nurse’s ability to recognize these critical warnings.
5. Which defense mechanism involves a person attributing their own unacceptable feelings to another
person?
A. Displacement
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation
Ans: B
Explanation: Projection is a common ego defense mechanism used to reduce anxiety. It involves placing
one’s own undesirable traits onto someone else. For example, a person who is angry might accuse others
of being hostile. Recognizing these mechanisms helps the nurse understand client behaviors. This
concept is vital for the theoretical application of mental health nursing.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD. What is the primary purpose of the client’s ritualistic behaviors?
A. To gain attention from the staff
B. To reduce anxiety levels
C. To control the behavior of others
D. To avoid participating in unit activities
Ans: B
