PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING
10TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S): SHEILA L.
VIDEBECK
TEST BANK
1) Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Reference: Unit 1 — Mental Health and Mental Illness
Stem: A 46-year-old client comes to an outpatient clinic 2
weeks after a divorce. The client reports poor sleep and
frequent crying but continues to work, care for the children,
and asks for help finding a support group. Which nursing
conclusion is best?
,Options:
A. The client is showing evidence of psychosis.
B. The client is experiencing stress and should be assessed
for coping resources.
C. The client clearly meets criteria for a severe mental illness.
D. The client requires immediate involuntary hospitalization.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The client shows distress, but current
functioning is largely intact. The nurse should assess coping,
support systems, and risk while avoiding premature
pathologizing.
Rationale — Incorrect A: No hallucinations, delusions, or
disorganized thinking are described. Crying and insomnia
alone do not indicate psychosis.
Rationale — Incorrect C: Emotional distress after a major
loss does not automatically mean mental illness. The nurse
must assess duration, severity, and functional impairment.
Rationale — Incorrect D: Nothing indicates imminent danger,
inability to care for self, or need for involuntary treatment.
Teaching Point: Distress is not always mental illness; assess
function, coping, and safety first.
Citation (Simplified APA): Videbeck, S. L. (2025). Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nursing (10th ed.). Mental Health and Mental
Illness.
,2) Distinguishing Expected Stress From Disorder
Reference: Unit 1 — Mental Health and Mental Illness
Stem: A college student seen in the campus clinic says, “I am
overwhelmed after failing one exam, but I still go to class and
study every night.” The student denies suicidal thoughts and
asks for help with time management. What is the nurse’s
best response?
Options:
A. “This is evidence that you have an anxiety disorder.”
B. “Let’s explore what helps you cope and what support you
need.”
C. “You should stop school until your symptoms completely
disappear.”
D. “Your reaction is abnormal and you need a psychiatric
evaluation now.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The student is distressed but still
functioning and requesting practical help. The nurse should
assess coping and provide support before labeling a disorder.
Rationale — Incorrect A: One stressful event does not justify
a diagnosis. The nurse should avoid premature labeling.
, Rationale — Incorrect C: Abruptly stopping school is not
indicated based on the data given. The nurse should promote
problem solving and support.
Rationale — Incorrect D: No evidence of an emergency or
severe impairment is present. A psychiatric referral may be
helpful later, but not as the first response.
Teaching Point: Support coping before assuming pathology.
Citation (Simplified APA): Videbeck, S. L. (2025). Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nursing (10th ed.). Mental Health and Mental
Illness.
3) Purpose of the DSM
Reference: Unit 1 — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders
Stem: A client tells the nurse, “Being diagnosed with
depression means my future is ruined.” Which response by
the nurse is best?
Options:
A. “A diagnosis is permanent, so you should prepare for
lifelong disability.”
B. “The diagnosis gives the team a common language for
planning care and treatment.”
C. “The DSM is used to prove that the illness is your fault.”
NURSING
10TH EDITION
AUTHOR(S): SHEILA L.
VIDEBECK
TEST BANK
1) Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
Reference: Unit 1 — Mental Health and Mental Illness
Stem: A 46-year-old client comes to an outpatient clinic 2
weeks after a divorce. The client reports poor sleep and
frequent crying but continues to work, care for the children,
and asks for help finding a support group. Which nursing
conclusion is best?
,Options:
A. The client is showing evidence of psychosis.
B. The client is experiencing stress and should be assessed
for coping resources.
C. The client clearly meets criteria for a severe mental illness.
D. The client requires immediate involuntary hospitalization.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The client shows distress, but current
functioning is largely intact. The nurse should assess coping,
support systems, and risk while avoiding premature
pathologizing.
Rationale — Incorrect A: No hallucinations, delusions, or
disorganized thinking are described. Crying and insomnia
alone do not indicate psychosis.
Rationale — Incorrect C: Emotional distress after a major
loss does not automatically mean mental illness. The nurse
must assess duration, severity, and functional impairment.
Rationale — Incorrect D: Nothing indicates imminent danger,
inability to care for self, or need for involuntary treatment.
Teaching Point: Distress is not always mental illness; assess
function, coping, and safety first.
Citation (Simplified APA): Videbeck, S. L. (2025). Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nursing (10th ed.). Mental Health and Mental
Illness.
,2) Distinguishing Expected Stress From Disorder
Reference: Unit 1 — Mental Health and Mental Illness
Stem: A college student seen in the campus clinic says, “I am
overwhelmed after failing one exam, but I still go to class and
study every night.” The student denies suicidal thoughts and
asks for help with time management. What is the nurse’s
best response?
Options:
A. “This is evidence that you have an anxiety disorder.”
B. “Let’s explore what helps you cope and what support you
need.”
C. “You should stop school until your symptoms completely
disappear.”
D. “Your reaction is abnormal and you need a psychiatric
evaluation now.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale — Correct: The student is distressed but still
functioning and requesting practical help. The nurse should
assess coping and provide support before labeling a disorder.
Rationale — Incorrect A: One stressful event does not justify
a diagnosis. The nurse should avoid premature labeling.
, Rationale — Incorrect C: Abruptly stopping school is not
indicated based on the data given. The nurse should promote
problem solving and support.
Rationale — Incorrect D: No evidence of an emergency or
severe impairment is present. A psychiatric referral may be
helpful later, but not as the first response.
Teaching Point: Support coping before assuming pathology.
Citation (Simplified APA): Videbeck, S. L. (2025). Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nursing (10th ed.). Mental Health and Mental
Illness.
3) Purpose of the DSM
Reference: Unit 1 — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders
Stem: A client tells the nurse, “Being diagnosed with
depression means my future is ruined.” Which response by
the nurse is best?
Options:
A. “A diagnosis is permanent, so you should prepare for
lifelong disability.”
B. “The diagnosis gives the team a common language for
planning care and treatment.”
C. “The DSM is used to prove that the illness is your fault.”
