NUR 253 – EXAM 2 – MENTAL HEALTH NURSING CONCEPTS QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
,Mental health assessment*
Therapeutic communication*
Anxiety and stress-related disorders*
Mood disorders*
Psychotic disorders*
Personality disorders*
Substance use disorders*
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention*
Psychopharmacology*
, Legal and ethical nursing practice*
Introduction
This exam assesses core knowledge and clinical judgment in mental health nursing, with emphasis on
assessment, communication, safety, and intervention. Questions combine foundational theory with scenario-
based decision-making to reflect real nursing practice. The format includes multiple-choice items that test
recognition of symptoms, prioritization of care, therapeutic responses, medication safety, and legal/ethical
responsibilities. Students are expected to apply concepts to patient situations, identify appropriate nursing
actions, and distinguish between effective and ineffective interventions. The overall purpose is to strengthen
exam readiness and support safe, evidence-based mental health nursing care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
. A nurse is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Sleeping 10 hours a night
B. Expressing guilt about past decisions
C. Stating, “I have a plan to end my life.”
D. Reporting decreased appetite
🟢 Correct answer: C. Stating, “I have a plan to end my life.”
🔴 RATIONALE: A stated suicide plan indicates immediate safety risk and requires urgent intervention.
, . Which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Why did you do that?”
B. “Tell me more about what happened.”
C. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
D. “Everything will be fine.”
🟢 Correct answer: B. “Tell me more about what happened.”
🔴 RATIONALE: This response encourages the client to explore feelings without judgment.
. A client says, “No one cares about me.” Which nurse response is best?
A. “That is not true.”
B. “Why do you think that?”
C. “You seem very isolated right now.”
D. “You should try to be more positive.”
🟢 Correct answer: C. “You seem very isolated right now.”
🔴 RATIONALE: This reflects the client’s feelings and invites further discussion.
. Which behavior is most consistent with anxiety?
A. Flat affect
B. Rapid speech and restlessness
C. Memory loss for all events
D. Elevated mood with grandiosity
🟢 Correct answer: B. Rapid speech and restlessness
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
,Mental health assessment*
Therapeutic communication*
Anxiety and stress-related disorders*
Mood disorders*
Psychotic disorders*
Personality disorders*
Substance use disorders*
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention*
Psychopharmacology*
, Legal and ethical nursing practice*
Introduction
This exam assesses core knowledge and clinical judgment in mental health nursing, with emphasis on
assessment, communication, safety, and intervention. Questions combine foundational theory with scenario-
based decision-making to reflect real nursing practice. The format includes multiple-choice items that test
recognition of symptoms, prioritization of care, therapeutic responses, medication safety, and legal/ethical
responsibilities. Students are expected to apply concepts to patient situations, identify appropriate nursing
actions, and distinguish between effective and ineffective interventions. The overall purpose is to strengthen
exam readiness and support safe, evidence-based mental health nursing care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
. A nurse is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Sleeping 10 hours a night
B. Expressing guilt about past decisions
C. Stating, “I have a plan to end my life.”
D. Reporting decreased appetite
🟢 Correct answer: C. Stating, “I have a plan to end my life.”
🔴 RATIONALE: A stated suicide plan indicates immediate safety risk and requires urgent intervention.
, . Which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Why did you do that?”
B. “Tell me more about what happened.”
C. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
D. “Everything will be fine.”
🟢 Correct answer: B. “Tell me more about what happened.”
🔴 RATIONALE: This response encourages the client to explore feelings without judgment.
. A client says, “No one cares about me.” Which nurse response is best?
A. “That is not true.”
B. “Why do you think that?”
C. “You seem very isolated right now.”
D. “You should try to be more positive.”
🟢 Correct answer: C. “You seem very isolated right now.”
🔴 RATIONALE: This reflects the client’s feelings and invites further discussion.
. Which behavior is most consistent with anxiety?
A. Flat affect
B. Rapid speech and restlessness
C. Memory loss for all events
D. Elevated mood with grandiosity
🟢 Correct answer: B. Rapid speech and restlessness
