NSG 322/NSG322 Exam 1 V1 | Behavioral
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which action by the
nurse is the highest priority during the admission process?
A. Assessing the patient’s level of suicide risk and potential for self-harm.
B. Documenting the patient’s past medical history in detail.
C. Introducing the patient to other clients on the unit.
D. Discussing the unit’s daily schedule and rules.
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing, especially during
the initial admission of a suicidal patient. Assessing the risk of self-harm allows the nurse to
implement appropriate observation levels immediately. This proactive approach ensures
the patient remains in a secure environment while a comprehensive care plan is developed.
2. According to Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations, during which phase does the nurse
help the patient identify problems and available resources?
A. Orientation phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
,D. Resolution phase
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial stage where the nurse and patient set the
stage for their relationship. During this time, the nurse focuses on establishing trust and
helping the patient recognize the reasons for seeking help. Identifying problems and
resources at this stage provides a foundation for the subsequent working phase.
3. A nurse is working with a client who displays symptoms of severe anxiety. The nurse
understands that which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of
anxiety?
A. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate
Answer: A
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
that helps reduce neuronal excitability. Medications such as benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA to produce a calming effect. Low levels of GABA are often
correlated with increased anxiety disorders and restlessness.
, 4. Which ethical principle is a nurse upholding when they support a patient’s right to refuse a
specific psychiatric medication?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their medical care and treatment. This includes the right to refuse medication, provided
they are competent to make such a choice. The nurse acts as an advocate by respecting the
patient’s self-determination even if the nurse disagrees with the decision.
5. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get better. Everyone would be better off
without me.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. ‘You sound very hopeless. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?’
B. ‘I’m sure your family loves you very much.’
C. ‘Don’t talk like that; you have so much to live for.’
D. ‘Many people feel this way when they are first admitted.’
Answer: A
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which action by the
nurse is the highest priority during the admission process?
A. Assessing the patient’s level of suicide risk and potential for self-harm.
B. Documenting the patient’s past medical history in detail.
C. Introducing the patient to other clients on the unit.
D. Discussing the unit’s daily schedule and rules.
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing, especially during
the initial admission of a suicidal patient. Assessing the risk of self-harm allows the nurse to
implement appropriate observation levels immediately. This proactive approach ensures
the patient remains in a secure environment while a comprehensive care plan is developed.
2. According to Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations, during which phase does the nurse
help the patient identify problems and available resources?
A. Orientation phase
B. Termination phase
C. Working phase
,D. Resolution phase
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial stage where the nurse and patient set the
stage for their relationship. During this time, the nurse focuses on establishing trust and
helping the patient recognize the reasons for seeking help. Identifying problems and
resources at this stage provides a foundation for the subsequent working phase.
3. A nurse is working with a client who displays symptoms of severe anxiety. The nurse
understands that which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the regulation of
anxiety?
A. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
B. Dopamine
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate
Answer: A
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system
that helps reduce neuronal excitability. Medications such as benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA to produce a calming effect. Low levels of GABA are often
correlated with increased anxiety disorders and restlessness.
, 4. Which ethical principle is a nurse upholding when they support a patient’s right to refuse a
specific psychiatric medication?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their medical care and treatment. This includes the right to refuse medication, provided
they are competent to make such a choice. The nurse acts as an advocate by respecting the
patient’s self-determination even if the nurse disagrees with the decision.
5. A patient tells the nurse, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get better. Everyone would be better off
without me.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. ‘You sound very hopeless. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?’
B. ‘I’m sure your family loves you very much.’
C. ‘Don’t talk like that; you have so much to live for.’
D. ‘Many people feel this way when they are first admitted.’
Answer: A
