NUR253 Exam 1 V1 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted involuntarily for psychiatric treatment.
Which of the following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to refuse medication
C. The right to keep all personal belongings
D. The right to choose their primary nurse
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client being a danger to self or others,
but it does not automatically waive the right to refuse treatment. A separate legal
proceeding or a clear emergency is required to override this right. Clients retain the right
to informed consent regarding their medications.
2. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which of the following is the
primary goal?
A. Establishing trust and rapport
B. Evaluate progress toward goals
C. Promote the client’s problem-solving skills
,D. Overcoming resistance to change
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and client set the
tone for their relationship. Building trust is essential for creating a safe environment where
the client feels comfortable sharing information. This phase also involves establishing the
boundaries and parameters of the therapeutic relationship.
3. A nurse is communicating with a client who is experiencing high levels of anxiety. Which
therapeutic communication technique is most effective?
A. Using short, simple sentences
B. Asking ‘why’ the client is anxious
C. Offering advice on how to relax
D. Providing a detailed explanation of anxiety
Answer: A
Rationale: High levels of anxiety impair a client’s ability to process complex information
and concentrate. Short, simple sentences reduce the cognitive load and help the client
understand what is being said. The nurse should avoid ‘why’ questions as they can increase
defensiveness and anxiety.
4. A client is diagnosed with a deficiency in the neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
(GABA). Which condition is most commonly associated with this finding?
A. Schizophrenia
, B. Major Depression
C. Anxiety disorders
D. Alzheimer’s disease
Answer: C
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps
regulate neuronal excitability. Low levels of GABA are associated with increased
excitability and the symptoms of anxiety. Medications like benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA to produce a calming effect.
5. Which level of prevention is a nurse practicing when providing a community education
program on the early signs of depression?
A. Tertiary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Primary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
Answer: C
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on preventing the initial occurrence of a disease or
health problem within the community. Education programs are designed to promote
mental health and reduce the incidence of mental illness. This contrasts with secondary
prevention, which focuses on early screening and diagnosis.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted involuntarily for psychiatric treatment.
Which of the following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to refuse medication
C. The right to keep all personal belongings
D. The right to choose their primary nurse
Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary admission is based on the client being a danger to self or others,
but it does not automatically waive the right to refuse treatment. A separate legal
proceeding or a clear emergency is required to override this right. Clients retain the right
to informed consent regarding their medications.
2. During the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, which of the following is the
primary goal?
A. Establishing trust and rapport
B. Evaluate progress toward goals
C. Promote the client’s problem-solving skills
,D. Overcoming resistance to change
Answer: A
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and client set the
tone for their relationship. Building trust is essential for creating a safe environment where
the client feels comfortable sharing information. This phase also involves establishing the
boundaries and parameters of the therapeutic relationship.
3. A nurse is communicating with a client who is experiencing high levels of anxiety. Which
therapeutic communication technique is most effective?
A. Using short, simple sentences
B. Asking ‘why’ the client is anxious
C. Offering advice on how to relax
D. Providing a detailed explanation of anxiety
Answer: A
Rationale: High levels of anxiety impair a client’s ability to process complex information
and concentrate. Short, simple sentences reduce the cognitive load and help the client
understand what is being said. The nurse should avoid ‘why’ questions as they can increase
defensiveness and anxiety.
4. A client is diagnosed with a deficiency in the neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
(GABA). Which condition is most commonly associated with this finding?
A. Schizophrenia
, B. Major Depression
C. Anxiety disorders
D. Alzheimer’s disease
Answer: C
Rationale: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps
regulate neuronal excitability. Low levels of GABA are associated with increased
excitability and the symptoms of anxiety. Medications like benzodiazepines work by
enhancing the effects of GABA to produce a calming effect.
5. Which level of prevention is a nurse practicing when providing a community education
program on the early signs of depression?
A. Tertiary prevention
B. Secondary prevention
C. Primary prevention
D. Quaternary prevention
Answer: C
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on preventing the initial occurrence of a disease or
health problem within the community. Education programs are designed to promote
mental health and reduce the incidence of mental illness. This contrasts with secondary
prevention, which focuses on early screening and diagnosis.
