NUR253 Exam 1 V1 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. Which statement by the nurse best
demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘You should try to participate in the group activities.’
B. ‘Why do you feel so anxious today?’
C. ‘Everything will be okay once the medication starts working.’
D. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like to talk.’
Answer: D
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client to provide support
and show interest. This technique helps build rapport and trust without placing demands
on the client. It is particularly useful for clients who are withdrawn or unable to
communicate effectively at the moment.
2. During a mental status examination, the nurse asks the client to explain the meaning of the
proverb, ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Memory
B. Orientation
C. Attention span
,D. Abstract thinking
Answer: D
Rationale: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information and concepts beyond
literal meanings. Asking a client to interpret a proverb helps determine if they are thinking
concretely or abstractly. This assessment is a standard part of evaluating a client’s
cognitive functions during a mental status exam.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit involuntarily after threatening to harm a
neighbor. Which legal principle justifies this admission?
A. Duty to protect
B. Veracity
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Answer: A
Rationale: The duty to protect or the principle of public safety allows for involuntary
admission when a client poses a direct threat to others. This overrides the client’s right to
autonomy in the interest of preventing harm. Involuntary commitment requires
documentation of the specific threat and the client’s inability to remain safe in the
community.
4. Which of the following describes the ‘working phase’ of the nurse-client relationship?
A. Establishing the parameters of the relationship.
, B. Reviewing situations that occurred during the interview.
C. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
D. Determining the reason the client sought help.
Answer: C
Rationale: The working phase is the period where the nurse and client collaborate to
achieve goals. During this phase, the nurse helps the client develop insight, practice new
coping skills, and promote independent problem-solving. It follows the orientation phase
and precedes the termination phase.
5. A nurse observes a client pacing rapidly and wringing their hands. The client states, ‘I just
know something terrible is going to happen.’ How should the nurse categorize this level of
anxiety?
A. Mild
B. Severe
C. Moderate
D. Panic
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significantly narrowed perceptual field and
physical symptoms such as pacing and hand-wringing. The client focuses on specific details
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. Which statement by the nurse best
demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of ‘offering self’?
A. ‘You should try to participate in the group activities.’
B. ‘Why do you feel so anxious today?’
C. ‘Everything will be okay once the medication starts working.’
D. ‘I will sit here with you for a while if you would like to talk.’
Answer: D
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client to provide support
and show interest. This technique helps build rapport and trust without placing demands
on the client. It is particularly useful for clients who are withdrawn or unable to
communicate effectively at the moment.
2. During a mental status examination, the nurse asks the client to explain the meaning of the
proverb, ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk.’ What is the nurse assessing?
A. Memory
B. Orientation
C. Attention span
,D. Abstract thinking
Answer: D
Rationale: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information and concepts beyond
literal meanings. Asking a client to interpret a proverb helps determine if they are thinking
concretely or abstractly. This assessment is a standard part of evaluating a client’s
cognitive functions during a mental status exam.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit involuntarily after threatening to harm a
neighbor. Which legal principle justifies this admission?
A. Duty to protect
B. Veracity
C. Beneficence
D. Autonomy
Answer: A
Rationale: The duty to protect or the principle of public safety allows for involuntary
admission when a client poses a direct threat to others. This overrides the client’s right to
autonomy in the interest of preventing harm. Involuntary commitment requires
documentation of the specific threat and the client’s inability to remain safe in the
community.
4. Which of the following describes the ‘working phase’ of the nurse-client relationship?
A. Establishing the parameters of the relationship.
, B. Reviewing situations that occurred during the interview.
C. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
D. Determining the reason the client sought help.
Answer: C
Rationale: The working phase is the period where the nurse and client collaborate to
achieve goals. During this phase, the nurse helps the client develop insight, practice new
coping skills, and promote independent problem-solving. It follows the orientation phase
and precedes the termination phase.
5. A nurse observes a client pacing rapidly and wringing their hands. The client states, ‘I just
know something terrible is going to happen.’ How should the nurse categorize this level of
anxiety?
A. Mild
B. Severe
C. Moderate
D. Panic
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significantly narrowed perceptual field and
physical symptoms such as pacing and hand-wringing. The client focuses on specific details
