NUR253 Exam 1 V2 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial assessment on a client with depression. Which of the
following phases of the nurse-patient relationship involves establishing the contract for
boundaries?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Orientation phase
D. Termination phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The orientation phase is where the nurse and client get to know each other and
establish trust. During this time, the nurse defines the parameters of the relationship,
including the time, place, and duration of meetings. This phase is crucial for setting
expectations and the formal contract of care.
2. A client is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Flashbacks of a traumatic event
B. Excessive worry about various daily activities for at least 6 months
,C. Fear of being in open spaces
D. Repetitive handwashing to reduce anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive
worry about several different things. To meet the DSM-5 criteria, this worry must occur
more days than not for at least 6 months. Symptoms often include restlessness, fatigue, and
difficulty concentrating.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting signs of severe anxiety. What should be the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Teach the client a new relaxation technique
B. Ask the client to explain the cause of their anxiety
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences
D. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down
Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is in the severe or panic level of anxiety, they cannot process
complex information. The nurse must remain with the client to ensure safety and provide a
calming presence. Using short, simple sentences helps the client understand instructions
while their cognitive field is narrowed.
, 4. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink because my wife
is so naggy’?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: D
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas or feelings by
developing acceptable explanations. In this case, the client is making excuses for their
drinking behavior by blaming their spouse. This mechanism helps the individual maintain
self-esteem and avoid taking responsibility.
5. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
this client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to have visitors 24 hours a day
C. The right to choose their primary care physician
D. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
Answer: D
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial assessment on a client with depression. Which of the
following phases of the nurse-patient relationship involves establishing the contract for
boundaries?
A. Pre-orientation phase
B. Working phase
C. Orientation phase
D. Termination phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The orientation phase is where the nurse and client get to know each other and
establish trust. During this time, the nurse defines the parameters of the relationship,
including the time, place, and duration of meetings. This phase is crucial for setting
expectations and the formal contract of care.
2. A client is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Flashbacks of a traumatic event
B. Excessive worry about various daily activities for at least 6 months
,C. Fear of being in open spaces
D. Repetitive handwashing to reduce anxiety
Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive
worry about several different things. To meet the DSM-5 criteria, this worry must occur
more days than not for at least 6 months. Symptoms often include restlessness, fatigue, and
difficulty concentrating.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting signs of severe anxiety. What should be the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Teach the client a new relaxation technique
B. Ask the client to explain the cause of their anxiety
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences
D. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down
Answer: C
Rationale: When a client is in the severe or panic level of anxiety, they cannot process
complex information. The nurse must remain with the client to ensure safety and provide a
calming presence. Using short, simple sentences helps the client understand instructions
while their cognitive field is narrowed.
, 4. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink because my wife
is so naggy’?
A. Sublimation
B. Displacement
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: D
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas or feelings by
developing acceptable explanations. In this case, the client is making excuses for their
drinking behavior by blaming their spouse. This mechanism helps the individual maintain
self-esteem and avoid taking responsibility.
5. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which of the following rights does
this client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time
B. The right to have visitors 24 hours a day
C. The right to choose their primary care physician
D. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
Answer: D
