NUR2459/NUR 2459 Exam 1 V2 | Mental
and Behavioral Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who is expressing feelings of hopelessness. Which
response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. I am sure everything will work out for you in the end.
B. Tell me more about what you are feeling right now.
C. Why do you feel like there is no hope left?
D. You should try to think more positively about your life.
Answer: B
Rationale: Using an open-ended statement like ‘tell me more’ encourages the patient to
elaborate on their feelings. This technique promotes a deeper exploration of the patient’s
internal experience. It avoids the use of ‘why’ questions, which can often make patients feel
defensive.
2. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty to act in a way that benefits or promotes the
good of others?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Fidelity
,D. Beneficence
Answer: D
Rationale: Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to do good and act in the best
interest of the patient. It is a fundamental principle in mental health nursing to ensure the
patient’s well-being is prioritized. This differs from autonomy, which focuses on the
patient’s right to make their own choices.
3. During which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse address the issue of
confidentiality and set the parameters of the relationship?
A. Pre-interaction Phase
B. Working Phase
C. Orientation Phase
D. Termination Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The orientation phase involves establishing trust and setting the terms of the
therapeutic relationship. During this time, the nurse clearly defines the roles of both parties
and the duration of the sessions. Discussing confidentiality at this stage is essential for
building a safe environment for the patient.
, 4. A patient becomes angry and yells at the nurse after being told they cannot have an extra
snack. Later, the patient kicks a chair in the dayroom. Which defense mechanism is being
used?
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Reaction Formation
D. Displacement
Answer: D
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring emotions from a threatening or frustrating
target to a less threatening one. In this scenario, the patient redirects anger toward the
nurse onto the chair. This mechanism allows the individual to release tension without
facing the direct consequences of confronting the actual source of frustration.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient admitted involuntarily. Which statement is true regarding
the patient’s rights?
A. The patient loses the right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The patient has the right to leave the hospital at any time.
C. The patient retains the right to informed consent for treatments.
D. The patient is legally considered incompetent by default.
Answer: C
and Behavioral Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is communicating with a patient who is expressing feelings of hopelessness. Which
response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. I am sure everything will work out for you in the end.
B. Tell me more about what you are feeling right now.
C. Why do you feel like there is no hope left?
D. You should try to think more positively about your life.
Answer: B
Rationale: Using an open-ended statement like ‘tell me more’ encourages the patient to
elaborate on their feelings. This technique promotes a deeper exploration of the patient’s
internal experience. It avoids the use of ‘why’ questions, which can often make patients feel
defensive.
2. Which ethical principle is defined as the duty to act in a way that benefits or promotes the
good of others?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Fidelity
,D. Beneficence
Answer: D
Rationale: Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to do good and act in the best
interest of the patient. It is a fundamental principle in mental health nursing to ensure the
patient’s well-being is prioritized. This differs from autonomy, which focuses on the
patient’s right to make their own choices.
3. During which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse address the issue of
confidentiality and set the parameters of the relationship?
A. Pre-interaction Phase
B. Working Phase
C. Orientation Phase
D. Termination Phase
Answer: C
Rationale: The orientation phase involves establishing trust and setting the terms of the
therapeutic relationship. During this time, the nurse clearly defines the roles of both parties
and the duration of the sessions. Discussing confidentiality at this stage is essential for
building a safe environment for the patient.
, 4. A patient becomes angry and yells at the nurse after being told they cannot have an extra
snack. Later, the patient kicks a chair in the dayroom. Which defense mechanism is being
used?
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Reaction Formation
D. Displacement
Answer: D
Rationale: Displacement involves transferring emotions from a threatening or frustrating
target to a less threatening one. In this scenario, the patient redirects anger toward the
nurse onto the chair. This mechanism allows the individual to release tension without
facing the direct consequences of confronting the actual source of frustration.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient admitted involuntarily. Which statement is true regarding
the patient’s rights?
A. The patient loses the right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The patient has the right to leave the hospital at any time.
C. The patient retains the right to informed consent for treatments.
D. The patient is legally considered incompetent by default.
Answer: C
