,1. According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, what is the primary
developmental task of the "Trust vs. Mistrust" stage?
A) Developing a sense of personal control and independence
B) Forming a sense of identity and direction
C) Learning to trust caregivers and the environment
D) Achieving a sense of accomplishment and competence
Correct Answer: Learning to trust caregivers and the environment
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy (0–1.5 years) and is
centered on developing a sense that caregivers and the world are reliable and trustworthy.
Success in this stage builds a foundation of hope for future relationships.
2. A nurse is preparing to meet a client newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.
According to Peplau's theory, what is the primary goal of the orientation phase of the nurse-
patient relationship?
A) To work on specific patient problems and achieve therapeutic goals
B) To explore the patient's past relationships and childhood experiences
C) To establish trust and define the parameters of the relationship
D) To evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and plan for termination
Correct Answer: To establish trust and define the parameters of the relationship
Rationale: The orientation phase, as defined by Peplau, is focused on establishing a trusting
therapeutic alliance and defining the roles, goals, and boundaries of the relationship . This
foundational work is essential for all subsequent therapeutic interactions.
,3. Which of the following is a key feature of the "least restrictive environment" principle in
mental health care?
A) Patients have the right to be free from seclusion and restraints unless necessary to prevent
harm
B) Patients must be admitted to the most secure unit available to ensure public safety
C) Patients are not allowed to leave the unit unless accompanied by staff
D) Patients have no right to refuse treatment once they are admitted
Correct Answer: Patients have the right to be free from seclusion and restraints unless
necessary to prevent harm
Rationale: The principle of the least restrictive environment mandates that patients' rights are
preserved and that any restrictions on their liberty (such as seclusion or restraints) are used
only as a last resort to ensure immediate physical safety. This principle is a cornerstone of
ethical psychiatric care.
4. A patient reports feeling a sense of impending doom, a rapidly beating heart, and shortness
of breath. These symptoms came on suddenly and have peaked within minutes. This clinical
presentation is characteristic of a:
A) Panic attack
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Phobic disorder
D) Post-traumatic stress flashback
Correct Answer: Panic attack
Rationale: A panic attack is characterized by the sudden and intense onset of fear or discomfort,
peaking quickly, and is accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as palpitations and dyspnea .
This is a distinct event that can occur in several anxiety disorders.
, 5. A client is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for major depressive
disorder. The nurse provides education regarding the expected timeline for therapeutic effects.
Which statement is correct?
A) "You can expect to feel better in about 1 to 2 days."
B) "It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to notice the full effect of this medication."
C) "This medication will provide immediate relief of your symptoms."
D) "You should stop taking the medication if you do not feel better after one week."
Correct Answer: "It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to notice the full effect of this medication."
Rationale: SSRIs have a delayed onset of action, and it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent
use to reach their full therapeutic benefit . Patient education about this timeline is critical to
improve adherence and prevent premature discontinuation.
6. A nurse is discussing the phenomenon of "countertransference" during a team meeting.
Which of the following best describes this concept?
A) The patient projecting feelings from a past relationship onto the nurse
B) The nurse's emotional reaction to the patient based on their own past experiences
C) A therapeutic technique used to build rapport and trust
D) The patient's unconscious resistance to treatment
Correct Answer: The nurse's emotional reaction to the patient based on their own past
experiences
Rationale: Countertransference is the nurse's (or therapist's) emotional response to a patient,
which is often triggered by the nurse's own unresolved conflicts or past experiences . This can
interfere with clinical objectivity and requires self-awareness.
developmental task of the "Trust vs. Mistrust" stage?
A) Developing a sense of personal control and independence
B) Forming a sense of identity and direction
C) Learning to trust caregivers and the environment
D) Achieving a sense of accomplishment and competence
Correct Answer: Learning to trust caregivers and the environment
Rationale: Erikson's first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust, occurs during infancy (0–1.5 years) and is
centered on developing a sense that caregivers and the world are reliable and trustworthy.
Success in this stage builds a foundation of hope for future relationships.
2. A nurse is preparing to meet a client newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.
According to Peplau's theory, what is the primary goal of the orientation phase of the nurse-
patient relationship?
A) To work on specific patient problems and achieve therapeutic goals
B) To explore the patient's past relationships and childhood experiences
C) To establish trust and define the parameters of the relationship
D) To evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and plan for termination
Correct Answer: To establish trust and define the parameters of the relationship
Rationale: The orientation phase, as defined by Peplau, is focused on establishing a trusting
therapeutic alliance and defining the roles, goals, and boundaries of the relationship . This
foundational work is essential for all subsequent therapeutic interactions.
,3. Which of the following is a key feature of the "least restrictive environment" principle in
mental health care?
A) Patients have the right to be free from seclusion and restraints unless necessary to prevent
harm
B) Patients must be admitted to the most secure unit available to ensure public safety
C) Patients are not allowed to leave the unit unless accompanied by staff
D) Patients have no right to refuse treatment once they are admitted
Correct Answer: Patients have the right to be free from seclusion and restraints unless
necessary to prevent harm
Rationale: The principle of the least restrictive environment mandates that patients' rights are
preserved and that any restrictions on their liberty (such as seclusion or restraints) are used
only as a last resort to ensure immediate physical safety. This principle is a cornerstone of
ethical psychiatric care.
4. A patient reports feeling a sense of impending doom, a rapidly beating heart, and shortness
of breath. These symptoms came on suddenly and have peaked within minutes. This clinical
presentation is characteristic of a:
A) Panic attack
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Phobic disorder
D) Post-traumatic stress flashback
Correct Answer: Panic attack
Rationale: A panic attack is characterized by the sudden and intense onset of fear or discomfort,
peaking quickly, and is accompanied by autonomic symptoms such as palpitations and dyspnea .
This is a distinct event that can occur in several anxiety disorders.
, 5. A client is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for major depressive
disorder. The nurse provides education regarding the expected timeline for therapeutic effects.
Which statement is correct?
A) "You can expect to feel better in about 1 to 2 days."
B) "It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to notice the full effect of this medication."
C) "This medication will provide immediate relief of your symptoms."
D) "You should stop taking the medication if you do not feel better after one week."
Correct Answer: "It may take 4 to 6 weeks for you to notice the full effect of this medication."
Rationale: SSRIs have a delayed onset of action, and it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks of consistent
use to reach their full therapeutic benefit . Patient education about this timeline is critical to
improve adherence and prevent premature discontinuation.
6. A nurse is discussing the phenomenon of "countertransference" during a team meeting.
Which of the following best describes this concept?
A) The patient projecting feelings from a past relationship onto the nurse
B) The nurse's emotional reaction to the patient based on their own past experiences
C) A therapeutic technique used to build rapport and trust
D) The patient's unconscious resistance to treatment
Correct Answer: The nurse's emotional reaction to the patient based on their own past
experiences
Rationale: Countertransference is the nurse's (or therapist's) emotional response to a patient,
which is often triggered by the nurse's own unresolved conflicts or past experiences . This can
interfere with clinical objectivity and requires self-awareness.
