,
,
, RN MENTAL HEALTH 2026 ULTIMATE STUDY GUIDE
AND PRACTICE TEST (1-250)
1. A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client diagnosed with
major depressive disorder. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Discuss coping strategies for managing depressive symptoms
B) Establish clear boundaries and explain confidentiality
C) Explore the client's past traumatic experiences
D) Provide advice on establishing a daily routine
*B) Establish clear boundaries and explain confidentiality *
Rationale: The first phase of the therapeutic relationship is the orientation phase, during
which the nurse establishes boundaries, explains confidentiality, and sets expectations.
Exploring trauma or providing advice occurs later in the working phase .
2. A client tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get better." Which response is
most therapeutic?
A) "You'll feel better soon, just wait."
B) "Why do you feel that way?"
C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way."
D) "Many people recover from this illness."
*C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way." *
Rationale: "Tell me more" is an open-ended, therapeutic response that encourages the
client to express feelings. "Why" questions can be perceived as accusatory. False
reassurance and platitudes are nontherapeutic .
,
, RN MENTAL HEALTH 2026 ULTIMATE STUDY GUIDE
AND PRACTICE TEST (1-250)
1. A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client diagnosed with
major depressive disorder. Which action should the nurse take first?
A) Discuss coping strategies for managing depressive symptoms
B) Establish clear boundaries and explain confidentiality
C) Explore the client's past traumatic experiences
D) Provide advice on establishing a daily routine
*B) Establish clear boundaries and explain confidentiality *
Rationale: The first phase of the therapeutic relationship is the orientation phase, during
which the nurse establishes boundaries, explains confidentiality, and sets expectations.
Exploring trauma or providing advice occurs later in the working phase .
2. A client tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get better." Which response is
most therapeutic?
A) "You'll feel better soon, just wait."
B) "Why do you feel that way?"
C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way."
D) "Many people recover from this illness."
*C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel that way." *
Rationale: "Tell me more" is an open-ended, therapeutic response that encourages the
client to express feelings. "Why" questions can be perceived as accusatory. False
reassurance and platitudes are nontherapeutic .
