Grand Canyon University NSG 322 Final Exam (pdf) | 2026/2027 |
Behavioral Health Q&A | Behavioral Health Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the historical recognition of
psychiatric nursing as a specialty?
A) It was recognized in the early 1900s when the first nursing textbooks
included mental health content
B) It was recognized in the late 1800s, with formal training in nursing schools
beginning in the 1950s
C) It was recognized in the 1960s following the passage of the Community
Mental Health Center Act
D) It was recognized in the 1970s when the DSM was first published
Correct Answer: It was recognized in the late 1800s, with formal training in
nursing schools beginning in the 1950s
Rationale: Psychiatric nursing was recognized as a specialty in the late
1800s. However, psychiatric nursing content was not formally taught in
nursing schools until the 1950s. The development of psychotropic drugs in
the early 1950s further advanced the field and expanded the role of
psychiatric nurses.
---
2. A nurse is applying Peplau's interpersonal theory when working with a
patient. During which phase does the nurse and patient work together to
resolve problems and achieve goals?
A) Orientation phase
B) Working phase
C) Termination phase
D) Pre-orientation phase
,Correct Answer: Working phase
Rationale: Peplau's interpersonal theory identifies three phases of the nurse-
patient relationship: orientation (establishing trust and defining the problem),
working (actively working together to resolve problems and achieve goals),
and termination (concluding the relationship). The working phase is where
the therapeutic work occurs.
---
3. Which of the following is a key principle of trauma-informed care according
to SAMHSA?
A) Focusing only on the patient's current symptoms without exploring past
trauma
B) Maintaining a strictly hierarchical relationship between provider and
patient
C) Emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration,
empowerment, and cultural awareness
D) Prioritizing medication management over psychosocial interventions
Correct Answer: Emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, peer support,
collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness
Rationale: SAMHSA's 6 key principles of trauma-informed care are: safety;
trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality;
empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues.
These principles guide a holistic, patient-centered approach.
---
,4. According to Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which of the following is a
core concept?
A) Psychosexual stages of development
B) Operant conditioning
C) The importance of interpersonal relationships and social interactions in
personality development
D) The unconscious mind and defense mechanisms
Correct Answer: The importance of interpersonal relationships and social
interactions in personality development
Rationale: Sullivan's interpersonal theory emphasizes the role of
interpersonal relationships and social interactions in shaping personality and
psychological development. This contrasts with Freud's focus on
psychosexual stages and intrapsychic conflicts.
---
5. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a patient. Which of the
following statements reflects the use of the CLEAR acronym?
A) "Why do you feel that way about your medication?"
B) "You should not worry about your diagnosis."
C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
D) "I know exactly how you feel."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
Rationale: The CLEAR acronym guides therapeutic communication: C
(Clarify), L (Listen), E (Empathize), A (Acknowledge), R (Respond). Asking
, open-ended questions and inviting the patient to share more is therapeutic.
"Why" questions can be perceived as judgmental.
---
6. A patient is exhibiting signs of a panic attack. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A) Provide detailed education about the physiology of anxiety
B) Administer a benzodiazepine immediately
C) Remain with the patient, maintain a calm presence, and use grounding
techniques
D) Leave the patient alone to calm down
Correct Answer: Remain with the patient, maintain a calm presence, and use
grounding techniques
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is to provide a calm, safe
presence, remain with the patient, and use grounding techniques to help the
patient regain control. Education and medication are important but
secondary to immediate safety and support.
---
7. Which of the following describes the defense mechanism known as
"splitting"?
A) Attributing exaggerated positive qualities to others
B) The inability to integrate the positive and negative qualities of oneself or
others into a cohesive image
C) Dealing with emotional conflict by indirectly expressing aggression
D) Repressing anxiety and expressing it through physical symptoms
Behavioral Health Q&A | Behavioral Health Nursing
1. Which of the following best describes the historical recognition of
psychiatric nursing as a specialty?
A) It was recognized in the early 1900s when the first nursing textbooks
included mental health content
B) It was recognized in the late 1800s, with formal training in nursing schools
beginning in the 1950s
C) It was recognized in the 1960s following the passage of the Community
Mental Health Center Act
D) It was recognized in the 1970s when the DSM was first published
Correct Answer: It was recognized in the late 1800s, with formal training in
nursing schools beginning in the 1950s
Rationale: Psychiatric nursing was recognized as a specialty in the late
1800s. However, psychiatric nursing content was not formally taught in
nursing schools until the 1950s. The development of psychotropic drugs in
the early 1950s further advanced the field and expanded the role of
psychiatric nurses.
---
2. A nurse is applying Peplau's interpersonal theory when working with a
patient. During which phase does the nurse and patient work together to
resolve problems and achieve goals?
A) Orientation phase
B) Working phase
C) Termination phase
D) Pre-orientation phase
,Correct Answer: Working phase
Rationale: Peplau's interpersonal theory identifies three phases of the nurse-
patient relationship: orientation (establishing trust and defining the problem),
working (actively working together to resolve problems and achieve goals),
and termination (concluding the relationship). The working phase is where
the therapeutic work occurs.
---
3. Which of the following is a key principle of trauma-informed care according
to SAMHSA?
A) Focusing only on the patient's current symptoms without exploring past
trauma
B) Maintaining a strictly hierarchical relationship between provider and
patient
C) Emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration,
empowerment, and cultural awareness
D) Prioritizing medication management over psychosocial interventions
Correct Answer: Emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, peer support,
collaboration, empowerment, and cultural awareness
Rationale: SAMHSA's 6 key principles of trauma-informed care are: safety;
trustworthiness and transparency; peer support; collaboration and mutuality;
empowerment, voice, and choice; and cultural, historical, and gender issues.
These principles guide a holistic, patient-centered approach.
---
,4. According to Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which of the following is a
core concept?
A) Psychosexual stages of development
B) Operant conditioning
C) The importance of interpersonal relationships and social interactions in
personality development
D) The unconscious mind and defense mechanisms
Correct Answer: The importance of interpersonal relationships and social
interactions in personality development
Rationale: Sullivan's interpersonal theory emphasizes the role of
interpersonal relationships and social interactions in shaping personality and
psychological development. This contrasts with Freud's focus on
psychosexual stages and intrapsychic conflicts.
---
5. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a patient. Which of the
following statements reflects the use of the CLEAR acronym?
A) "Why do you feel that way about your medication?"
B) "You should not worry about your diagnosis."
C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
D) "I know exactly how you feel."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
Rationale: The CLEAR acronym guides therapeutic communication: C
(Clarify), L (Listen), E (Empathize), A (Acknowledge), R (Respond). Asking
, open-ended questions and inviting the patient to share more is therapeutic.
"Why" questions can be perceived as judgmental.
---
6. A patient is exhibiting signs of a panic attack. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A) Provide detailed education about the physiology of anxiety
B) Administer a benzodiazepine immediately
C) Remain with the patient, maintain a calm presence, and use grounding
techniques
D) Leave the patient alone to calm down
Correct Answer: Remain with the patient, maintain a calm presence, and use
grounding techniques
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority is to provide a calm, safe
presence, remain with the patient, and use grounding techniques to help the
patient regain control. Education and medication are important but
secondary to immediate safety and support.
---
7. Which of the following describes the defense mechanism known as
"splitting"?
A) Attributing exaggerated positive qualities to others
B) The inability to integrate the positive and negative qualities of oneself or
others into a cohesive image
C) Dealing with emotional conflict by indirectly expressing aggression
D) Repressing anxiety and expressing it through physical symptoms
