Kaplan Psychiatric Nursing Assessment: 200
Questions with 100% Verified Answers, Detailed
Rationales, Updated Guidelines, and A+ Graded
Solutions for Exam Success
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(Questions 1–20)
Q1: A client tells the nurse, "I don't think anyone
really cares about me." Which of the following is the
most therapeutic response?
A) "I care about you, and I'm here to help."
B) "Why do you think that no one cares about you?"
C) "That must feel very lonely. Tell me more about
how you're feeling."
D) "You shouldn't feel that way. Many people care
about you."
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: This response validates the client's
feelings, demonstrates empathy, and encourages
,further expression of emotions. Option B asks
"why," which can feel accusatory. Option D
dismisses the client's feelings.
Q2: A client who is withdrawn and silent is sitting
alone in the day room. The nurse approaches the
client. Which of the following is the most
appropriate initial statement?
A) "You seem to be sitting alone. Would you like to
talk?"
B) "I'm going to sit here with you for a while if that's
okay."
C) "What's wrong? You look upset."
D) "Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client
without demanding conversation is a therapeutic
technique that provides presence and safety. It
,respects the client's need for space while offering
support.
Q3: A nurse is establishing a therapeutic
relationship with a client diagnosed with major
depressive disorder. Which statement by the nurse
reflects the most appropriate therapeutic
communication technique?
A) "You should try to think more positively about
your situation."
B) "Tell me more about what has been troubling
you."
C) "Everything will be fine if you just take your
medication."
D) "I understand exactly how you feel."
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: This open-ended statement encourages
the client to express feelings and promotes
therapeutic communication. Telling a client to think
, positively or that everything will be fine is false
reassurance. "I understand exactly how you feel" is
not therapeutic because the nurse cannot truly
understand the client's unique experience.
Q4: A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawn
and refusing to speak. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate?
A) Leave the client alone to respect their privacy
B) Sit quietly with the client without demanding
conversation
C) Ask the client why they are not speaking
D) Encourage the client to participate in group
activities
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client
provides presence and support without pressure.
This demonstrates acceptance and allows the client
Questions with 100% Verified Answers, Detailed
Rationales, Updated Guidelines, and A+ Graded
Solutions for Exam Success
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
(Questions 1–20)
Q1: A client tells the nurse, "I don't think anyone
really cares about me." Which of the following is the
most therapeutic response?
A) "I care about you, and I'm here to help."
B) "Why do you think that no one cares about you?"
C) "That must feel very lonely. Tell me more about
how you're feeling."
D) "You shouldn't feel that way. Many people care
about you."
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: C
Rationale: This response validates the client's
feelings, demonstrates empathy, and encourages
,further expression of emotions. Option B asks
"why," which can feel accusatory. Option D
dismisses the client's feelings.
Q2: A client who is withdrawn and silent is sitting
alone in the day room. The nurse approaches the
client. Which of the following is the most
appropriate initial statement?
A) "You seem to be sitting alone. Would you like to
talk?"
B) "I'm going to sit here with you for a while if that's
okay."
C) "What's wrong? You look upset."
D) "Why are you sitting here all by yourself?"
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client
without demanding conversation is a therapeutic
technique that provides presence and safety. It
,respects the client's need for space while offering
support.
Q3: A nurse is establishing a therapeutic
relationship with a client diagnosed with major
depressive disorder. Which statement by the nurse
reflects the most appropriate therapeutic
communication technique?
A) "You should try to think more positively about
your situation."
B) "Tell me more about what has been troubling
you."
C) "Everything will be fine if you just take your
medication."
D) "I understand exactly how you feel."
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: This open-ended statement encourages
the client to express feelings and promotes
therapeutic communication. Telling a client to think
, positively or that everything will be fine is false
reassurance. "I understand exactly how you feel" is
not therapeutic because the nurse cannot truly
understand the client's unique experience.
Q4: A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawn
and refusing to speak. Which nursing intervention is
most appropriate?
A) Leave the client alone to respect their privacy
B) Sit quietly with the client without demanding
conversation
C) Ask the client why they are not speaking
D) Encourage the client to participate in group
activities
☑ VERIFIED ☑VERIFIED ANSWER: B
Rationale: Sitting quietly with a withdrawn client
provides presence and support without pressure.
This demonstrates acceptance and allows the client
