NUR 253 Mental Health Exam 2: 2026/2027 Questions
and 100% Correct Answers– Galen
Overview:
NUR 253 Mental Health Exam 2 covers therapeutic group process,
facilitation techniques, universality, mutual respect, defense mechanisms
projection rationalization compensation. Focuses on crisis theory,
adventitious and maturational crises, risk assessment, suicide precautions,
stress and anxiety management. Includes bipolar mania, lithium toxicity,
depression, schizophrenia spectrum, ECT, antipsychotics, EPS, NMS,
serotonin syndrome, agranulocytosis, TCA teaching, cultural competence,
restraint safety, verbal de-escalation, and therapeutic communication and
exam preparation for nursing students success.
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales
1. During a multifamily support group, a client says, "I feel sad that I will never have a
good marriage like each of my siblings do." Which of the following is an appropriate
response by the nurse to facilitate group discussion of this issue?
A. Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?
B. Maybe you should stop feeling sorry for yourself.
C. Perhaps there's a way for you to become a good partner.
D. Do you feel your siblings are better than you?
Rationale: This uses therapeutic factors of universality and encourages group sharing.
It validates the client, avoids judgment or advice, and opens the floor for others to
share similar feelings, facilitating group cohesion.
2. The nurse is leading a group therapy session with a client who has bipolar disorder
and repeatedly attempts to monopolize the session. The nurse has thanked the client
,for their input but reminded them that others need to have an opportunity to
contribute. After a few minutes, the client repeats the same behavior. Which of the
following actions should the nurse perform to manage this client's behavior?
A. Suggest the client limit their suggestions to two to three per session.
B. Assign the client to another group after discussing the behavior.
C. Tell the client to stop trying to control the session in a firm but compassionate
manner.
D. Ask the client to wait outside the room for a few minutes to calm down.
Rationale: Setting clear, specific limits is therapeutic for clients who monopolize.
Limiting to 2-3 contributions per session is structured, non-punitive, maintains the
client in the group, and allows others to participate while preserving self-esteem.
3. The nurse is leading a new self-esteem group. Which of the following interventions
by the nurse is best for assuring mutual respect within the group?
A. Announce that any members who are disrespectful will be asked to leave.
B. Describe the importance of treating each other with consideration at the beginning
of each session.
C. Give members a brochure describing the purpose, norms, and expectations of group.
D. Reinforce to members that the group leader will always begin and end discussions.
Rationale: Establishing group norms of mutual respect at the start of each session
proactively sets expectations. It is more therapeutic and collaborative than punitive
threats and reinforces respectful behavior.
4. The nurse and client are in the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship.
Which interventions from the box below occur during this phase? 1. Summarize
personal accomplishments. 2. Focus on problem-solving. 3. Describe the meeting
, purpose. 4. Work on achieving goals. 5. Identify rules during interaction. 6. Summarize
insights achieved.
A. 1, 6 - Summarize personal accomplishments, Summarize insights achieved
B. 1, 5, 6
C. 1, 4, 6
D. 2, 3, 6
Rationale: Termination phase focuses on summarizing progress, reviewing
accomplishments, summarizing insights, expressing feelings about ending, and planning for
continued growth. Problem-solving occurs in working phase; purpose and rules in orientation
phase.
5. The nurse is leading a group session and observes a member rubbing their head roughly.
The nurse states, "I noticed you rubbing your head. Can you tell me how you feel right now?"
Which of the following communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Reflection / Making observations
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Focusing
Rationale: Verbalizing an observed nonverbal behavior helps the client become aware of it
and explore feelings. This is making observations, which encourages elaboration on emotional
state.
6. The nurse educator is developing a coping skills group for the mental health unit. The nurse
educator understands that during the planning phase, the 1st step in the group development
process is to
A. Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes of the group
B. Select the members for the group
and 100% Correct Answers– Galen
Overview:
NUR 253 Mental Health Exam 2 covers therapeutic group process,
facilitation techniques, universality, mutual respect, defense mechanisms
projection rationalization compensation. Focuses on crisis theory,
adventitious and maturational crises, risk assessment, suicide precautions,
stress and anxiety management. Includes bipolar mania, lithium toxicity,
depression, schizophrenia spectrum, ECT, antipsychotics, EPS, NMS,
serotonin syndrome, agranulocytosis, TCA teaching, cultural competence,
restraint safety, verbal de-escalation, and therapeutic communication and
exam preparation for nursing students success.
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales
1. During a multifamily support group, a client says, "I feel sad that I will never have a
good marriage like each of my siblings do." Which of the following is an appropriate
response by the nurse to facilitate group discussion of this issue?
A. Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?
B. Maybe you should stop feeling sorry for yourself.
C. Perhaps there's a way for you to become a good partner.
D. Do you feel your siblings are better than you?
Rationale: This uses therapeutic factors of universality and encourages group sharing.
It validates the client, avoids judgment or advice, and opens the floor for others to
share similar feelings, facilitating group cohesion.
2. The nurse is leading a group therapy session with a client who has bipolar disorder
and repeatedly attempts to monopolize the session. The nurse has thanked the client
,for their input but reminded them that others need to have an opportunity to
contribute. After a few minutes, the client repeats the same behavior. Which of the
following actions should the nurse perform to manage this client's behavior?
A. Suggest the client limit their suggestions to two to three per session.
B. Assign the client to another group after discussing the behavior.
C. Tell the client to stop trying to control the session in a firm but compassionate
manner.
D. Ask the client to wait outside the room for a few minutes to calm down.
Rationale: Setting clear, specific limits is therapeutic for clients who monopolize.
Limiting to 2-3 contributions per session is structured, non-punitive, maintains the
client in the group, and allows others to participate while preserving self-esteem.
3. The nurse is leading a new self-esteem group. Which of the following interventions
by the nurse is best for assuring mutual respect within the group?
A. Announce that any members who are disrespectful will be asked to leave.
B. Describe the importance of treating each other with consideration at the beginning
of each session.
C. Give members a brochure describing the purpose, norms, and expectations of group.
D. Reinforce to members that the group leader will always begin and end discussions.
Rationale: Establishing group norms of mutual respect at the start of each session
proactively sets expectations. It is more therapeutic and collaborative than punitive
threats and reinforces respectful behavior.
4. The nurse and client are in the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship.
Which interventions from the box below occur during this phase? 1. Summarize
personal accomplishments. 2. Focus on problem-solving. 3. Describe the meeting
, purpose. 4. Work on achieving goals. 5. Identify rules during interaction. 6. Summarize
insights achieved.
A. 1, 6 - Summarize personal accomplishments, Summarize insights achieved
B. 1, 5, 6
C. 1, 4, 6
D. 2, 3, 6
Rationale: Termination phase focuses on summarizing progress, reviewing
accomplishments, summarizing insights, expressing feelings about ending, and planning for
continued growth. Problem-solving occurs in working phase; purpose and rules in orientation
phase.
5. The nurse is leading a group session and observes a member rubbing their head roughly.
The nurse states, "I noticed you rubbing your head. Can you tell me how you feel right now?"
Which of the following communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Reflection / Making observations
B. Restating
C. Exploring
D. Focusing
Rationale: Verbalizing an observed nonverbal behavior helps the client become aware of it
and explore feelings. This is making observations, which encourages elaboration on emotional
state.
6. The nurse educator is developing a coping skills group for the mental health unit. The nurse
educator understands that during the planning phase, the 1st step in the group development
process is to
A. Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes of the group
B. Select the members for the group
