UT Arlington NURS 3381 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Exam 1
(pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental Health Q&A | Psychiatric Nursing
1. A psychiatric mental health nurse is using evidence-based practice (EBP)
to guide care. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of the
"5 A's" of EBP?
A) Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
B) Appraise, Ask, Acquire, Apply, Assess
C) Ask, Appraise, Acquire, Apply, Assess
D) Assess, Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply
Correct Answer: Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
Rationale: The 5 A's of evidence-based practice are: Ask a question, Acquire
the literature, Appraise the literature, Apply the evidence, and Assess the
performance. This systematic process ensures clinical decisions are
grounded in the best available evidence.
2. A nurse is integrating EBP into clinical practice. Which of the following
represents the "three prongs" of evidence-based practice?
A) Literature review, clinical algorithms, and patient values
B) Research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values
C) Clinical pathways, nursing diagnosis, and patient outcomes
D) Systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and patient education
Correct Answer: Research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences and values
Rationale: The three aspects of EBP are: evidence gleaned from the
literature, clinical knowledge of the nurse from training and experience, and
,the desires of patients and the values for their care. This integration ensures
care is both scientifically sound and patient-centered.
3. A patient is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The nurse gathers information
through the patient interview, chart review, and family input. What type of
data is being collected?
A) Primary data only
B) Secondary data only
C) Primary and secondary data
D) Objective data only
Correct Answer: Primary and secondary data
Rationale: Primary sources include the patient interview, while secondary
sources include the chart, family, friends, and police reports. Both are
essential for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
4. Which of the following best describes the "Science of Nursing"?
A) The use of verbal and nonverbal communication to establish a therapeutic
relationship
B) The application of basic research-based concepts, critical thinking, and
techniques learned during nursing education
C) The use of self-reflection and self-awareness to promote healing
D) The ability to provide emotional support and presence to patients
Correct Answer: The application of basic research-based concepts, critical
thinking, and techniques learned during nursing education
Rationale: The science of nursing relies on a scientific foundation and critical
thinking, including the nursing process, pathophysiology, disease process,
,and techniques learned during nursing education. The art of nursing, in
contrast, involves the use of communication and interpersonal skills to
establish a healing relationship.
5. A psychiatric mental health nurse is using therapeutic communication
techniques. The nurse is demonstrating the "Art of Nursing" through which of
the following?
A) Administering prescribed psychotropic medications
B) Conducting a mental status examination
C) Using active listening and empathy to connect with the patient
D) Documenting the patient's symptoms in the medical record
Correct Answer: Using active listening and empathy to connect with the
patient
Rationale: The art of nursing involves the use of verbal and nonverbal
communication, emotional exchange, and other aspects of the nurse's
personality to establish a relationship with the patient that promotes
cooperation and healing. This includes attending, caring, and patient
advocacy.
6. The nurse is demonstrating the technique of "attending" during a patient
interview. Which of the following behaviors best reflects attending?
A) Maintaining eye contact and leaning slightly forward
B) Asking closed-ended questions to gather specific data
C) Providing health teaching about the patient's diagnosis
D) Documenting the patient's responses during the interview
Correct Answer: Maintaining eye contact and leaning slightly forward
, Rationale: Attending refers to an intensity of presence, being there for and in
tune with the patient. Attending behaviors include active listening skills, such
as body posture, eye contact, touching, or giving attentive physical care.
7. A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think anyone can help me. I've tried
everything." The nurse responds, "It sounds like you're feeling hopeless
about your situation." This is an example of which therapeutic
communication technique?
A) Clarifying
B) Reflecting
C) Restating
D) Exploring
Correct Answer: Reflecting
Rationale: Reflecting involves repeating the patient's feelings or thoughts
back to them to confirm understanding and encourage further expression.
The nurse is reflecting the patient's expressed feeling of hopelessness.
8. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to take prescribed medication.
The nurse explains the risks and benefits of the medication and respects the
patient's decision. This action best demonstrates which ethical principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Correct Answer: Autonomy
(pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental Health Q&A | Psychiatric Nursing
1. A psychiatric mental health nurse is using evidence-based practice (EBP)
to guide care. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of the
"5 A's" of EBP?
A) Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
B) Appraise, Ask, Acquire, Apply, Assess
C) Ask, Appraise, Acquire, Apply, Assess
D) Assess, Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply
Correct Answer: Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
Rationale: The 5 A's of evidence-based practice are: Ask a question, Acquire
the literature, Appraise the literature, Apply the evidence, and Assess the
performance. This systematic process ensures clinical decisions are
grounded in the best available evidence.
2. A nurse is integrating EBP into clinical practice. Which of the following
represents the "three prongs" of evidence-based practice?
A) Literature review, clinical algorithms, and patient values
B) Research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values
C) Clinical pathways, nursing diagnosis, and patient outcomes
D) Systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and patient education
Correct Answer: Research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences and values
Rationale: The three aspects of EBP are: evidence gleaned from the
literature, clinical knowledge of the nurse from training and experience, and
,the desires of patients and the values for their care. This integration ensures
care is both scientifically sound and patient-centered.
3. A patient is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The nurse gathers information
through the patient interview, chart review, and family input. What type of
data is being collected?
A) Primary data only
B) Secondary data only
C) Primary and secondary data
D) Objective data only
Correct Answer: Primary and secondary data
Rationale: Primary sources include the patient interview, while secondary
sources include the chart, family, friends, and police reports. Both are
essential for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
4. Which of the following best describes the "Science of Nursing"?
A) The use of verbal and nonverbal communication to establish a therapeutic
relationship
B) The application of basic research-based concepts, critical thinking, and
techniques learned during nursing education
C) The use of self-reflection and self-awareness to promote healing
D) The ability to provide emotional support and presence to patients
Correct Answer: The application of basic research-based concepts, critical
thinking, and techniques learned during nursing education
Rationale: The science of nursing relies on a scientific foundation and critical
thinking, including the nursing process, pathophysiology, disease process,
,and techniques learned during nursing education. The art of nursing, in
contrast, involves the use of communication and interpersonal skills to
establish a healing relationship.
5. A psychiatric mental health nurse is using therapeutic communication
techniques. The nurse is demonstrating the "Art of Nursing" through which of
the following?
A) Administering prescribed psychotropic medications
B) Conducting a mental status examination
C) Using active listening and empathy to connect with the patient
D) Documenting the patient's symptoms in the medical record
Correct Answer: Using active listening and empathy to connect with the
patient
Rationale: The art of nursing involves the use of verbal and nonverbal
communication, emotional exchange, and other aspects of the nurse's
personality to establish a relationship with the patient that promotes
cooperation and healing. This includes attending, caring, and patient
advocacy.
6. The nurse is demonstrating the technique of "attending" during a patient
interview. Which of the following behaviors best reflects attending?
A) Maintaining eye contact and leaning slightly forward
B) Asking closed-ended questions to gather specific data
C) Providing health teaching about the patient's diagnosis
D) Documenting the patient's responses during the interview
Correct Answer: Maintaining eye contact and leaning slightly forward
, Rationale: Attending refers to an intensity of presence, being there for and in
tune with the patient. Attending behaviors include active listening skills, such
as body posture, eye contact, touching, or giving attentive physical care.
7. A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think anyone can help me. I've tried
everything." The nurse responds, "It sounds like you're feeling hopeless
about your situation." This is an example of which therapeutic
communication technique?
A) Clarifying
B) Reflecting
C) Restating
D) Exploring
Correct Answer: Reflecting
Rationale: Reflecting involves repeating the patient's feelings or thoughts
back to them to confirm understanding and encourage further expression.
The nurse is reflecting the patient's expressed feeling of hopelessness.
8. A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses to take prescribed medication.
The nurse explains the risks and benefits of the medication and respects the
patient's decision. This action best demonstrates which ethical principle?
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Autonomy
D) Justice
Correct Answer: Autonomy
