NUR 256 Exam 1 V3 | NUR 256 Concepts of Mental
Health Nursing | Q&A with Rationale (NUR256
Exam 1) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a client in a mental health facility. Which
action by the nurse demonstrates the principle of autonomy?
A. Assuring the client that their information will be kept confidential.
B. Providing the same quality of care to all clients regardless of their history.
C. Supporting the client’s decision to refuse a specific prescribed medication.
D. Ensuring the client is safe from self-harm during the intake process.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the client to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. By supporting the client’s right to refuse medication, the nurse
respects the client’s self-determination. This principle is fundamental to ethical nursing
practice and informed consent.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You
mentioned you are feeling overwhelmed; tell me more about that’?
A. Summarizing
B. Restating
C. Exploring
,D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Exploring is a technique used to delve deeper into a subject, idea, or
experience mentioned by the client. It encourages the client to provide more detail without
the nurse being overly intrusive. This helps the nurse gain a better understanding of the
client’s internal state and needs.
3. A client has been admitted involuntarily to a mental health unit. Which right does the
client maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to have all personal belongings in their room.
C. The right to refuse treatment, including psychotropic medications.
D. The right to be discharged at any time they request.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive a client’s right to refuse
treatment. Unless an emergency exists or a court order is in place, the client retains the
right to refuse medication. Nurses must document the refusal and notify the provider while
exploring the client’s concerns.
4. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following tasks
is the priority?
A. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
, B. Discussing the client’s feelings about the upcoming discharge.
C. Overcoming resistance to change in the client’s behavior.
D. Establishing the parameters of the relationship and building trust.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The orientation phase focuses on establishing trust, defining roles, and
setting goals for the relationship. It is the period where the contract is established between
the nurse and the client. Trust is the foundation required before any deep therapeutic work
can occur in the working phase.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which intervention should
the nurse implement first?
A. Teach the client new coping mechanisms for future use.
B. Provide detailed education regarding the client’s diagnosis.
C. Ask the client to explain the source of their anxiety in detail.
D. Move the client to a quiet environment with minimal stimuli.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, their ability to process
information is significantly impaired. The nurse’s priority is to reduce environmental
stimuli to prevent the progression to panic-level anxiety. Teaching and detailed
Health Nursing | Q&A with Rationale (NUR256
Exam 1) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a client in a mental health facility. Which
action by the nurse demonstrates the principle of autonomy?
A. Assuring the client that their information will be kept confidential.
B. Providing the same quality of care to all clients regardless of their history.
C. Supporting the client’s decision to refuse a specific prescribed medication.
D. Ensuring the client is safe from self-harm during the intake process.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of the client to make their own decisions
regarding their healthcare. By supporting the client’s right to refuse medication, the nurse
respects the client’s self-determination. This principle is fundamental to ethical nursing
practice and informed consent.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You
mentioned you are feeling overwhelmed; tell me more about that’?
A. Summarizing
B. Restating
C. Exploring
,D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Exploring is a technique used to delve deeper into a subject, idea, or
experience mentioned by the client. It encourages the client to provide more detail without
the nurse being overly intrusive. This helps the nurse gain a better understanding of the
client’s internal state and needs.
3. A client has been admitted involuntarily to a mental health unit. Which right does the
client maintain despite the involuntary status?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to have all personal belongings in their room.
C. The right to refuse treatment, including psychotropic medications.
D. The right to be discharged at any time they request.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive a client’s right to refuse
treatment. Unless an emergency exists or a court order is in place, the client retains the
right to refuse medication. Nurses must document the refusal and notify the provider while
exploring the client’s concerns.
4. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following tasks
is the priority?
A. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
, B. Discussing the client’s feelings about the upcoming discharge.
C. Overcoming resistance to change in the client’s behavior.
D. Establishing the parameters of the relationship and building trust.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The orientation phase focuses on establishing trust, defining roles, and
setting goals for the relationship. It is the period where the contract is established between
the nurse and the client. Trust is the foundation required before any deep therapeutic work
can occur in the working phase.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which intervention should
the nurse implement first?
A. Teach the client new coping mechanisms for future use.
B. Provide detailed education regarding the client’s diagnosis.
C. Ask the client to explain the source of their anxiety in detail.
D. Move the client to a quiet environment with minimal stimuli.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, their ability to process
information is significantly impaired. The nurse’s priority is to reduce environmental
stimuli to prevent the progression to panic-level anxiety. Teaching and detailed
