2026/2027 PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CURRENTLY UPDATED
STUDY GUIDE COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM APPROVED
QUESTIONS WITH WELL ELABORATED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
RATIONALES (100% CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS) A NEW
UPDATED VERSION 2026 EDITION |GUARANTEED PASS A+|FULL
REVISED NUR 253 EXAM 1-4 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM GALEN |JUST
RELEASED
NUR 253 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 1
1. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the concept
of mental health. Which statement by a student indicates a correct
understanding of mental health?
A) "Mental health is the absence of mental illness."
B) "Mental health is the ability to cope with stress and function
effectively in society."
C) "Mental health is a state of complete happiness at all times."
D) "Mental health is determined solely by genetic factors."
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Mental health is defined as the successful adaptation to
stressors from the internal or external environment, evidenced by
,thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are age-appropriate and
congruent with local and cultural norms. It is not merely the absence
of mental illness, nor is it constant happiness. Both genetic and
environmental factors influence mental health.
2. A nurse is assessing a client's mental status. Which of the
following would be considered an objective finding?
A) The client reports feeling "sad and lonely."
B) The client states, "I hear voices telling me I am worthless."
C) The client is sitting alone in the corner with a flat affect and
avoids eye contact.
D) The client believes that aliens are controlling their thoughts.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Objective findings are those that the nurse observes
directly through assessment. Flat affect, social withdrawal, and poor
eye contact are observable behaviors. Subjective findings are reported
by the client (feelings, hallucinations, delusions). Both objective and
subjective data are important for comprehensive assessment.
3. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level must be
addressed first in client care?
,A) Self-actualization
B) Esteem needs
C) Physiological needs
D) Love and belonging
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: Maslow's hierarchy prioritizes physiological needs (air,
food, water, shelter, sleep) as the most basic and essential for
survival. These must be met before higher-level needs such as safety,
love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization can be addressed.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has been recently diagnosed with
a mental illness. Which concept is fundamental to the recovery
model?
A) The client is a passive recipient of care.
B) Cure is the primary goal of treatment.
C) Hope, empowerment, and self-direction are essential.
D) Medication adherence is the only factor in recovery.
CORRECT ANSWER: C
, Rationale: The recovery model emphasizes that recovery is a
personal journey, not necessarily a cure. Key principles include
hope, empowerment, self-direction, and the belief that individuals
can lead meaningful lives despite mental illness.
5. A patient asks the nurse, "What is the difference between a
psychiatrist and a psychologist?" Which response by the nurse is
most accurate?
A) "Psychiatrists prescribe medication; psychologists provide
therapy."
B) "Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication;
psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and provide
therapy and psychological testing."
C) "There is no difference; they both do the same thing."
D) "Psychologists are the only ones who can diagnose mental
illness."
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Psychiatrists (MD or DO) can prescribe medication and
provide therapy. Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) provide therapy and