,NR 548 Psychiatric Assessment for the
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Exam 2 Comprehensive
Examination 2026/2027 –
Chamberlain College of Nursing –
Verified Questions and Comprehensive
Exam Material | rated 100% correct.
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE & INTERVIEW
FOUNDATIONS
Question 1: During a diagnostic psychiatric interview, which of the following
BEST characterizes the cooperative working relationship between the nurse
and the client, initiated early in the interaction and fostering trust and
warmth?
A. An assessment of coping mechanisms
B. The establishment of a therapeutic alliance
C. A detailed history of presenting symptoms
D. The documentation of objective findings
Correct Answer: B. The establishment of a therapeutic alliance
Rationale: The therapeutic alliance is defined as the collaborative
relationship built on rapport and trust, commencing in the initial interview
phase, which is essential for eliciting necessary information and promoting
treatment adherence. This alliance is the bedrock upon which effective
therapeutic interventions are built .
Source: NR 548 Psychiatric Assessment Exam 2 Study Guide; Therapeutic
Alliance Module
,Question 2: A psychiatric nurse is initiating an initial interview with a newly
admitted adult client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the
following actions by the nurse BEST establishes a foundation for therapeutic
rapport?
A. Immediately initiating a detailed psychosocial history to gather all
pertinent data.
B. Sharing a personal anecdote to illustrate understanding of the client's
feelings.
C. Commencing the interview by inviting the client to speak first about their
concerns.
D. Demonstrating confidence by presenting a structured agenda for the
session.
Correct Answer: C. Commencing the interview by inviting the client to
speak first about their concerns.
Rationale: Allowing the client to speak first signals respect and can defuse
the inherent strangeness of the clinical encounter, fostering trust and
initiating rapport more effectively than other approaches. The opening phase
(first 5-10 minutes) is often the most important phase of the psychiatric
interview as it establishes the foundation for the therapeutic relationship .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Interview Opening Phase Module
Question 3: A psychiatric nurse is interviewing a client who begins to
disclose a history of sexual abuse. The client becomes visibly distressed,
fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. The nurse should prioritize which
communication technique to facilitate disclosure and reduce the client's
discomfort?
A. Interrupt the client to change the subject to a less sensitive topic.
B. Acknowledge the difficulty of the topic and normalize the client's reaction.
C. Politely suggest the client is exaggerating their emotional response.
D. Advise the client that reporting such behaviors is legally mandated.
Correct Answer: B. Acknowledge the difficulty of the topic and
normalize the client's reaction.
, Rationale: Normalizing the client's reaction and acknowledging the difficulty
of the topic validates their experience and decreases guilt, encouraging
further therapeutic communication on sensitive material. Other options may
shut down disclosure or increase distress .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Communication Techniques Module
Question 4: Which of the following best describes countertransference in
the context of the psychiatric interview?
A. The client's unconscious projection of feelings onto the PMHNP
B. The therapist's conscious or unconscious reactions to a client based on the
therapist's psychological needs or conflicts
C. The client's intentional manipulation of the therapeutic relationship
D. The PMHNP's objective evaluation of the client's symptoms
Correct Answer: B. The therapist's conscious or unconscious reactions
to a client based on the therapist's psychological needs or conflicts
Rationale: Countertransference refers to a therapist's conscious or
unconscious reactions to a client based on the therapist's psychological
needs or conflicts. It can be positive or negative and requires self-awareness
to manage effectively .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Countertransference Module
Question 5: When assessing a client experiencing potential suicidal ideation
secondary to depression, which communication technique would a
psychiatric nurse most effectively employ to build rapport and encourage
disclosure?
A. Directly asking if the client has thoughts of self-harm without preamble.
B. Using open-ended questions and commands to increase the flow of
information.
C. Avoiding the topic to prevent upsetting the client.
D. Asking the client's family about suicidal thoughts first.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Exam 2 Comprehensive
Examination 2026/2027 –
Chamberlain College of Nursing –
Verified Questions and Comprehensive
Exam Material | rated 100% correct.
SECTION 1: THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE & INTERVIEW
FOUNDATIONS
Question 1: During a diagnostic psychiatric interview, which of the following
BEST characterizes the cooperative working relationship between the nurse
and the client, initiated early in the interaction and fostering trust and
warmth?
A. An assessment of coping mechanisms
B. The establishment of a therapeutic alliance
C. A detailed history of presenting symptoms
D. The documentation of objective findings
Correct Answer: B. The establishment of a therapeutic alliance
Rationale: The therapeutic alliance is defined as the collaborative
relationship built on rapport and trust, commencing in the initial interview
phase, which is essential for eliciting necessary information and promoting
treatment adherence. This alliance is the bedrock upon which effective
therapeutic interventions are built .
Source: NR 548 Psychiatric Assessment Exam 2 Study Guide; Therapeutic
Alliance Module
,Question 2: A psychiatric nurse is initiating an initial interview with a newly
admitted adult client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the
following actions by the nurse BEST establishes a foundation for therapeutic
rapport?
A. Immediately initiating a detailed psychosocial history to gather all
pertinent data.
B. Sharing a personal anecdote to illustrate understanding of the client's
feelings.
C. Commencing the interview by inviting the client to speak first about their
concerns.
D. Demonstrating confidence by presenting a structured agenda for the
session.
Correct Answer: C. Commencing the interview by inviting the client to
speak first about their concerns.
Rationale: Allowing the client to speak first signals respect and can defuse
the inherent strangeness of the clinical encounter, fostering trust and
initiating rapport more effectively than other approaches. The opening phase
(first 5-10 minutes) is often the most important phase of the psychiatric
interview as it establishes the foundation for the therapeutic relationship .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Interview Opening Phase Module
Question 3: A psychiatric nurse is interviewing a client who begins to
disclose a history of sexual abuse. The client becomes visibly distressed,
fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. The nurse should prioritize which
communication technique to facilitate disclosure and reduce the client's
discomfort?
A. Interrupt the client to change the subject to a less sensitive topic.
B. Acknowledge the difficulty of the topic and normalize the client's reaction.
C. Politely suggest the client is exaggerating their emotional response.
D. Advise the client that reporting such behaviors is legally mandated.
Correct Answer: B. Acknowledge the difficulty of the topic and
normalize the client's reaction.
, Rationale: Normalizing the client's reaction and acknowledging the difficulty
of the topic validates their experience and decreases guilt, encouraging
further therapeutic communication on sensitive material. Other options may
shut down disclosure or increase distress .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Communication Techniques Module
Question 4: Which of the following best describes countertransference in
the context of the psychiatric interview?
A. The client's unconscious projection of feelings onto the PMHNP
B. The therapist's conscious or unconscious reactions to a client based on the
therapist's psychological needs or conflicts
C. The client's intentional manipulation of the therapeutic relationship
D. The PMHNP's objective evaluation of the client's symptoms
Correct Answer: B. The therapist's conscious or unconscious reactions
to a client based on the therapist's psychological needs or conflicts
Rationale: Countertransference refers to a therapist's conscious or
unconscious reactions to a client based on the therapist's psychological
needs or conflicts. It can be positive or negative and requires self-awareness
to manage effectively .
Source: NR 548 Exam 2 Study Guide; Countertransference Module
Question 5: When assessing a client experiencing potential suicidal ideation
secondary to depression, which communication technique would a
psychiatric nurse most effectively employ to build rapport and encourage
disclosure?
A. Directly asking if the client has thoughts of self-harm without preamble.
B. Using open-ended questions and commands to increase the flow of
information.
C. Avoiding the topic to prevent upsetting the client.
D. Asking the client's family about suicidal thoughts first.
