NSG 3450 Exam 1 V2 | NSG 3450 Mental Health
Guide | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3450 Exam
1) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a client with a history of generalized
anxiety disorder. Which response by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of
‘restating’?
A. “Can you tell me more about what happened when you felt anxious?”
B. “You said you feel like your heart is racing when you enter a crowded room.”
C. “I think you should try deep breathing exercises whenever you feel this way.”
D. “Why do you think these situations cause you so much stress?”
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said to let
them know the nurse is listening. This technique provides the client with the opportunity
to clarify or expand on their statement. It is an effective way to validate the patient’s
experience without introducing the nurse’s own bias.
2. A client hospitalized for depression tells the nurse, ‘I’m a failure. I can’t even take care of
my own family.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. “You feel like you are not meeting your responsibilities at home.”
B. “Everyone feels like a failure sometimes when they are sick.”
,C. “You shouldn’t feel that way; you are a good person.”
D. “Why do you feel like you are a failure?”
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: This response uses reflection, which helps the client identify and express
their feelings. It avoids the non-therapeutic trap of ‘why’ questions which can make a client
feel defensive. By reflecting the client’s sentiment, the nurse encourages the client to
explore their emotions further.
3. In the mental health clinical setting, which action by the nurse demonstrates the ethical
principle of Autonomy?
A. Allowing a voluntary client to choose which group therapy session they wish to attend.
B. Keeping a promise to return to a client’s room at a specific time.
C. Ensuring all clients receive the same level of care regardless of their background.
D. Reporting a client’s threat to harm a neighbor to the treatment team.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their care. By allowing the client to choose their activities, the nurse respects their
independence and self-determination. This is a fundamental principle in psychiatric
nursing that promotes client empowerment.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Teaching the client new coping mechanisms for anxiety.
B. Asking the client to explain what triggered the attack.
C. Staying with the client and remaining calm.
D. Leaving the client alone to allow them space to calm down.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: During a panic attack, the nurse’s priority is to ensure the client’s safety and
provide a calming presence. The client is unable to process information or learn new skills
during this high level of anxiety. Staying with the client prevents injury and helps the client
feel supported until the panic subsides.
5. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which right
does this client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital against medical advice.
B. The right to carry personal belongings like belts and shoelaces.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to choose their own physician in a state facility.
Correct Answer: C
Guide | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3450 Exam
1) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a client with a history of generalized
anxiety disorder. Which response by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of
‘restating’?
A. “Can you tell me more about what happened when you felt anxious?”
B. “You said you feel like your heart is racing when you enter a crowded room.”
C. “I think you should try deep breathing exercises whenever you feel this way.”
D. “Why do you think these situations cause you so much stress?”
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said to let
them know the nurse is listening. This technique provides the client with the opportunity
to clarify or expand on their statement. It is an effective way to validate the patient’s
experience without introducing the nurse’s own bias.
2. A client hospitalized for depression tells the nurse, ‘I’m a failure. I can’t even take care of
my own family.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. “You feel like you are not meeting your responsibilities at home.”
B. “Everyone feels like a failure sometimes when they are sick.”
,C. “You shouldn’t feel that way; you are a good person.”
D. “Why do you feel like you are a failure?”
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: This response uses reflection, which helps the client identify and express
their feelings. It avoids the non-therapeutic trap of ‘why’ questions which can make a client
feel defensive. By reflecting the client’s sentiment, the nurse encourages the client to
explore their emotions further.
3. In the mental health clinical setting, which action by the nurse demonstrates the ethical
principle of Autonomy?
A. Allowing a voluntary client to choose which group therapy session they wish to attend.
B. Keeping a promise to return to a client’s room at a specific time.
C. Ensuring all clients receive the same level of care regardless of their background.
D. Reporting a client’s threat to harm a neighbor to the treatment team.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their care. By allowing the client to choose their activities, the nurse respects their
independence and self-determination. This is a fundamental principle in psychiatric
nursing that promotes client empowerment.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Teaching the client new coping mechanisms for anxiety.
B. Asking the client to explain what triggered the attack.
C. Staying with the client and remaining calm.
D. Leaving the client alone to allow them space to calm down.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: During a panic attack, the nurse’s priority is to ensure the client’s safety and
provide a calming presence. The client is unable to process information or learn new skills
during this high level of anxiety. Staying with the client prevents injury and helps the client
feel supported until the panic subsides.
5. A client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which right
does this client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital against medical advice.
B. The right to carry personal belongings like belts and shoelaces.
C. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
D. The right to choose their own physician in a state facility.
Correct Answer: C
