NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing
Concepts - 200 Exam Questions with
Rationales
Instructions for Use
This comprehensive practice exam contains 200 verified
questions with detailed rationales covering all major domains of
the NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Concepts Exam 2 at Galen
College of Nursing. Questions are aligned with current
psychiatric nursing guidelines for the 2025/2026 academic
year. Each question tests clinical reasoning and application of
mental health nursing concepts.
SECTION 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Client
Relationship (Questions 1-35)
Question 1
,A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. The client says, "My
mother died in the hospital, but I did not get there before she
died." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A) "We will call your family in time for them to get here."
B) "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone."
C) "I will make sure a staff member is in your room at all times."
D) "I will tell your family of your concern so that they can be
here."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of
exploring feelings. It acknowledges the client's implied fear and
opens the door for further discussion about their emotions
regarding dying alone. The other options offer false
reassurance, make promises that cannot be kept, or avoid
addressing the client's emotional needs .
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a young adult client who says he is
experiencing increased anxiety and an inability to concentrate.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A) "It sounds like you're having a difficult time."
B) "Have you talked to your parents about this yet?"
C) "Why do you think you are so anxious?"
D) "How long has this been going on?"
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This question gathers essential assessment data by
exploring the duration of the symptoms. It is a direct, factual
question that helps the nurse understand the timeline of the
client's problem. Options A, B, and C are either vague, make
assumptions, or use "why" questions which can make a client feel
defensive .
, Question 3
A client with depression says, "Nothing matters anymore." Which
response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You have so much to live for."
B) "Why do you feel that way?"
C) "It sounds like you are feeling hopeless."
D) "Everyone feels sad sometimes."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the feeling of hopelessness validates the
client's emotion without judgment. Avoiding "why" questions
prevents putting the client on the defensive, and false
reassurance is avoided .
Question 4
Concepts - 200 Exam Questions with
Rationales
Instructions for Use
This comprehensive practice exam contains 200 verified
questions with detailed rationales covering all major domains of
the NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Concepts Exam 2 at Galen
College of Nursing. Questions are aligned with current
psychiatric nursing guidelines for the 2025/2026 academic
year. Each question tests clinical reasoning and application of
mental health nursing concepts.
SECTION 1: Therapeutic Communication & Nurse-Client
Relationship (Questions 1-35)
Question 1
,A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. The client says, "My
mother died in the hospital, but I did not get there before she
died." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A) "We will call your family in time for them to get here."
B) "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone."
C) "I will make sure a staff member is in your room at all times."
D) "I will tell your family of your concern so that they can be
here."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of
exploring feelings. It acknowledges the client's implied fear and
opens the door for further discussion about their emotions
regarding dying alone. The other options offer false
reassurance, make promises that cannot be kept, or avoid
addressing the client's emotional needs .
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for a young adult client who says he is
experiencing increased anxiety and an inability to concentrate.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A) "It sounds like you're having a difficult time."
B) "Have you talked to your parents about this yet?"
C) "Why do you think you are so anxious?"
D) "How long has this been going on?"
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This question gathers essential assessment data by
exploring the duration of the symptoms. It is a direct, factual
question that helps the nurse understand the timeline of the
client's problem. Options A, B, and C are either vague, make
assumptions, or use "why" questions which can make a client feel
defensive .
, Question 3
A client with depression says, "Nothing matters anymore." Which
response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You have so much to live for."
B) "Why do you feel that way?"
C) "It sounds like you are feeling hopeless."
D) "Everyone feels sad sometimes."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the feeling of hopelessness validates the
client's emotion without judgment. Avoiding "why" questions
prevents putting the client on the defensive, and false
reassurance is avoided .
Question 4
