,NUR 208 Mental Health Nursing Final Exam
Study Guide & 150 Practice Questions Fortis
College 2026/2027
1. A nurse is reviewing the definition of mental health with a group of nursing students. Which
statement best reflects the World Health Organization's definition of mental health?
A. Mental health is the absence of mental illness and emotional distress.
B. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can
cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.
C. Mental health is the ability to function independently without medication or therapy.
D. Mental health is the ability to maintain stable relationships and employment without social
support.
Correct Answer: B. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their
own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to
their community.
Rationale: The WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual
realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can
contribute to their community. This definition emphasizes positive functioning and resilience,
not merely the absence of illness.
,2. A nurse is reviewing the phases of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship according to
Peplau. During which phase does the nurse examine their own feelings, prejudices, and
anxieties before meeting the client?
A. Orientation phase
B. Pre-orientation phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B. Pre-orientation phase
Rationale: The pre-orientation phase is the nurse's self-reflection before meeting the client. The
orientation phase involves establishing trust and goals. The working phase involves therapeutic
work. The termination phase involves closure.
3. A client on the inpatient psychiatric unit states, "You're the only nurse here who actually cares
about me. The others don't understand anything." The nurse recognizes this as splitting. Which
response is most therapeutic?
A. "You're right. The other nurses don't understand you like I do."
B. "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
, C. "You should not say negative things about the other nurses."
D. "Perhaps you should request a different primary nurse."
Correct Answer: B. "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's feeling while reinforcing the team approach prevents
collusion and maintains professional boundaries. Agreeing with the idealization or criticizing
staff would reinforce splitting.
4. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is withdrawn. The nurse states,
"I'll sit with you for a while if you'd like." Which technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Offering self
B. Giving recognition
C. Restating
D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: A. Offering self
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client without expecting
anything in return. It demonstrates presence and support.
Study Guide & 150 Practice Questions Fortis
College 2026/2027
1. A nurse is reviewing the definition of mental health with a group of nursing students. Which
statement best reflects the World Health Organization's definition of mental health?
A. Mental health is the absence of mental illness and emotional distress.
B. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can
cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.
C. Mental health is the ability to function independently without medication or therapy.
D. Mental health is the ability to maintain stable relationships and employment without social
support.
Correct Answer: B. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their
own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to
their community.
Rationale: The WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual
realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can
contribute to their community. This definition emphasizes positive functioning and resilience,
not merely the absence of illness.
,2. A nurse is reviewing the phases of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship according to
Peplau. During which phase does the nurse examine their own feelings, prejudices, and
anxieties before meeting the client?
A. Orientation phase
B. Pre-orientation phase
C. Working phase
D. Termination phase
Correct Answer: B. Pre-orientation phase
Rationale: The pre-orientation phase is the nurse's self-reflection before meeting the client. The
orientation phase involves establishing trust and goals. The working phase involves therapeutic
work. The termination phase involves closure.
3. A client on the inpatient psychiatric unit states, "You're the only nurse here who actually cares
about me. The others don't understand anything." The nurse recognizes this as splitting. Which
response is most therapeutic?
A. "You're right. The other nurses don't understand you like I do."
B. "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
, C. "You should not say negative things about the other nurses."
D. "Perhaps you should request a different primary nurse."
Correct Answer: B. "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's feeling while reinforcing the team approach prevents
collusion and maintains professional boundaries. Agreeing with the idealization or criticizing
staff would reinforce splitting.
4. A nurse is using therapeutic communication with a client who is withdrawn. The nurse states,
"I'll sit with you for a while if you'd like." Which technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Offering self
B. Giving recognition
C. Restating
D. Reflecting
Correct Answer: A. Offering self
Rationale: Offering self involves making oneself available to the client without expecting
anything in return. It demonstrates presence and support.
