NUR 175 Exam 1 Actual Exam V2 | NUR 175 Mental Health (NUR175
Exam 1) | Joyce University
1. A nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. Which statement
best illustrates this technique?
A. “I think you should consider going to your therapy sessions daily.”
B. “Why do you feel that way about your family’s visit?”
C. “Everything will be okay once your medication starts working.”
D. “Tell me more about the thoughts you are having right now.”
Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring is a therapeutic technique that encourages the patient to delve
deeper into a subject or idea. It helps the nurse to better understand the patient’s
perspective without being intrusive or judgmental. Providing advice or asking ‘why’
questions are non-therapeutic and can cause the patient to become defensive.
2. An adult patient refuses a scheduled dose of antipsychotic medication. Which ethical
principle is the nurse upholding by respecting this decision?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. The nurse must respect this right
unless the patient is a danger to themselves or others. This principle emphasizes individual
liberty and self-determination in the clinical setting.
3. A patient is being admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which criterion must be met
for this type of admission?
A. The patient is unhappy with their current living situation.
B. The patient refuses to follow the outpatient treatment plan.
C. The patient presents an immediate danger to self or others.
D. The patient has a diagnosed personality disorder.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Involuntary admission is legally reserved for individuals who pose a significant
risk of harm to themselves or others due to mental illness. This process limits the patient’s
freedom to ensure safety and provide necessary stabilization. Other factors like non-
compliance or unhappiness do not meet the legal threshold for involuntary commitment.
4. During which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse establish boundaries
and a contract for meeting?
A. Pre-orientation Phase
B. Working Phase
C. Termination Phase
D. Orientation Phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and patient
establish rapport and define the parameters of the relationship. During this time, roles are
clarified, and the nurse sets specific goals for the interaction. It provides the foundation for
trust and the subsequent working phase of the therapeutic process.
5. A nurse and patient are nearing the end of their time together as the patient prepares for
discharge. Which task is primary for this phase?
A. Gathering assessment data for the nursing history.
B. Exploring the patient’s feelings about their childhood experiences.
C. Developing a plan of action to address new coping mechanisms.
D. Summarizing the goals and objectives achieved during the relationship.
Answer: D
Rationale: The termination phase focuses on bringing the therapeutic relationship to a
close and reflecting on progress. The nurse and patient review the accomplishments made
during their time together and discuss ways to maintain these gains. It is also a time to
address feelings regarding the end of the relationship to ensure a healthy transition.
6. A nurse promises to return in 15 minutes to check on a patient and follows through on that
promise. Which ethical principle is demonstrated?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Veracity
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Answer: C
, Rationale: Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and keeping promises made to
patients. This behavior builds trust and strengthens the therapeutic alliance, which is
essential for effective psychiatric care. Failing to follow through can damage the nurse-
patient relationship and hinder the patient’s recovery process.
7. Which statement by the nurse represents the therapeutic technique of restating?
A. “You’re saying that you feel anxious when you are around large crowds?”
B. “I will stay here with you for a while so you don’t feel alone.”
C. “I noticed that you were pacing in the hallway earlier today.”
D. “What would you like to discuss during our time together today?”
Answer: A
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has expressed to
ensure understanding. It allows the patient to confirm that the nurse has correctly heard
their message and encourages further communication. This technique differs from making
observations or offering self, which serve different therapeutic purposes.
8. A nurse is discussing a patient’s care with a family member who is not on the patient’s
authorized release list. Which legal standard is violated?
A. Duty to warn
B. False imprisonment
C. Confidentiality
D. Assault
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation to protect patient information
from unauthorized disclosure. Nurses must strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations and only
share information with those for whom the patient has given explicit consent. Violating this
standard can lead to legal action and loss of professional licensure.
9. A patient who is voluntarily admitted asks to leave the hospital against medical advice.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Assess the patient for potential danger to self or others.
B. Immediately call security to prevent the patient from leaving.
C. Place the patient in mechanical restraints for their safety.
D. Inform the patient that they cannot leave because they are sick.
Answer: A
Exam 1) | Joyce University
1. A nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. Which statement
best illustrates this technique?
A. “I think you should consider going to your therapy sessions daily.”
B. “Why do you feel that way about your family’s visit?”
C. “Everything will be okay once your medication starts working.”
D. “Tell me more about the thoughts you are having right now.”
Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring is a therapeutic technique that encourages the patient to delve
deeper into a subject or idea. It helps the nurse to better understand the patient’s
perspective without being intrusive or judgmental. Providing advice or asking ‘why’
questions are non-therapeutic and can cause the patient to become defensive.
2. An adult patient refuses a scheduled dose of antipsychotic medication. Which ethical
principle is the nurse upholding by respecting this decision?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Answer: A
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. The nurse must respect this right
unless the patient is a danger to themselves or others. This principle emphasizes individual
liberty and self-determination in the clinical setting.
3. A patient is being admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which criterion must be met
for this type of admission?
A. The patient is unhappy with their current living situation.
B. The patient refuses to follow the outpatient treatment plan.
C. The patient presents an immediate danger to self or others.
D. The patient has a diagnosed personality disorder.
Answer: C
,Rationale: Involuntary admission is legally reserved for individuals who pose a significant
risk of harm to themselves or others due to mental illness. This process limits the patient’s
freedom to ensure safety and provide necessary stabilization. Other factors like non-
compliance or unhappiness do not meet the legal threshold for involuntary commitment.
4. During which phase of the nurse-patient relationship does the nurse establish boundaries
and a contract for meeting?
A. Pre-orientation Phase
B. Working Phase
C. Termination Phase
D. Orientation Phase
Answer: D
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial meeting where the nurse and patient
establish rapport and define the parameters of the relationship. During this time, roles are
clarified, and the nurse sets specific goals for the interaction. It provides the foundation for
trust and the subsequent working phase of the therapeutic process.
5. A nurse and patient are nearing the end of their time together as the patient prepares for
discharge. Which task is primary for this phase?
A. Gathering assessment data for the nursing history.
B. Exploring the patient’s feelings about their childhood experiences.
C. Developing a plan of action to address new coping mechanisms.
D. Summarizing the goals and objectives achieved during the relationship.
Answer: D
Rationale: The termination phase focuses on bringing the therapeutic relationship to a
close and reflecting on progress. The nurse and patient review the accomplishments made
during their time together and discuss ways to maintain these gains. It is also a time to
address feelings regarding the end of the relationship to ensure a healthy transition.
6. A nurse promises to return in 15 minutes to check on a patient and follows through on that
promise. Which ethical principle is demonstrated?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Veracity
C. Fidelity
D. Autonomy
Answer: C
, Rationale: Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and keeping promises made to
patients. This behavior builds trust and strengthens the therapeutic alliance, which is
essential for effective psychiatric care. Failing to follow through can damage the nurse-
patient relationship and hinder the patient’s recovery process.
7. Which statement by the nurse represents the therapeutic technique of restating?
A. “You’re saying that you feel anxious when you are around large crowds?”
B. “I will stay here with you for a while so you don’t feel alone.”
C. “I noticed that you were pacing in the hallway earlier today.”
D. “What would you like to discuss during our time together today?”
Answer: A
Rationale: Restating involves repeating the main idea of what the patient has expressed to
ensure understanding. It allows the patient to confirm that the nurse has correctly heard
their message and encourages further communication. This technique differs from making
observations or offering self, which serve different therapeutic purposes.
8. A nurse is discussing a patient’s care with a family member who is not on the patient’s
authorized release list. Which legal standard is violated?
A. Duty to warn
B. False imprisonment
C. Confidentiality
D. Assault
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is a legal and ethical obligation to protect patient information
from unauthorized disclosure. Nurses must strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations and only
share information with those for whom the patient has given explicit consent. Violating this
standard can lead to legal action and loss of professional licensure.
9. A patient who is voluntarily admitted asks to leave the hospital against medical advice.
What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Assess the patient for potential danger to self or others.
B. Immediately call security to prevent the patient from leaving.
C. Place the patient in mechanical restraints for their safety.
D. Inform the patient that they cannot leave because they are sick.
Answer: A
