Below is a sample revision test designed to review key concepts often covered
in Gorman Neebs Mental Health Nursing (5th Edition, 2019). Chapter1-25 Each
question is followed by the correct answer and a rationale explaining why that
answer is the best choice. Use these questions to test your understanding and
reinforce learning as you review the material.
Revision Test Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication:
Which of the following techniques is most effective in encouraging a patient to express their feelings?
A. Asking closed yes/no questions
B. Using open-ended questions
C. Providing rapid-fire questions
D. Offering unsolicited advice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions invite patients to share more detailed feelings and experiences,
fostering a more therapeutic dialogue and enhancing rapport.
2. Legal and Ethical Issues:
What is the primary purpose of mental health legislation (such as the Mental Health Act) in practice?
A. To limit patient access to mental health services
B. To ensure patient safety and protect rights
C. To increase the number of involuntary admissions
D. To standardize medication dosages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health legislation is designed to balance patient autonomy with safety by providing a
framework for treatment, protecting patient rights, and ensuring appropriate interventions.
3. Risk Assessment:
When assessing a patient for suicide risk, what is considered the first critical step?
A. Scheduling an immediate follow-up appointment
B. Identifying and clarifying the presence of suicidal ideation
C. Administering a standardized questionnaire only
D. Contacting the patient’s family immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial step in suicide risk assessment is to determine if the patient has suicidal thoughts,
plans, or intent. This helps to guide further assessment and intervention.
,4. Crisis Intervention:
Which response is most appropriate when a patient is in acute psychological crisis?
A. Ignoring their expressions of distress
B. Immediately offering long-term therapy plans
C. Providing a calm, empathetic presence and validating their feelings
D. Redirecting the conversation to routine tasks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a crisis, a calm, empathetic response and validation can help de-escalate the situation and
support the patient’s emotional state before further intervention.
5. Psychopharmacology:
For a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, which type of medication is typically considered first-line
treatment?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Antidepressants
C. Antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia as they target the
positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) and help stabilize the patient.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
In CBT, what is the primary focus when addressing a patient’s distress?
A. Altering the environment exclusively
B. Identifying and modifying cognitive distortions
C. Prescribing medication only
D. Ignoring negative thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBT works by identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, enabling patients to reframe
negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
7. Patient Advocacy:
Which action best demonstrates a mental health nurse’s role as a patient advocate?
A. Withholding information to protect the patient
B. Enforcing treatment without patient input
, C. Ensuring the patient’s concerns and preferences are heard in care planning
D. Avoiding discussions of treatment side effects
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advocacy in mental health nursing involves ensuring that the patient’s voice is central to
decision-making and that their concerns and preferences are respected throughout treatment.
8. Confidentiality:
Which scenario represents a breach of patient confidentiality?
A. Sharing general health tips in a public seminar
B. Discussing a patient’s condition in a private team meeting
C. Disclosing specific patient details to someone not involved in their care without consent
D. Reporting a case to a regulatory board as required by law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is maintained when patient information is shared only with those directly
involved in care or as legally required. Unauthorized disclosure of specific patient details violates ethical
standards and legal requirements.
9. Cultural Competence:
Which factor is most critical in providing culturally competent mental health care?
A. Assuming all patients share similar beliefs
B. Recognizing and respecting cultural differences in expressions of distress
C. Using a standardized approach regardless of cultural background
D. Prioritizing one cultural perspective in treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Culturally competent care involves understanding and respecting cultural differences,
including variations in how patients express distress and interpret mental health challenges, to tailor
interventions appropriately.
10. Self-Care for Nurses:
Which strategy is most effective for reducing burnout among mental health nurses?
A. Working extended hours without breaks
B. Ignoring personal stress
C. Practicing regular self-care, including mindfulness and supervision
D. Avoiding reflection on work experiences
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness, debriefing, and supervision, are essential for
mental health nurses to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain quality patient care.
in Gorman Neebs Mental Health Nursing (5th Edition, 2019). Chapter1-25 Each
question is followed by the correct answer and a rationale explaining why that
answer is the best choice. Use these questions to test your understanding and
reinforce learning as you review the material.
Revision Test Questions
1. Therapeutic Communication:
Which of the following techniques is most effective in encouraging a patient to express their feelings?
A. Asking closed yes/no questions
B. Using open-ended questions
C. Providing rapid-fire questions
D. Offering unsolicited advice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended questions invite patients to share more detailed feelings and experiences,
fostering a more therapeutic dialogue and enhancing rapport.
2. Legal and Ethical Issues:
What is the primary purpose of mental health legislation (such as the Mental Health Act) in practice?
A. To limit patient access to mental health services
B. To ensure patient safety and protect rights
C. To increase the number of involuntary admissions
D. To standardize medication dosages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health legislation is designed to balance patient autonomy with safety by providing a
framework for treatment, protecting patient rights, and ensuring appropriate interventions.
3. Risk Assessment:
When assessing a patient for suicide risk, what is considered the first critical step?
A. Scheduling an immediate follow-up appointment
B. Identifying and clarifying the presence of suicidal ideation
C. Administering a standardized questionnaire only
D. Contacting the patient’s family immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial step in suicide risk assessment is to determine if the patient has suicidal thoughts,
plans, or intent. This helps to guide further assessment and intervention.
,4. Crisis Intervention:
Which response is most appropriate when a patient is in acute psychological crisis?
A. Ignoring their expressions of distress
B. Immediately offering long-term therapy plans
C. Providing a calm, empathetic presence and validating their feelings
D. Redirecting the conversation to routine tasks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a crisis, a calm, empathetic response and validation can help de-escalate the situation and
support the patient’s emotional state before further intervention.
5. Psychopharmacology:
For a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, which type of medication is typically considered first-line
treatment?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Antidepressants
C. Antipsychotics
D. Mood stabilizers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antipsychotic medications are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia as they target the
positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) and help stabilize the patient.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
In CBT, what is the primary focus when addressing a patient’s distress?
A. Altering the environment exclusively
B. Identifying and modifying cognitive distortions
C. Prescribing medication only
D. Ignoring negative thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBT works by identifying and challenging cognitive distortions, enabling patients to reframe
negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
7. Patient Advocacy:
Which action best demonstrates a mental health nurse’s role as a patient advocate?
A. Withholding information to protect the patient
B. Enforcing treatment without patient input
, C. Ensuring the patient’s concerns and preferences are heard in care planning
D. Avoiding discussions of treatment side effects
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Advocacy in mental health nursing involves ensuring that the patient’s voice is central to
decision-making and that their concerns and preferences are respected throughout treatment.
8. Confidentiality:
Which scenario represents a breach of patient confidentiality?
A. Sharing general health tips in a public seminar
B. Discussing a patient’s condition in a private team meeting
C. Disclosing specific patient details to someone not involved in their care without consent
D. Reporting a case to a regulatory board as required by law
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is maintained when patient information is shared only with those directly
involved in care or as legally required. Unauthorized disclosure of specific patient details violates ethical
standards and legal requirements.
9. Cultural Competence:
Which factor is most critical in providing culturally competent mental health care?
A. Assuming all patients share similar beliefs
B. Recognizing and respecting cultural differences in expressions of distress
C. Using a standardized approach regardless of cultural background
D. Prioritizing one cultural perspective in treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Culturally competent care involves understanding and respecting cultural differences,
including variations in how patients express distress and interpret mental health challenges, to tailor
interventions appropriately.
10. Self-Care for Nurses:
Which strategy is most effective for reducing burnout among mental health nurses?
A. Working extended hours without breaks
B. Ignoring personal stress
C. Practicing regular self-care, including mindfulness and supervision
D. Avoiding reflection on work experiences
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness, debriefing, and supervision, are essential for
mental health nurses to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain quality patient care.
