,Chapter 1: The Nurse Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
Question 1
The nurse's new job description at the generalist level of practice reflects the definition of psychiatric-mental health nursing
and the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice (ANA, APNA, ISPN). In which of the following areas might
the nurse plan programs and interventions to fulfill employment expectations?
Select all that apply.
Stress management strategies
Early diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
Parenting classes for new parents
Family and group psychotherapy
Medication teaching for anti-anxiety medications
Correct Answers: 1, 3, 5 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
1 (Correct): Stress management strategies address health, wellness, and mental health problems, fitting the generalist role.
2 (Incorrect): Early diagnosis is not typically within the generalist nurse’s scope.
3 (Correct): Parenting classes align with prevention and health promotion.
4 (Incorrect): Psychotherapy is an advanced practice role.
5 (Correct): Medication teaching is essential for generalist nurses.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Question 2
The nurse is serving on a committee reviewing roles and responsibilities of nurses on the psychiatric unit. Which publication
should the nurse bring to the first meeting?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
American Nurses Credentialing Center certification requirements
American Nurses Association, Code of Ethics
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice
Correct Answer: 4 (Highlighted in bold)
,Rationale:
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice defines nursing roles and responsibilities. Other options focus
on diagnosis (1), ethics (3), or certification (2), not role delineation.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 3
The psychiatric-mental health nurse reflecting on professional role activities is referred to the Standards of Professional
Performance. To which organization should the nurse look for guidance?
North American Nursing Diagnosis Association
American Nurses Credentialing Center
National League for Nursing
American Nurses Association
Correct Answer: 4 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
The ANA’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice includes professional performance (Standards 7–15).
Other organizations focus on diagnoses (1), certification (2), or education (3).
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 4
The psychiatric-mental health nurse is working with a new graduate nurse. Which comment by the new graduate indicates a
need for role clarification?
"I would feel better if you reviewed my documentation on treatment goals."
"I will evaluate the therapeutic milieu daily."
"I am nervous about conducting psychotherapy with clients."
"I am reading about complementary interventions."
Correct Answer: 3 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Psychotherapy is an advanced practice role, not a generalist function. Other options align with generalist responsibilities.
, Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 5
A client on the psychiatric unit asks about preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Given the Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing Standards of Practice, what is the nurse's best action?
Consult with the mental health care team
Teach safer sexual practices
Investigate the questions in psychotherapy
Notify the attending psychiatrist
Correct Answer: 2 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Health teaching (Option 2) is within the RN's scope. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary, and psychotherapy (Option 3) is an
advanced practice role.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question 6
A client asks if changes can be made to the unit milieu. Which nurse response shows understanding of their role?
Refer the request to the social worker
Discuss the desired changes with the client
Refer the request to a rehabilitation worker
Say no changes are possible
Correct Answer: 2 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Nurses are responsible for the therapeutic milieu (Option 2). Referring (Options 1/3) or refusing (Option 4) without
assessment is nontherapeutic.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 7
Question 1
The nurse's new job description at the generalist level of practice reflects the definition of psychiatric-mental health nursing
and the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice (ANA, APNA, ISPN). In which of the following areas might
the nurse plan programs and interventions to fulfill employment expectations?
Select all that apply.
Stress management strategies
Early diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
Parenting classes for new parents
Family and group psychotherapy
Medication teaching for anti-anxiety medications
Correct Answers: 1, 3, 5 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
1 (Correct): Stress management strategies address health, wellness, and mental health problems, fitting the generalist role.
2 (Incorrect): Early diagnosis is not typically within the generalist nurse’s scope.
3 (Correct): Parenting classes align with prevention and health promotion.
4 (Incorrect): Psychotherapy is an advanced practice role.
5 (Correct): Medication teaching is essential for generalist nurses.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Question 2
The nurse is serving on a committee reviewing roles and responsibilities of nurses on the psychiatric unit. Which publication
should the nurse bring to the first meeting?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
American Nurses Credentialing Center certification requirements
American Nurses Association, Code of Ethics
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice
Correct Answer: 4 (Highlighted in bold)
,Rationale:
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice defines nursing roles and responsibilities. Other options focus
on diagnosis (1), ethics (3), or certification (2), not role delineation.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 3
The psychiatric-mental health nurse reflecting on professional role activities is referred to the Standards of Professional
Performance. To which organization should the nurse look for guidance?
North American Nursing Diagnosis Association
American Nurses Credentialing Center
National League for Nursing
American Nurses Association
Correct Answer: 4 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
The ANA’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Standards of Practice includes professional performance (Standards 7–15).
Other organizations focus on diagnoses (1), certification (2), or education (3).
Cognitive Level: Analyzing
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 4
The psychiatric-mental health nurse is working with a new graduate nurse. Which comment by the new graduate indicates a
need for role clarification?
"I would feel better if you reviewed my documentation on treatment goals."
"I will evaluate the therapeutic milieu daily."
"I am nervous about conducting psychotherapy with clients."
"I am reading about complementary interventions."
Correct Answer: 3 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Psychotherapy is an advanced practice role, not a generalist function. Other options align with generalist responsibilities.
, Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 5
A client on the psychiatric unit asks about preventing sexually transmitted diseases. Given the Psychiatric-Mental Health
Nursing Standards of Practice, what is the nurse's best action?
Consult with the mental health care team
Teach safer sexual practices
Investigate the questions in psychotherapy
Notify the attending psychiatrist
Correct Answer: 2 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Health teaching (Option 2) is within the RN's scope. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary, and psychotherapy (Option 3) is an
advanced practice role.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Question 6
A client asks if changes can be made to the unit milieu. Which nurse response shows understanding of their role?
Refer the request to the social worker
Discuss the desired changes with the client
Refer the request to a rehabilitation worker
Say no changes are possible
Correct Answer: 2 (Highlighted in bold)
Rationale:
Nurses are responsible for the therapeutic milieu (Option 2). Referring (Options 1/3) or refusing (Option 4) without
assessment is nontherapeutic.
Cognitive Level: Applying
Client Need: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Question 7
