EXAM 1 - PSYCHIATRIC/MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Why should the nurse introduce the matter of a contract during the first
session with a new patient?
To explain the participation and responsibilities of each party
To prevent either party from prematurely ending the relationship
To specify what the nurse will do for the patient
To indicate the feeling tone established between the participants
2. The nurse is co-leader of a group. The guidelines followed by the leaders
include focusing on recognizing dysfunctional behavior and thinking
patterns, then identifying and practicing alternate behaviors and thinking
that are more adaptive. What theory is represented by this group
approach?
Behavioral
Psychodynamic
Interpersonal
Cognitive-behavioral
3. In a scenario where a community has experienced a natural disaster, how
might a nurse utilize therapeutic communication to support a victim who
is reluctant to share their feelings?
The nurse could use open-ended questions to gently
encourage the victim to express their thoughts.
,The nurse could suggest that the victim focus on practical
recovery steps instead.
The nurse could refer the victim to a support group without
further discussion.
, The nurse could provide a list of resources and ask the victim to
choose one.
4. The nurses on the psychiatric unit review the effectiveness of the
therapeutic milieu on the unit. Which is the most important environmental
element on any psychiatric unit?
Safety, including freedom from both psychological and physical
harm from any source
Balance, or the process of gradually allowing independent
behaviors in a dependent situation
Structure of the physical environment, rules and daily schedules
of groups and classes
Limit-setting for self-destructiveness, non-compliance, and
physical aggressiveness
5. Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to consider an 8-year-
old child to be most at risk for the development of a psychiatric
disorder?
Not being promoted to the next grade
Having an imaginary friend
Being raised by a parent with chronic major depression
Moving to three new homes over a 2-year period
6. What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy as described in
the provided text?
Fostering interpersonal relationships
Changing behavior without addressing thoughts
Resolving unconscious conflicts
, Reframing dysfunctional thoughts and extinguishing
maladaptive behaviors
7. Why is engaging in cooperative play with other children considered an
effective outcome for the nursing diagnosis of impaired social
interaction?
It shows the child is following authority figures better.
It demonstrates improvement in social skills and reduction in
aggressive behavior.
It indicates the child has learned to express anxiety more
effectively.
It suggests the child is less demanding in communication.
8. What is the nurse's best response to a patient requesting a change in
privileges?
Why are you asking me when you're able to speak for yourself?
Do you think you can't speak to a doctor?
I will be glad to address it when I see your doctor later today.
That's a good topic for you to discuss with your doctor.
9. Why is assertiveness training considered a key aspect of care provided
by psychiatric nurses?
Assertiveness training is primarily focused on physical health.
Assertiveness training is not relevant in psychiatric care.
Assertiveness training is a task for nursing assistants.
Assertiveness training relies on the counseling and
psychoeducational skills of the nurse.
NURSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Why should the nurse introduce the matter of a contract during the first
session with a new patient?
To explain the participation and responsibilities of each party
To prevent either party from prematurely ending the relationship
To specify what the nurse will do for the patient
To indicate the feeling tone established between the participants
2. The nurse is co-leader of a group. The guidelines followed by the leaders
include focusing on recognizing dysfunctional behavior and thinking
patterns, then identifying and practicing alternate behaviors and thinking
that are more adaptive. What theory is represented by this group
approach?
Behavioral
Psychodynamic
Interpersonal
Cognitive-behavioral
3. In a scenario where a community has experienced a natural disaster, how
might a nurse utilize therapeutic communication to support a victim who
is reluctant to share their feelings?
The nurse could use open-ended questions to gently
encourage the victim to express their thoughts.
,The nurse could suggest that the victim focus on practical
recovery steps instead.
The nurse could refer the victim to a support group without
further discussion.
, The nurse could provide a list of resources and ask the victim to
choose one.
4. The nurses on the psychiatric unit review the effectiveness of the
therapeutic milieu on the unit. Which is the most important environmental
element on any psychiatric unit?
Safety, including freedom from both psychological and physical
harm from any source
Balance, or the process of gradually allowing independent
behaviors in a dependent situation
Structure of the physical environment, rules and daily schedules
of groups and classes
Limit-setting for self-destructiveness, non-compliance, and
physical aggressiveness
5. Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to consider an 8-year-
old child to be most at risk for the development of a psychiatric
disorder?
Not being promoted to the next grade
Having an imaginary friend
Being raised by a parent with chronic major depression
Moving to three new homes over a 2-year period
6. What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy as described in
the provided text?
Fostering interpersonal relationships
Changing behavior without addressing thoughts
Resolving unconscious conflicts
, Reframing dysfunctional thoughts and extinguishing
maladaptive behaviors
7. Why is engaging in cooperative play with other children considered an
effective outcome for the nursing diagnosis of impaired social
interaction?
It shows the child is following authority figures better.
It demonstrates improvement in social skills and reduction in
aggressive behavior.
It indicates the child has learned to express anxiety more
effectively.
It suggests the child is less demanding in communication.
8. What is the nurse's best response to a patient requesting a change in
privileges?
Why are you asking me when you're able to speak for yourself?
Do you think you can't speak to a doctor?
I will be glad to address it when I see your doctor later today.
That's a good topic for you to discuss with your doctor.
9. Why is assertiveness training considered a key aspect of care provided
by psychiatric nurses?
Assertiveness training is primarily focused on physical health.
Assertiveness training is not relevant in psychiatric care.
Assertiveness training is a task for nursing assistants.
Assertiveness training relies on the counseling and
psychoeducational skills of the nurse.
