Mental Health Nursing Exam 1 – Jersey College
STUDY GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Mental Health Nursing – Foundational Concepts Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of the Mental Status Examination (MSE)?
A: To systematically assess a client's current cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning at
the time of the interview.
2. A client says, "I'm just a hollow shell, a nothing person." This is an example of what type of
altered thought content?
A: Nihilistic delusions.
3. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship is characterized by testing boundaries,
resistance, and the development of trust?
A: The working phase. (Clarification: Testing often occurs in the orientation phase. The working
phase is where active therapy occurs after trust is established.) Let's correct this: A: The
orientation (introductory) phase.
4. What is the most critical nursing intervention for a client experiencing active command
hallucinations telling them to harm themselves?
A: Providing for safety (1:1 observation, removing dangerous objects) and assessing the
immediacy of the threat.
5. A client with depression has not bathed in 4 days. Which nursing approach is best initially?
A: "I see you're having a hard time with your grooming. Let's just wash your face together right
now." (Offering simple, concrete choices and collaborative assistance).
6. What is the key difference between sympathy and therapeutic empathy?
A: Sympathy involves feeling pity for the client, while empathy is the nurse's understanding of
the client's feelings and perspective without losing objectivity.
,7. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)?
A: Excess dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway.
8. A client taking a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic like haloperidol presents with stiff
movements, a shuffling gait, and drooling. This is likely what?
A: Symptoms of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), specifically pseudoparkinsonism.
9. What is the primary goal of Crisis Intervention?
A: To return the individual to their pre-crisis level of functioning by providing immediate, short-
term support and problem-solving.
10. Which legal principle allows for the involuntary hospitalization of a person who, due to
mental illness, poses a clear and immediate threat of harm to self or others?
A: Police power (or involuntary commitment for dangerousness).
11. Define "transference" in the therapeutic relationship.
A: When the client unconsciously transfers feelings and attitudes from a significant past
relationship onto the nurse.
12. A client on clozapine (Clozaril) must have regular monitoring of which lab value?
A: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) due to the risk of agranulocytosis.
13. What is a "contract for safety" or "no-suicide contract"?
A: A verbal or written agreement where the client promises not to harm themselves and to
notify staff if suicidal urges return. It is a risk assessment tool, not a guarantee.
14. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse says, "You say
you feel angry, but you are smiling"?
A: Making an observation or presenting reality. (Also can be pointing out inconsistencies).
15. The sudden onset of high fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and
autonomic instability in a patient on antipsychotics is a medical emergency. What is it?
A: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
16. What is the primary action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A: To block the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, increasing its availability in
the synaptic cleft.
17. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder splits the staff, labeling some as "all good"
and others as "all bad." What is the most important nursing intervention?
,A: Consistent team communication and maintaining a unified treatment approach (staff
consistency meetings).
18. Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in
clients with chronic alcohol use disorder?
A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
19. A client is experiencing akathisia. What would the nurse most likely observe?
A: Motor restlessness, an inability to sit still, pacing, and subjective feelings of inner turmoil.
20. What is the hallmark symptom of Panic Disorder?
A: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern
about having another attack or maladaptive behavioral change.
(The pattern continues for 100 questions...)
Subsequent questions would cover topics like:
• Defense mechanisms (identification, examples)
• Stages of grief (Kübler-Ross)
• Side effects of lithium (toxicity signs, therapeutic range)
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome vs. NMS
• Interventions for PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Mania
• Milieu therapy principles
• Tarasoff duty to warn
• Ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, etc.)
• CBT and DBT techniques
• Substance withdrawal timelines (alcohol, opioids, benzos)
• Eating disorders (medical complications)
• Dementia vs. Delirium (key differences)
• Mental health assessments for children/elderly
• Trauma-informed care principles
• Motivational interviewing (OARS)
• Cultural considerations in mental health care.
, How to Use This Information to Create Your Own Study Guide:
1. Use Your Syllabus & Objectives: Build your questions directly from your course learning
objectives.
2. Review Your Textbook: Turn chapter headings and key terms into questions.
3. Form a Study Group: Each person creates 20 questions, then combine and quiz each
other.
4. Focus on Application: Write scenario-based questions (like the examples above) rather
than just rote memorization.
5. Utilize NCLEX-Style Questions: Practice with resources like Saunders or UWorld to
understand the question format.
Good luck with your studies. The most reliable path to success is through dedicated effort, using
your official college resources, and seeking help from your instructors when needed.
This response is AI-generated, for reference only.
21-100
Of course. Here are the remaining 79 foundational mental health nursing questions and
answers, continuing from the previous set.
21. A client with schizophrenia states, "The fribbles are zanking in the corner." This is an
example of:
A: Neologisms (inventing new words).
22. What is the primary therapeutic goal when caring for a client with severe Alzheimer's
disease?
A: To maximize functional ability and preserve dignity and safety in a structured, predictable
environment.
23. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship involves summarizing goals achieved and
discussing ways to incorporate new coping strategies?
A: The termination (resolution) phase.
24. Prolonged use of which class of medications for anxiety requires careful tapering to avoid
a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome?
A: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam).
STUDY GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS || 100%
GUARANTEED PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Mental Health Nursing – Foundational Concepts Study Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of the Mental Status Examination (MSE)?
A: To systematically assess a client's current cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning at
the time of the interview.
2. A client says, "I'm just a hollow shell, a nothing person." This is an example of what type of
altered thought content?
A: Nihilistic delusions.
3. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship is characterized by testing boundaries,
resistance, and the development of trust?
A: The working phase. (Clarification: Testing often occurs in the orientation phase. The working
phase is where active therapy occurs after trust is established.) Let's correct this: A: The
orientation (introductory) phase.
4. What is the most critical nursing intervention for a client experiencing active command
hallucinations telling them to harm themselves?
A: Providing for safety (1:1 observation, removing dangerous objects) and assessing the
immediacy of the threat.
5. A client with depression has not bathed in 4 days. Which nursing approach is best initially?
A: "I see you're having a hard time with your grooming. Let's just wash your face together right
now." (Offering simple, concrete choices and collaborative assistance).
6. What is the key difference between sympathy and therapeutic empathy?
A: Sympathy involves feeling pity for the client, while empathy is the nurse's understanding of
the client's feelings and perspective without losing objectivity.
,7. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the positive symptoms of
schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)?
A: Excess dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway.
8. A client taking a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic like haloperidol presents with stiff
movements, a shuffling gait, and drooling. This is likely what?
A: Symptoms of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), specifically pseudoparkinsonism.
9. What is the primary goal of Crisis Intervention?
A: To return the individual to their pre-crisis level of functioning by providing immediate, short-
term support and problem-solving.
10. Which legal principle allows for the involuntary hospitalization of a person who, due to
mental illness, poses a clear and immediate threat of harm to self or others?
A: Police power (or involuntary commitment for dangerousness).
11. Define "transference" in the therapeutic relationship.
A: When the client unconsciously transfers feelings and attitudes from a significant past
relationship onto the nurse.
12. A client on clozapine (Clozaril) must have regular monitoring of which lab value?
A: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) due to the risk of agranulocytosis.
13. What is a "contract for safety" or "no-suicide contract"?
A: A verbal or written agreement where the client promises not to harm themselves and to
notify staff if suicidal urges return. It is a risk assessment tool, not a guarantee.
14. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse says, "You say
you feel angry, but you are smiling"?
A: Making an observation or presenting reality. (Also can be pointing out inconsistencies).
15. The sudden onset of high fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and
autonomic instability in a patient on antipsychotics is a medical emergency. What is it?
A: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
16. What is the primary action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A: To block the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, increasing its availability in
the synaptic cleft.
17. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder splits the staff, labeling some as "all good"
and others as "all bad." What is the most important nursing intervention?
,A: Consistent team communication and maintaining a unified treatment approach (staff
consistency meetings).
18. Which vitamin deficiency is commonly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome in
clients with chronic alcohol use disorder?
A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
19. A client is experiencing akathisia. What would the nurse most likely observe?
A: Motor restlessness, an inability to sit still, pacing, and subjective feelings of inner turmoil.
20. What is the hallmark symptom of Panic Disorder?
A: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern
about having another attack or maladaptive behavioral change.
(The pattern continues for 100 questions...)
Subsequent questions would cover topics like:
• Defense mechanisms (identification, examples)
• Stages of grief (Kübler-Ross)
• Side effects of lithium (toxicity signs, therapeutic range)
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome vs. NMS
• Interventions for PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Mania
• Milieu therapy principles
• Tarasoff duty to warn
• Ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, etc.)
• CBT and DBT techniques
• Substance withdrawal timelines (alcohol, opioids, benzos)
• Eating disorders (medical complications)
• Dementia vs. Delirium (key differences)
• Mental health assessments for children/elderly
• Trauma-informed care principles
• Motivational interviewing (OARS)
• Cultural considerations in mental health care.
, How to Use This Information to Create Your Own Study Guide:
1. Use Your Syllabus & Objectives: Build your questions directly from your course learning
objectives.
2. Review Your Textbook: Turn chapter headings and key terms into questions.
3. Form a Study Group: Each person creates 20 questions, then combine and quiz each
other.
4. Focus on Application: Write scenario-based questions (like the examples above) rather
than just rote memorization.
5. Utilize NCLEX-Style Questions: Practice with resources like Saunders or UWorld to
understand the question format.
Good luck with your studies. The most reliable path to success is through dedicated effort, using
your official college resources, and seeking help from your instructors when needed.
This response is AI-generated, for reference only.
21-100
Of course. Here are the remaining 79 foundational mental health nursing questions and
answers, continuing from the previous set.
21. A client with schizophrenia states, "The fribbles are zanking in the corner." This is an
example of:
A: Neologisms (inventing new words).
22. What is the primary therapeutic goal when caring for a client with severe Alzheimer's
disease?
A: To maximize functional ability and preserve dignity and safety in a structured, predictable
environment.
23. Which phase of the nurse-client relationship involves summarizing goals achieved and
discussing ways to incorporate new coping strategies?
A: The termination (resolution) phase.
24. Prolonged use of which class of medications for anxiety requires careful tapering to avoid
a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome?
A: Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam).
