NUR 256 Exam 1 (mental health) (2026) PDF |
Galen College
, NUR 256 EXAM 1 – 15 TOUGHEST & MOST-TESTED QUESTIONS (LONG FORM)
1. Therapeutic Communication – Priority Response
A 24-year-old patient admitted for major depressive disorder states,
"I don’t see the point of getting better. Nothing ever changes, and I’m tired of trying."
Which nurse response is most therapeutic?
A. “Things will get better if you give the treatment time.”
B. “Why do you feel nothing ever changes?”
C. “That sounds very painful. Tell me more about what you’re feeling.”
D. “Many people feel this way when they are depressed.”
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The best therapeutic response acknowledges feelings and invites expression. Avoid false reassurance
(“things will get better”) and “why” questions, which can feel confrontational.
2. Suicide Risk – Priority Assessment
A patient with depression has recently given away personal belongings, appears calm after days of
agitation, and states, “I’ve finally made peace with everything.”
What is the nurse’s priority interpretation?
A. The patient is improving
B. The patient is experiencing denial
C. The patient may be at imminent risk for suicide
D. The patient is responding well to medication
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Sudden calmness after agitation + giving away belongings are classic warning signs of imminent suicide.
This is a medical emergency.
3. Suicide Precautions – Nursing Action
Which intervention is most important for a patient placed on suicide precautions?
Galen College
, NUR 256 EXAM 1 – 15 TOUGHEST & MOST-TESTED QUESTIONS (LONG FORM)
1. Therapeutic Communication – Priority Response
A 24-year-old patient admitted for major depressive disorder states,
"I don’t see the point of getting better. Nothing ever changes, and I’m tired of trying."
Which nurse response is most therapeutic?
A. “Things will get better if you give the treatment time.”
B. “Why do you feel nothing ever changes?”
C. “That sounds very painful. Tell me more about what you’re feeling.”
D. “Many people feel this way when they are depressed.”
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The best therapeutic response acknowledges feelings and invites expression. Avoid false reassurance
(“things will get better”) and “why” questions, which can feel confrontational.
2. Suicide Risk – Priority Assessment
A patient with depression has recently given away personal belongings, appears calm after days of
agitation, and states, “I’ve finally made peace with everything.”
What is the nurse’s priority interpretation?
A. The patient is improving
B. The patient is experiencing denial
C. The patient may be at imminent risk for suicide
D. The patient is responding well to medication
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Sudden calmness after agitation + giving away belongings are classic warning signs of imminent suicide.
This is a medical emergency.
3. Suicide Precautions – Nursing Action
Which intervention is most important for a patient placed on suicide precautions?
