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NR 326 – MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
100 QUESTIONS | ANSWERS & RATIONALES
Questions 1–100
1. Which nurse response best demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. “Why would you feel that way?”
B. “Tell me more about what you’re experiencing.”
C. “Everything will be okay.”
D. “You shouldn’t feel like that.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression and
exploration of feelings.
2. A client says, “I feel hopeless.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “Things could be worse.”
B. “Why do you feel hopeless?”
C. “You feel there is no way out.”
D. “Let’s change the subject.”
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Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting feelings validates the client’s emotions.
3. Which statement is an example of nontherapeutic
communication?
A. “I’m here with you.”
B. “That must be difficult.”
C. “Have you tried not thinking about it?”
D. “Can you explain more?”
Answer: C
Rationale: Giving advice minimizes feelings and blocks
communication.
4. Which technique involves repeating the client’s words?
A. Clarification
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Answer: B
Rationale: Restating confirms understanding and encourages
continuation.
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5. The nurse should avoid which response when communicating
with a depressed client?
A. Silence
B. Offering hope
C. Giving advice
D. Empathy
Answer: C
Rationale: Advice interferes with the client’s problem-solving.
6. During an interview, the nurse notices inconsistencies in a
client’s story. What is the best action?
A. Ignore the inconsistencies
B. Confront the client harshly
C. Seek clarification
D. End the interview
Answer: C
Rationale: Clarification helps gather accurate assessment data.
7. Which question best assesses a client’s mood?
A. “Do you sleep well?”
B. “How do you usually feel during the day?”
C. “What medications are you taking?”
D. “Do you have pain?”
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Answer: B
Rationale: Mood reflects the client’s sustained emotional state.
8. Which behavior indicates effective therapeutic
communication?
A. Frequent advice-giving
B. Interrupting the client
C. Active listening
D. Changing the topic
Answer: C
Rationale: Active listening demonstrates respect and
understanding.
9. Which response demonstrates empathy?
A. “I know exactly how you feel.”
B. “That sounds overwhelming.”
C. “You’ll be fine.”
D. “Others feel worse than you.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Empathy acknowledges the client’s emotional
experience.
NR 326 – MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
MIDTERM EXAMINATION
100 QUESTIONS | ANSWERS & RATIONALES
Questions 1–100
1. Which nurse response best demonstrates therapeutic
communication?
A. “Why would you feel that way?”
B. “Tell me more about what you’re experiencing.”
C. “Everything will be okay.”
D. “You shouldn’t feel like that.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended statements encourage expression and
exploration of feelings.
2. A client says, “I feel hopeless.” What is the nurse’s best
response?
A. “Things could be worse.”
B. “Why do you feel hopeless?”
C. “You feel there is no way out.”
D. “Let’s change the subject.”
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Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting feelings validates the client’s emotions.
3. Which statement is an example of nontherapeutic
communication?
A. “I’m here with you.”
B. “That must be difficult.”
C. “Have you tried not thinking about it?”
D. “Can you explain more?”
Answer: C
Rationale: Giving advice minimizes feelings and blocks
communication.
4. Which technique involves repeating the client’s words?
A. Clarification
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Summarizing
Answer: B
Rationale: Restating confirms understanding and encourages
continuation.
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5. The nurse should avoid which response when communicating
with a depressed client?
A. Silence
B. Offering hope
C. Giving advice
D. Empathy
Answer: C
Rationale: Advice interferes with the client’s problem-solving.
6. During an interview, the nurse notices inconsistencies in a
client’s story. What is the best action?
A. Ignore the inconsistencies
B. Confront the client harshly
C. Seek clarification
D. End the interview
Answer: C
Rationale: Clarification helps gather accurate assessment data.
7. Which question best assesses a client’s mood?
A. “Do you sleep well?”
B. “How do you usually feel during the day?”
C. “What medications are you taking?”
D. “Do you have pain?”
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Answer: B
Rationale: Mood reflects the client’s sustained emotional state.
8. Which behavior indicates effective therapeutic
communication?
A. Frequent advice-giving
B. Interrupting the client
C. Active listening
D. Changing the topic
Answer: C
Rationale: Active listening demonstrates respect and
understanding.
9. Which response demonstrates empathy?
A. “I know exactly how you feel.”
B. “That sounds overwhelming.”
C. “You’ll be fine.”
D. “Others feel worse than you.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Empathy acknowledges the client’s emotional
experience.
