NUR2459/NUR 2459 Exam 1 V3 |
Mental and Behavioral Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is providing care for a patient who is being treated for a mental health disorder.
Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when they respect the patient’s right to
refuse medication?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their healthcare. Respecting a patient’s choice to refuse medication is a direct
application of this principle. The nurse must support the patient’s self-determination even
if they disagree with the choice.
2. In the psychiatric-mental health setting, what is the primary purpose of the ‘milieu
therapy’?
A. To isolate the patient from external stressors entirely
,B. To provide a structured and safe environment for recovery
C. To administer pharmacological interventions exclusively
D. To facilitate one-on-one psychoanalysis sessions
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Milieu therapy focuses on creating a therapeutic environment that
supports the patient’s recovery. It involves the physical surroundings as well as the social
interactions within the unit. The goal is to provide a safe and stable atmosphere where
patients can learn and practice new coping skills.
3. A client becomes angry and yells at the nurse because their phone privileges were
restricted. Later, the client kicks a chair in the dayroom. Which defense mechanism is the
client using?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from a stressful
situation to a less threatening target. In this case, the client is redirecting their anger from
, the nurse or the rules to the chair. This allows the client to release tension without facing
the direct consequences of attacking a person.
4. During an intake assessment, a patient states, ‘I don’t think I can keep going anymore.
Everything is just too much.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very overwhelmed. Can you tell me more about that?’
B. ‘You have so much to live for, don’t say that.’
C. ‘Why do you feel that way right now?’
D. ‘I understand, I felt the same way once.’
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and open-
ended questioning. It acknowledges the patient’s feelings without being judgmental or
dismissive. By inviting the patient to elaborate, the nurse gathers more information while
showing empathy.
5. Which legal concept refers to the nurse’s obligation to protect a third party from harm if a
patient makes a specific threat?
A. Right to refuse treatment
B. Duty to warn
C. Informed consent
D. False imprisonment
Mental and Behavioral Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is providing care for a patient who is being treated for a mental health disorder.
Which ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating when they respect the patient’s right to
refuse medication?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own decisions
about their healthcare. Respecting a patient’s choice to refuse medication is a direct
application of this principle. The nurse must support the patient’s self-determination even
if they disagree with the choice.
2. In the psychiatric-mental health setting, what is the primary purpose of the ‘milieu
therapy’?
A. To isolate the patient from external stressors entirely
,B. To provide a structured and safe environment for recovery
C. To administer pharmacological interventions exclusively
D. To facilitate one-on-one psychoanalysis sessions
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Milieu therapy focuses on creating a therapeutic environment that
supports the patient’s recovery. It involves the physical surroundings as well as the social
interactions within the unit. The goal is to provide a safe and stable atmosphere where
patients can learn and practice new coping skills.
3. A client becomes angry and yells at the nurse because their phone privileges were
restricted. Later, the client kicks a chair in the dayroom. Which defense mechanism is the
client using?
A. Denial
B. Projection
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from a stressful
situation to a less threatening target. In this case, the client is redirecting their anger from
, the nurse or the rules to the chair. This allows the client to release tension without facing
the direct consequences of attacking a person.
4. During an intake assessment, a patient states, ‘I don’t think I can keep going anymore.
Everything is just too much.’ Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
A. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very overwhelmed. Can you tell me more about that?’
B. ‘You have so much to live for, don’t say that.’
C. ‘Why do you feel that way right now?’
D. ‘I understand, I felt the same way once.’
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and open-
ended questioning. It acknowledges the patient’s feelings without being judgmental or
dismissive. By inviting the patient to elaborate, the nurse gathers more information while
showing empathy.
5. Which legal concept refers to the nurse’s obligation to protect a third party from harm if a
patient makes a specific threat?
A. Right to refuse treatment
B. Duty to warn
C. Informed consent
D. False imprisonment
