29 May 2026
NSG 350 Mental Health Week 5 Exam
|100 Questions with 100% Correct
Answers | Verified | Latest Update
2026/2027 A+ GRADE ASSURED
1. According to the Stuart Stress Adaptation Model, which person can be assessed as being the
closest to the maladaptive responses end of the continuum of emotional responses?
a.A patient whose child died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 2 weeks ago, who states, "I
can't believe I'll never hold my baby in my arms again."
b.A patient whose spouse died 2 years ago, who states, "Strong people don't mourn. I've kept busy
and focused on supporting the kids."
c.A patient whose spouse died 6 months ago, who states, "I hate the fact that my spouse died and
left me alone after all the years we shared."
d.A patient whose fiancée died 6 weeks ago, who tells the nurse, "My life will never be the same. I
find myself crying every day when I think of my fiancée." - correct answer-ANS: B
A patient whose spouse died 2 years ago, who states, "Strong people don't mourn. I've kept busy
and focused on supporting the kids."
2. The initial response of a steelworker who was fired from a job was disbelief. At home the
steelworker told family members about the firing but retreated to the bedroom, saying, "I'm too
choked up to talk about it right now." These behaviors are characteristic of: a.disbelief.
b.depression.
c.normal grief reaction.
d.delayed grief reaction. - correct answer-ANS: C normal
grief reaction.
3. Which coping mechanism should a nurse expect to see a patient initially use to mourn the
death of a spouse?
a.Denial
b.Introjection
c.Suppression
d.Dissociation - correct answer-ANS: B
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Introjection
4. A patient was widowed 8 months ago. The patient has never cried and speaks of the
spouse as if they were still together. The prominent defense mechanism exhibited by the patient
is: a.denial.
b.projection.
c.introjection.
d.sublimation. - correct answer-ANS: A denial.
5. A patient's husband is distraught over his wife's behavior since their child died in a car
accident 1 month ago. He says, "She still cries herself to sleep each night. Help my wife control
herself." The nurse's most therapeutic response would be:
a."I wonder why it is that you are so bothered by her crying."
b."I'm more concerned that you don't seem to be grieving."
c."I'll spend some time with her to help her see that crying is counterproductive."
d."It's hard to see her so upset, but crying is one way of expressing her feelings." - correct
answerANS: D
It's hard to see her so upset, but crying is one way of expressing her feelings."
6. While talking with a nurse, a patient remarks, "My father's been dead for months. I think
Mom needs to get on with her life." The most appropriate response by the nurse is:
a."Giving her support will be more helpful than being critical."
b."Have you thought of ways you might help her find more pleasure in her life?"
c."It's possible that she still needs more time. Grieving often takes 1 year or more."
d."A death is usually a crisis for the whole family. How has his death affected you?" - correct
answer-ANS: C
It's possible that she still needs more time. Grieving often takes 1 year or more."
7. A patient shares, "My mood is really low, and even though I get plenty of sleep, I'm tired
all the time. It seems like it happens every fall and winter." This patient is most likely
experiencing: a.poor REM sleep.
b.acute depression.
c.chronic depression.
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d.seasonal affective disorder. - correct answer-ANS: D seasonal
affective disorder
8. The critical element a nurse must consider when completing a behavioral assessment of a
patient with a mood disturbance is:
a.the level of anxiety present.
b.the degree of agitation noted.
c.the depth of depression reported.
d.a change in usual patterns and responses. - correct answer-ANS: D a
change in usual patterns and responses.
9. A patient hospitalized 3 weeks ago with major depressive disorder presented with suicidal
ideations but no suicide plan. Sertraline (Zoloft) was prescribed, and the patient now reports that
the feelings of depression have somewhat lessened. The guiding factor the nurse considers when
planning care is that there is:
a.little risk for injury if the patient has no plan.
b.an increased risk for suicide as the depression lifts.
c.little suicide risk after 3 weeks on an antidepressant.
d.an increase in patient compliance with sertraline (Zoloft). - correct answer-ANS: B an
increased risk for suicide as the depression lifts.
10. A patient paces continuously while repeatedly mumbling, "I'm worthless. It's all hopeless."
Which nursing measure would be most helpful in establishing a relationship with this patient?
a.Greet the patient with a cheerful smile.
b.Insist that the patient go to a room to talk with the nurse.
c.Walk with the patient, and make occasional empathic observations.
d.Tell the patient, "I don't agree with your assessment of worthlessness." - correct answer-ANS: C
Walk with the patient, and make occasional empathic observations.
11. A patient being treated for severe depression shows resistance to involvement in the
nursepatient relationship by being withdrawn and unresponsive. There is also preoccupation with
guilt and hopelessness. When interacting with the patient, which response would have the
greatest therapeutic impact?
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a."Everything will work out."
b."Let's explore the origins of your pessimism."
c."It's very likely that you will feel better as your treatment continues."
d."You have to help yourself by getting rid of your negative thoughts." - correct answer-ANS: C
"It's very likely that you will feel better as your treatment continues."
12. A patient with depression recently lost 8 pounds. After only a few bites the patient refuses
to eat more, saying, "I'm full. All that food makes me sick just to look at it." The most effective
way for the nurse to help increase the patient's dietary intake would be to:
a.provide a high-calorie liquid diet.
b.serve six small, calorie-dense meals daily.
c.take the patient to the hospital cafeteria for meals.
d.have the patient's family bring some favorite foods from home. - correct answer-ANS: B serve
six small, calorie-dense meals daily.
13. A patient hospitalized for depression demonstrates dysfunctional thinking as evidenced by
persistent pessimism and predictions of disastrous outcomes. A nurse using cognitive therapy will
focus on:
a.
uncovering unconscious conflicts that affect the "here and now" behavior.
b. finding an area of mutual understanding to serve as a basis for therapy.
c.
patient recognition and replacement of automatic negative evaluations. d.
analyzing and enhancing relationships with significant others. - correct answer-ANS: C patient
recognition and replacement of automatic negative evaluations
14. Select the most appropriate goal for a patient with depression. The patient will be: a.
experiencing less severe signs of being depressed. b.
physically recovered and able to take on new responsibilities. c.
emotionally responsive and functioning at the pre-illness level. d.