NSRG 126 Exam 1 V2 | NSRG 126 Mental
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 1) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who remains silent after being asked about their
family history. Which therapeutic technique should the nurse employ first?
A. Ask the client a direct question to break the silence.
B. Change the subject to a less sensitive topic.
C. Maintain silence to allow the client time to organize their thoughts.
D. Suggest that the client may be feeling overwhelmed.
Correct Answer: C
The use of therapeutic silence allows the client to process their feelings and organize their
thoughts without pressure. It conveys the nurse’s patience and interest in what the client
has to say when they are ready. Breaking the silence too early can inhibit the client’s self-
reflection and lead to a less productive therapeutic exchange.
2. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following is
the primary goal?
A. Establishing trust and defining the parameters of the relationship.
B. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
C. Evaluating the progress made toward clinical goals.
,D. Facilitating behavioral change and implementing interventions.
Correct Answer: A
The orientation phase is critical for establishing rapport and building a foundation of trust
between the nurse and the client. During this time, the nurse outlines the roles,
responsibilities, and the timeframe for the relationship. It is also the phase where the
contract for working together is established before moving into the working phase.
3. A community health nurse is planning a primary prevention program for mental health.
Which of the following activities should the nurse include?
A. Providing crisis intervention for victims of a natural disaster.
B. Teaching stress reduction techniques to a group of high school students.
C. Screening older adults for symptoms of early-stage depression.
D. Leading a support group for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
E. Referring a client with suicidal ideation to an inpatient facility.
Correct Answer: B
Primary prevention aims to reduce the incidence of mental disorders by providing
education and support to healthy populations. Teaching stress management to students
helps prevent the development of mental health issues before they occur. Secondary
prevention involves screening and early detection, while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation for established illnesses.
, 4. A client is angry after being told they cannot leave the unit and starts shouting at the
nurse. The nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Sublimation
D. Displacement
Correct Answer: D
Displacement involves the redirection of emotional impulses toward a less threatening
target than the original source of the emotion. In this scenario, the client is angry at the
rules or the physician but directs that anger toward the nurse. Recognizing this mechanism
helps the nurse maintain professional boundaries and not take the outburst personally.
5. Which assessment finding during a Mental Status Examination (MSE) specifically evaluates
a client’s affect?
A. The client reports feeling ‘hopeless’ about the future.
B. The client is able to recall three words after five minutes.
C. The client exhibits a flat facial expression while discussing a loss.
D. The client interprets the proverb ‘don’t cry over spilled milk’ literally.
Correct Answer: C
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 1) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is communicating with a client who remains silent after being asked about their
family history. Which therapeutic technique should the nurse employ first?
A. Ask the client a direct question to break the silence.
B. Change the subject to a less sensitive topic.
C. Maintain silence to allow the client time to organize their thoughts.
D. Suggest that the client may be feeling overwhelmed.
Correct Answer: C
The use of therapeutic silence allows the client to process their feelings and organize their
thoughts without pressure. It conveys the nurse’s patience and interest in what the client
has to say when they are ready. Breaking the silence too early can inhibit the client’s self-
reflection and lead to a less productive therapeutic exchange.
2. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which of the following is
the primary goal?
A. Establishing trust and defining the parameters of the relationship.
B. Promoting the client’s problem-solving skills.
C. Evaluating the progress made toward clinical goals.
,D. Facilitating behavioral change and implementing interventions.
Correct Answer: A
The orientation phase is critical for establishing rapport and building a foundation of trust
between the nurse and the client. During this time, the nurse outlines the roles,
responsibilities, and the timeframe for the relationship. It is also the phase where the
contract for working together is established before moving into the working phase.
3. A community health nurse is planning a primary prevention program for mental health.
Which of the following activities should the nurse include?
A. Providing crisis intervention for victims of a natural disaster.
B. Teaching stress reduction techniques to a group of high school students.
C. Screening older adults for symptoms of early-stage depression.
D. Leading a support group for individuals recovering from substance abuse.
E. Referring a client with suicidal ideation to an inpatient facility.
Correct Answer: B
Primary prevention aims to reduce the incidence of mental disorders by providing
education and support to healthy populations. Teaching stress management to students
helps prevent the development of mental health issues before they occur. Secondary
prevention involves screening and early detection, while tertiary prevention focuses on
rehabilitation for established illnesses.
, 4. A client is angry after being told they cannot leave the unit and starts shouting at the
nurse. The nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Sublimation
D. Displacement
Correct Answer: D
Displacement involves the redirection of emotional impulses toward a less threatening
target than the original source of the emotion. In this scenario, the client is angry at the
rules or the physician but directs that anger toward the nurse. Recognizing this mechanism
helps the nurse maintain professional boundaries and not take the outburst personally.
5. Which assessment finding during a Mental Status Examination (MSE) specifically evaluates
a client’s affect?
A. The client reports feeling ‘hopeless’ about the future.
B. The client is able to recall three words after five minutes.
C. The client exhibits a flat facial expression while discussing a loss.
D. The client interprets the proverb ‘don’t cry over spilled milk’ literally.
Correct Answer: C
