PNR 200/PNR200 Exam 1 V1 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is talking with a client who is being admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which of the
following statements by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of ‘focusing’?
A. ‘Can you tell me more about that?’
B. ‘I understand how you feel.’
C. ‘You were saying that your job is stressful; let’s talk more about that stress.’
D. ‘Why do you think your job is so stressful?’
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Focusing is a technique that helps the client stay on a specific topic or point
of interest. It is particularly useful when a client is jumping from one topic to another or
providing vague information. By narrowing the conversation to the topic of stress, the
nurse helps the client explore a specific concern more deeply.
2. A nurse is performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client. Which of the
following questions should the nurse ask to assess the client’s abstract thinking?
A. ‘Can you count backward from 100 by sevens?’
B. ‘What is the current date and time?’
C. ‘What does the phrase “don’t cry over spilled milk” mean to you?’
D. ‘Who is the current president of the United States?’
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information and concepts beyond
literal meanings, often assessed through the interpretation of common proverbs. Clients
with certain psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits may provide a concrete
interpretation instead. This assessment helps the nurse determine the client’s cognitive
processing level and potential impairments.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which of the following is the
primary developmental task for a 25-year-old adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Intimacy versus Isolation is the core psychosocial task for young adulthood,
occurring between the ages of 20 and 39. During this stage, individuals focus on forming
deeply personal and committed relationships with others. Success in this stage leads to the
ability to love, while failure may result in loneliness and emotional isolation.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for a mental health disorder. The client
asks, ‘Why do I have to keep taking this medication?’ Which of the following responses by the
nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘It is required by the doctor’s orders.’
B. ‘You want to get better, don’t you?’
C. ‘If you stop taking it, you will end up back in the hospital.’
D. ‘Tell me what you understand about how this medication helps you.’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of seeking clarification and
encouraging the client to express their thoughts. It allows the nurse to assess the client’s
knowledge level and address any misconceptions or concerns regarding treatment. Open-
ended communication fosters a collaborative relationship and promotes medication
adherence.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who was involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric facility.
Which of the following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to share confidential information about other clients.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is talking with a client who is being admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which of the
following statements by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic technique of ‘focusing’?
A. ‘Can you tell me more about that?’
B. ‘I understand how you feel.’
C. ‘You were saying that your job is stressful; let’s talk more about that stress.’
D. ‘Why do you think your job is so stressful?’
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Focusing is a technique that helps the client stay on a specific topic or point
of interest. It is particularly useful when a client is jumping from one topic to another or
providing vague information. By narrowing the conversation to the topic of stress, the
nurse helps the client explore a specific concern more deeply.
2. A nurse is performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client. Which of the
following questions should the nurse ask to assess the client’s abstract thinking?
A. ‘Can you count backward from 100 by sevens?’
B. ‘What is the current date and time?’
C. ‘What does the phrase “don’t cry over spilled milk” mean to you?’
D. ‘Who is the current president of the United States?’
,Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Abstract thinking is the ability to interpret information and concepts beyond
literal meanings, often assessed through the interpretation of common proverbs. Clients
with certain psychiatric conditions or cognitive deficits may provide a concrete
interpretation instead. This assessment helps the nurse determine the client’s cognitive
processing level and potential impairments.
3. According to Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which of the following is the
primary developmental task for a 25-year-old adult?
A. Generativity vs. Stagnation
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Integrity vs. Despair
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Intimacy versus Isolation is the core psychosocial task for young adulthood,
occurring between the ages of 20 and 39. During this stage, individuals focus on forming
deeply personal and committed relationships with others. Success in this stage leads to the
ability to love, while failure may result in loneliness and emotional isolation.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for a mental health disorder. The client
asks, ‘Why do I have to keep taking this medication?’ Which of the following responses by the
nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘It is required by the doctor’s orders.’
B. ‘You want to get better, don’t you?’
C. ‘If you stop taking it, you will end up back in the hospital.’
D. ‘Tell me what you understand about how this medication helps you.’
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of seeking clarification and
encouraging the client to express their thoughts. It allows the nurse to assess the client’s
knowledge level and address any misconceptions or concerns regarding treatment. Open-
ended communication fosters a collaborative relationship and promotes medication
adherence.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who was involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric facility.
Which of the following rights does the client still retain?
A. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
B. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
C. The right to carry personal weapons for self-defense.
D. The right to share confidential information about other clients.
