NSG 3850 EXAM 1 (VERSION A) –
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
FOUNDATIONS. GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING (U.S.) | COMPLETE VERIFIED
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking my every move through
the television.’ Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. I don’t see any FBI agents here, so you must be safe.
B. Why do you think the government would want to track you specifically?
C. That is not true; the television is just an electronic device.
D. I know you believe that, but I find it hard to accept that the FBI is using your TV.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of ‘voicing doubt’
while acknowledging the patient’s perception without validating the delusion.
2. Which legal principle is violated when a nurse threatens to place a patient in restraints if
they do not take their medication?
A. Battery
B. Assault
,C. False Imprisonment
D. Defamation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assault is an intentional threat that causes the person to fear
being touched in an offensive or harmful manner.
3. A patient is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil). Which menu choice indicates the patient
understands the necessary dietary restrictions?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
B. Smoked salmon on a sourdough bagel
C. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
D. Avocado toast with aged cheddar cheese
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients must avoid tyramine-rich foods
like aged cheese, smoked meats, and wine to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
4. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response and is often
elevated in anxiety disorders?
A. GABA
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
, D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Norepinephrine regulates alertness and physical arousal;
excessive levels are linked to anxiety and panic.
5. In the working phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which action is the priority?
A. Establishing the parameters of the relationship
B. Discussing the time and place of meetings
C. Promoting the patient’s problem-solving skills
D. Reviewing the patient’s discharge plan
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The working phase focuses on problem-solving, behavioral
change, and practicing new coping skills.
6. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the patient still
retain?
A. The right to leave the facility immediately
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
C. The right to choose their own physician
D. The right to possess dangerous personal items
MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
FOUNDATIONS. GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING (U.S.) | COMPLETE VERIFIED
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking my every move through
the television.’ Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. I don’t see any FBI agents here, so you must be safe.
B. Why do you think the government would want to track you specifically?
C. That is not true; the television is just an electronic device.
D. I know you believe that, but I find it hard to accept that the FBI is using your TV.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of ‘voicing doubt’
while acknowledging the patient’s perception without validating the delusion.
2. Which legal principle is violated when a nurse threatens to place a patient in restraints if
they do not take their medication?
A. Battery
B. Assault
,C. False Imprisonment
D. Defamation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Assault is an intentional threat that causes the person to fear
being touched in an offensive or harmful manner.
3. A patient is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil). Which menu choice indicates the patient
understands the necessary dietary restrictions?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
B. Smoked salmon on a sourdough bagel
C. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
D. Avocado toast with aged cheddar cheese
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients must avoid tyramine-rich foods
like aged cheese, smoked meats, and wine to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
4. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response and is often
elevated in anxiety disorders?
A. GABA
B. Serotonin
C. Norepinephrine
, D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Norepinephrine regulates alertness and physical arousal;
excessive levels are linked to anxiety and panic.
5. In the working phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which action is the priority?
A. Establishing the parameters of the relationship
B. Discussing the time and place of meetings
C. Promoting the patient’s problem-solving skills
D. Reviewing the patient’s discharge plan
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The working phase focuses on problem-solving, behavioral
change, and practicing new coping skills.
6. A patient is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit. Which right does the patient still
retain?
A. The right to leave the facility immediately
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications
C. The right to choose their own physician
D. The right to possess dangerous personal items
