NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 1 -
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A client is admitted involuntarily after threatening to harm a neighbor. Which legal
principle primarily justifies this admission despite the client’s refusal?
A. Police Power
B. Parens Patriae
C. Beneficence
D. Veracity
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Police Power allows the state to protect the public safety and
welfare by detaining individuals who are dangerous to others.
2. During a mental status examination, the nurse notes the client is jumping from one topic to
another rapidly, though the themes are somewhat connected. This is best documented as:
A. Flight of ideas
B. Loose associations
C. Word salad
,D. Neologisms
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Flight of ideas is characterized by rapid transitions from one
topic to another, usually with some discernible connection, often seen in manic episodes.
3. A nurse is working with a client who has a history of aggressive behavior. Which seating
arrangement is most appropriate for the interview?
A. Sitting directly in front of the client to maintain eye contact
B. Sitting behind a desk to provide a physical barrier
C. Sitting in a corner to ensure privacy
D. Sitting at a 90-degree angle to the client near the exit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A 90-degree angle is less confrontational, and positioning near
the exit ensures the safety of the nurse if the client becomes aggressive.
4. A client who was passed over for a promotion at work states, ‘I didn’t want the extra
responsibility anyway.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Rationalization
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rationalization involves creating logical-sounding excuses to
justify unacceptable behaviors or feelings or to minimize disappointments.
5. In the context of the therapeutic relationship, ‘transference’ is best described as:
A. The nurse’s emotional response to the client based on past experiences
B. The client’s unconscious redirection of feelings for a significant person onto the nurse
C. The intentional sharing of personal information by the nurse
D. A technique used to redirect the client back to the topic at hand
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Transference occurs when the client displaces feelings and
attitudes held toward significant others in their past onto the healthcare provider.
6. A client with Major Depressive Disorder is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil). Which food
choice indicates the client needs further teaching?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Steamed broccoli
C. Fresh grilled chicken
D. Whole wheat bread
Answer: A
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A client is admitted involuntarily after threatening to harm a neighbor. Which legal
principle primarily justifies this admission despite the client’s refusal?
A. Police Power
B. Parens Patriae
C. Beneficence
D. Veracity
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Police Power allows the state to protect the public safety and
welfare by detaining individuals who are dangerous to others.
2. During a mental status examination, the nurse notes the client is jumping from one topic to
another rapidly, though the themes are somewhat connected. This is best documented as:
A. Flight of ideas
B. Loose associations
C. Word salad
,D. Neologisms
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Flight of ideas is characterized by rapid transitions from one
topic to another, usually with some discernible connection, often seen in manic episodes.
3. A nurse is working with a client who has a history of aggressive behavior. Which seating
arrangement is most appropriate for the interview?
A. Sitting directly in front of the client to maintain eye contact
B. Sitting behind a desk to provide a physical barrier
C. Sitting in a corner to ensure privacy
D. Sitting at a 90-degree angle to the client near the exit
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A 90-degree angle is less confrontational, and positioning near
the exit ensures the safety of the nurse if the client becomes aggressive.
4. A client who was passed over for a promotion at work states, ‘I didn’t want the extra
responsibility anyway.’ Which defense mechanism is being used?
A. Rationalization
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Rationalization involves creating logical-sounding excuses to
justify unacceptable behaviors or feelings or to minimize disappointments.
5. In the context of the therapeutic relationship, ‘transference’ is best described as:
A. The nurse’s emotional response to the client based on past experiences
B. The client’s unconscious redirection of feelings for a significant person onto the nurse
C. The intentional sharing of personal information by the nurse
D. A technique used to redirect the client back to the topic at hand
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Transference occurs when the client displaces feelings and
attitudes held toward significant others in their past onto the healthcare provider.
6. A client with Major Depressive Disorder is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil). Which food
choice indicates the client needs further teaching?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Steamed broccoli
C. Fresh grilled chicken
D. Whole wheat bread
Answer: A
