,NUR 208 Exam 1 | Mental Health Nursing (2026)
Actual Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. The client states, "I feel like I'm
worthless and nothing will ever get better." Which therapeutic communication
technique should the nurse use first?
A) "Why do you feel that way?"
B) "You shouldn't say things like that about yourself."
C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless."
D) "Let's talk about something more positive."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless."
Rationale: Using an open-ended, non-judgmental prompt encourages the client to
explore feelings and promotes therapeutic communication. Asking "why" can feel
interrogative, minimizing the client's feelings is dismissive, and changing the subject
avoids the client's concerns.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The client
states, "The CIA planted a chip in my brain to control my thoughts." The nurse should
document this as:
A) A hallucination
B) A delusion of persecution
C) A delusion of grandeur
D) An illusion
Correct Answer: A delusion of persecution
,Rationale: A delusion of persecution is a fixed false belief that one is being targeted,
harassed, or controlled by others. Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without
external stimuli, delusions of grandeur involve inflated self-importance, and illusions
are misperceptions of real stimuli.
3. A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I just don't see the point in
anything anymore." Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assessing for suicidal ideation and plan
B) Assessing the client's appetite and sleep patterns
C) Assessing the client's support system
D) Assessing the client's medication compliance
Correct Answer: Assessing for suicidal ideation and plan
Rationale: Hopelessness and anhedonia are significant risk factors for suicide. The
nurse must prioritize assessing for suicidal ideation, plan, and access to means to ensure
client safety. Appetite, sleep, support system, and medication compliance are important
but secondary to immediate safety.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with borderline personality disorder who states, "You're
the only nurse who understands me. The others are all against me." Which response by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
B) "You shouldn't say negative things about the other nurses."
C) "I'm glad you feel that way; let's keep working together closely."
D) "Perhaps you should request a different primary nurse if you prefer."
Correct Answer: "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you
equally."
, Rationale: This response acknowledges the client's feeling while reinforcing the team
approach, which prevents splitting and maintains professional boundaries. Agreeing
with the idealization or criticizing staff would reinforce splitting. Suggesting a different
nurse does not address the underlying issue.
5. A client is prescribed haloperidol for schizophrenia. Which adverse effect should the
nurse monitor for?
A) Extrapyramidal symptoms
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Bradycardia
D) Weight loss
Correct Answer: Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 receptors
and can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia,
and tardive dyskinesia. Hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and weight loss are not typical
adverse effects of haloperidol.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which instruction should the nurse
include?
A) "Increase your sodium intake to prevent toxicity."
B) "Take the medication on an empty stomach."
C) "Maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
D) "Stop the medication if you feel better."
Correct Answer: "Maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
Actual Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A nurse is conducting an initial interview with a client. The client states, "I feel like I'm
worthless and nothing will ever get better." Which therapeutic communication
technique should the nurse use first?
A) "Why do you feel that way?"
B) "You shouldn't say things like that about yourself."
C) "Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless."
D) "Let's talk about something more positive."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what makes you feel worthless."
Rationale: Using an open-ended, non-judgmental prompt encourages the client to
explore feelings and promotes therapeutic communication. Asking "why" can feel
interrogative, minimizing the client's feelings is dismissive, and changing the subject
avoids the client's concerns.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The client
states, "The CIA planted a chip in my brain to control my thoughts." The nurse should
document this as:
A) A hallucination
B) A delusion of persecution
C) A delusion of grandeur
D) An illusion
Correct Answer: A delusion of persecution
,Rationale: A delusion of persecution is a fixed false belief that one is being targeted,
harassed, or controlled by others. Hallucinations are sensory perceptions without
external stimuli, delusions of grandeur involve inflated self-importance, and illusions
are misperceptions of real stimuli.
3. A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I just don't see the point in
anything anymore." Which assessment should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assessing for suicidal ideation and plan
B) Assessing the client's appetite and sleep patterns
C) Assessing the client's support system
D) Assessing the client's medication compliance
Correct Answer: Assessing for suicidal ideation and plan
Rationale: Hopelessness and anhedonia are significant risk factors for suicide. The
nurse must prioritize assessing for suicidal ideation, plan, and access to means to ensure
client safety. Appetite, sleep, support system, and medication compliance are important
but secondary to immediate safety.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with borderline personality disorder who states, "You're
the only nurse who understands me. The others are all against me." Which response by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you equally."
B) "You shouldn't say negative things about the other nurses."
C) "I'm glad you feel that way; let's keep working together closely."
D) "Perhaps you should request a different primary nurse if you prefer."
Correct Answer: "I appreciate that, but the entire team is here to support you
equally."
, Rationale: This response acknowledges the client's feeling while reinforcing the team
approach, which prevents splitting and maintains professional boundaries. Agreeing
with the idealization or criticizing staff would reinforce splitting. Suggesting a different
nurse does not address the underlying issue.
5. A client is prescribed haloperidol for schizophrenia. Which adverse effect should the
nurse monitor for?
A) Extrapyramidal symptoms
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Bradycardia
D) Weight loss
Correct Answer: Extrapyramidal symptoms
Rationale: Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 receptors
and can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, including dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia,
and tardive dyskinesia. Hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and weight loss are not typical
adverse effects of haloperidol.
6. A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which instruction should the nurse
include?
A) "Increase your sodium intake to prevent toxicity."
B) "Take the medication on an empty stomach."
C) "Maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
D) "Stop the medication if you feel better."
Correct Answer: "Maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
