,NUR 208 Exam 2 | Mental Health Nursing (2026)
Actual Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see the point in trying
anymore." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You have so much to live for."
B) "Tell me more about what you are feeling."
C) "Why would you say something like that?"
D) "Let's focus on something more positive."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are feeling."
Rationale: Using an open-ended, non-judgmental prompt encourages the client to
explore feelings and promotes therapeutic communication. Offering unsolicited
reassurance, asking "why," or changing the subject dismisses the client's concerns and
can shut down communication.
2. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder spends 30 minutes washing their hands.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Interrupt the ritual and redirect the client to another activity.
B) Allow the client to complete the ritual and then discuss it.
C) Tell the client the ritual is unnecessary and harmful.
D) Restrict the client's access to the bathroom.
Correct Answer: Allow the client to complete the ritual and then discuss it.
Rationale: During a ritual, interrupting can increase anxiety. The nurse should allow
the ritual to continue while providing support and then encourage the use of alternative
,coping strategies. Exploring the underlying anxiety after the ritual is more therapeutic
than confrontation.
3. A client with panic disorder is experiencing hyperventilation. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer a PRN anxiolytic.
B) Coach the client in slow, deep breathing.
C) Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag.
D) Leave the client alone to regain control.
Correct Answer: Coach the client in slow, deep breathing.
Rationale: Coaching slow, deep breathing helps correct hyperventilation and reduce
panic symptoms. Administering medication may be premature, breathing into a paper
bag is no longer recommended, and leaving the client alone may increase fear and
anxiety.
4. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder is having a flashback. Which intervention
should the nurse implement first?
A) Encourage the client to describe the trauma in detail.
B) Guide the client to the present moment using grounding techniques.
C) Administer a PRN antipsychotic.
D) Turn off the lights to reduce stimulation.
Correct Answer: Guide the client to the present moment using grounding
techniques.
Rationale: During a flashback, the priority is to help the client reorient to the present
using grounding techniques. Encouraging detailed description of the trauma may
, worsen distress, administering antipsychotics is not first-line, and turning off lights may
increase disorientation.
5. A client is prescribed lorazepam for anxiety. Which statement indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) "I should avoid driving until I know how this medication affects me."
B) "I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better."
C) "I should not drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D) "I should take this medication exactly as prescribed."
Correct Answer: "I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better."
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam can cause dependence and
withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Clients should be taught to taper the
medication gradually under medical supervision. Avoiding driving, avoiding alcohol, and
taking the medication as prescribed are appropriate.
6. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A) "Take this medication as needed for anxiety."
B) "It may take several weeks to feel the full effect."
C) "You can drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D) "Stop the medication if you feel drowsy."
Correct Answer: "It may take several weeks to feel the full effect."
Rationale: Buspirone requires consistent daily dosing and may take several weeks to
produce therapeutic effects. It is not used as a PRN medication. Alcohol should be
Actual Q&A PDF | Fortis College
1. A client with major depressive disorder states, "I don't see the point in trying
anymore." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You have so much to live for."
B) "Tell me more about what you are feeling."
C) "Why would you say something like that?"
D) "Let's focus on something more positive."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are feeling."
Rationale: Using an open-ended, non-judgmental prompt encourages the client to
explore feelings and promotes therapeutic communication. Offering unsolicited
reassurance, asking "why," or changing the subject dismisses the client's concerns and
can shut down communication.
2. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder spends 30 minutes washing their hands.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Interrupt the ritual and redirect the client to another activity.
B) Allow the client to complete the ritual and then discuss it.
C) Tell the client the ritual is unnecessary and harmful.
D) Restrict the client's access to the bathroom.
Correct Answer: Allow the client to complete the ritual and then discuss it.
Rationale: During a ritual, interrupting can increase anxiety. The nurse should allow
the ritual to continue while providing support and then encourage the use of alternative
,coping strategies. Exploring the underlying anxiety after the ritual is more therapeutic
than confrontation.
3. A client with panic disorder is experiencing hyperventilation. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A) Administer a PRN anxiolytic.
B) Coach the client in slow, deep breathing.
C) Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag.
D) Leave the client alone to regain control.
Correct Answer: Coach the client in slow, deep breathing.
Rationale: Coaching slow, deep breathing helps correct hyperventilation and reduce
panic symptoms. Administering medication may be premature, breathing into a paper
bag is no longer recommended, and leaving the client alone may increase fear and
anxiety.
4. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder is having a flashback. Which intervention
should the nurse implement first?
A) Encourage the client to describe the trauma in detail.
B) Guide the client to the present moment using grounding techniques.
C) Administer a PRN antipsychotic.
D) Turn off the lights to reduce stimulation.
Correct Answer: Guide the client to the present moment using grounding
techniques.
Rationale: During a flashback, the priority is to help the client reorient to the present
using grounding techniques. Encouraging detailed description of the trauma may
, worsen distress, administering antipsychotics is not first-line, and turning off lights may
increase disorientation.
5. A client is prescribed lorazepam for anxiety. Which statement indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) "I should avoid driving until I know how this medication affects me."
B) "I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better."
C) "I should not drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D) "I should take this medication exactly as prescribed."
Correct Answer: "I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better."
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam can cause dependence and
withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Clients should be taught to taper the
medication gradually under medical supervision. Avoiding driving, avoiding alcohol, and
taking the medication as prescribed are appropriate.
6. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A) "Take this medication as needed for anxiety."
B) "It may take several weeks to feel the full effect."
C) "You can drink alcohol while taking this medication."
D) "Stop the medication if you feel drowsy."
Correct Answer: "It may take several weeks to feel the full effect."
Rationale: Buspirone requires consistent daily dosing and may take several weeks to
produce therapeutic effects. It is not used as a PRN medication. Alcohol should be
