,Chapter 1: Mental Health and Mental Illness
Total Entries: 28 (Alternating Test Bank Questions and Scenario Case
Studies)
1. Test Bank Question
Which of the following best reflects the concept of mental health?
A) The absence of diagnosed psychiatric disorders
B) The ability to adapt to stress and function in daily life
C) A stable mood and emotional expression
D) High intellectual functioning and logical reasoning
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is not merely the absence of illness but encompasses
the ability to cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute to the
community.
2. Case Study
Case Scenario:
Maria, a 34-year-old teacher, recently returned to work after recovering from a
mild depressive episode. Although she reports feeling "better," her coworkers
have noticed that she often isolates herself during breaks and appears
emotionally withdrawn. Maria expresses concern about being perceived as weak
and is reluctant to seek further counseling.
Key Issues:
Stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace
Reluctance to seek continued support
Emotional withdrawal despite symptom remission
Workplace support and reintegration
Guiding Questions:
, 1. How can stigma affect an individual's willingness to seek mental health
support?
2. What steps can Maria and her employer take to support her transition
back to work?
3. What role can a nurse or counselor play in addressing Maria’s ongoing
needs?
Suggested Solution:
Education about mental health in the workplace and promoting open, stigma-
free communication can help Maria feel more supported. A nurse may advocate
for a wellness plan involving counseling, peer support, and flexible
accommodations. Confidentiality and reassurance are essential in encouraging
Maria to engage in ongoing mental health care.
3. Test Bank Question
Which of the following best distinguishes between mental health and
mental illness?
A) Mental health is physical brain health; mental illness is emotional instability
B) Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness involves diagnosable
disorders
C) Mental health is a temporary state; mental illness is lifelong
D) Mental health reflects high intelligence; mental illness reflects poor
judgment
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health refers to a state of well-being that enables individuals
to manage stress and function effectively, while mental illness involves
clinically diagnosable conditions that impair functioning.
4. Case Study
Case Scenario:
Tom, a 52-year-old construction worker, experiences chronic insomnia, fatigue,
and a lack of motivation. He denies feeling sad but reports frequent headaches
, and irritability. After a routine visit, his primary care provider refers him for a
mental health evaluation, suspecting a depressive disorder.
Key Issues:
Somatic presentations of mental illness
Misconceptions about emotional symptoms
The importance of primary care in identifying mental health needs
Early intervention and assessment
Guiding Questions:
1. What are common physical symptoms associated with mental illness?
2. How can primary care providers effectively screen for mental health
conditions?
3. Why might Tom not recognize his symptoms as a mental health issue?
Suggested Solution:
Tom’s physical symptoms, such as insomnia and fatigue, may reflect underlying
depression. Education on mental health symptomatology and integrated
screening in primary care settings are critical. Nurses can provide supportive
education and reduce stigma by explaining the connection between emotional
and physical health.
5. Test Bank Question
Which of the following statements is most accurate about the prevalence of
mental illness in the United States?
A) Mental illness affects less than 5% of adults annually
B) Mental illness primarily affects individuals with low socioeconomic status
C) Nearly 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness each year
D) Mental illness is more common in older adults than in young adults
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to national mental health data, approximately one in five
adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness each year, regardless
of socioeconomic status.
Total Entries: 28 (Alternating Test Bank Questions and Scenario Case
Studies)
1. Test Bank Question
Which of the following best reflects the concept of mental health?
A) The absence of diagnosed psychiatric disorders
B) The ability to adapt to stress and function in daily life
C) A stable mood and emotional expression
D) High intellectual functioning and logical reasoning
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health is not merely the absence of illness but encompasses
the ability to cope with life’s stresses, work productively, and contribute to the
community.
2. Case Study
Case Scenario:
Maria, a 34-year-old teacher, recently returned to work after recovering from a
mild depressive episode. Although she reports feeling "better," her coworkers
have noticed that she often isolates herself during breaks and appears
emotionally withdrawn. Maria expresses concern about being perceived as weak
and is reluctant to seek further counseling.
Key Issues:
Stigma surrounding mental illness in the workplace
Reluctance to seek continued support
Emotional withdrawal despite symptom remission
Workplace support and reintegration
Guiding Questions:
, 1. How can stigma affect an individual's willingness to seek mental health
support?
2. What steps can Maria and her employer take to support her transition
back to work?
3. What role can a nurse or counselor play in addressing Maria’s ongoing
needs?
Suggested Solution:
Education about mental health in the workplace and promoting open, stigma-
free communication can help Maria feel more supported. A nurse may advocate
for a wellness plan involving counseling, peer support, and flexible
accommodations. Confidentiality and reassurance are essential in encouraging
Maria to engage in ongoing mental health care.
3. Test Bank Question
Which of the following best distinguishes between mental health and
mental illness?
A) Mental health is physical brain health; mental illness is emotional instability
B) Mental health is a state of well-being; mental illness involves diagnosable
disorders
C) Mental health is a temporary state; mental illness is lifelong
D) Mental health reflects high intelligence; mental illness reflects poor
judgment
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mental health refers to a state of well-being that enables individuals
to manage stress and function effectively, while mental illness involves
clinically diagnosable conditions that impair functioning.
4. Case Study
Case Scenario:
Tom, a 52-year-old construction worker, experiences chronic insomnia, fatigue,
and a lack of motivation. He denies feeling sad but reports frequent headaches
, and irritability. After a routine visit, his primary care provider refers him for a
mental health evaluation, suspecting a depressive disorder.
Key Issues:
Somatic presentations of mental illness
Misconceptions about emotional symptoms
The importance of primary care in identifying mental health needs
Early intervention and assessment
Guiding Questions:
1. What are common physical symptoms associated with mental illness?
2. How can primary care providers effectively screen for mental health
conditions?
3. Why might Tom not recognize his symptoms as a mental health issue?
Suggested Solution:
Tom’s physical symptoms, such as insomnia and fatigue, may reflect underlying
depression. Education on mental health symptomatology and integrated
screening in primary care settings are critical. Nurses can provide supportive
education and reduce stigma by explaining the connection between emotional
and physical health.
5. Test Bank Question
Which of the following statements is most accurate about the prevalence of
mental illness in the United States?
A) Mental illness affects less than 5% of adults annually
B) Mental illness primarily affects individuals with low socioeconomic status
C) Nearly 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness each year
D) Mental illness is more common in older adults than in young adults
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to national mental health data, approximately one in five
adults in the U.S. experience some form of mental illness each year, regardless
of socioeconomic status.
