PNR 200/PNR200 Exam 1 V2 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first during the assessment phase?
A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client.
B. Identify the client’s primary reason for seeking care.
C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
D. Review the client’s past medical records for history.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Identifying the client’s chief complaint is the priority in the assessment
process. This allows the nurse to focus on the most immediate needs and safety concerns of
the patient. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is important but follows the initial
identification of the crisis or reason for admission.
2. Which of the following nursing theorists developed the theory of Interpersonal Relations,
emphasizing the nurse-client relationship phases?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Dorothea Orem
C. Florence Nightingale
D. Jean Watson
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is widely recognized as the ‘Mother of Psychiatric Nursing.’
Her theory focuses on the interpersonal process between the nurse and the patient to
promote growth. This framework is foundational for current mental health nursing
practices regarding therapeutic communication.
3. A client states, ‘I hate this place and everyone here.’ Which response by the nurse is the
most therapeutic?
A. You shouldn’t say that; we are here to help you.
B. Why do you feel that way about this facility?
C. Most patients feel that way when they first arrive here.
D. It sounds like you are feeling very frustrated right now.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Reflecting the client’s feelings helps validate their experience and encourages
further communication. Using ‘why’ questions can make a client feel defensive and shut
down the dialogue. Empathy is a key component of therapeutic interaction that builds trust
between the nurse and the client.
4. A nurse is reviewing the rights of a client who has been admitted involuntarily. Which of
the following rights does the client retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to skip all scheduled therapy sessions.
, C. The right to keep all personal belongings in their room.
D. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive a client’s right to refuse
medication unless there is a court order or an immediate emergency. Clients still retain
their civil rights, including the right to informed consent. This distinction is crucial for legal
and ethical nursing practice in a psychiatric setting.
5. A client is experiencing severe anxiety and is pacing the hallway. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A. Provide the client with a detailed explanation of the unit rules.
B. Offer the client a high-calorie snack and juice.
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
D. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When a client is in a state of severe anxiety, they have a limited ability to
process complex information. Staying with the client provides a sense of security and safety
during the crisis. Short, simple sentences are more easily understood when a person’s
perceptual field is narrowed by anxiety.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first during the assessment phase?
A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client.
B. Identify the client’s primary reason for seeking care.
C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medications.
D. Review the client’s past medical records for history.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Identifying the client’s chief complaint is the priority in the assessment
process. This allows the nurse to focus on the most immediate needs and safety concerns of
the patient. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is important but follows the initial
identification of the crisis or reason for admission.
2. Which of the following nursing theorists developed the theory of Interpersonal Relations,
emphasizing the nurse-client relationship phases?
A. Hildegard Peplau
B. Dorothea Orem
C. Florence Nightingale
D. Jean Watson
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hildegard Peplau is widely recognized as the ‘Mother of Psychiatric Nursing.’
Her theory focuses on the interpersonal process between the nurse and the patient to
promote growth. This framework is foundational for current mental health nursing
practices regarding therapeutic communication.
3. A client states, ‘I hate this place and everyone here.’ Which response by the nurse is the
most therapeutic?
A. You shouldn’t say that; we are here to help you.
B. Why do you feel that way about this facility?
C. Most patients feel that way when they first arrive here.
D. It sounds like you are feeling very frustrated right now.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Reflecting the client’s feelings helps validate their experience and encourages
further communication. Using ‘why’ questions can make a client feel defensive and shut
down the dialogue. Empathy is a key component of therapeutic interaction that builds trust
between the nurse and the client.
4. A nurse is reviewing the rights of a client who has been admitted involuntarily. Which of
the following rights does the client retain?
A. The right to leave the facility against medical advice.
B. The right to skip all scheduled therapy sessions.
, C. The right to keep all personal belongings in their room.
D. The right to refuse psychotropic medications.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Involuntary admission does not automatically waive a client’s right to refuse
medication unless there is a court order or an immediate emergency. Clients still retain
their civil rights, including the right to informed consent. This distinction is crucial for legal
and ethical nursing practice in a psychiatric setting.
5. A client is experiencing severe anxiety and is pacing the hallway. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse prioritize?
A. Provide the client with a detailed explanation of the unit rules.
B. Offer the client a high-calorie snack and juice.
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
D. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: When a client is in a state of severe anxiety, they have a limited ability to
process complex information. Staying with the client provides a sense of security and safety
during the crisis. Short, simple sentences are more easily understood when a person’s
perceptual field is narrowed by anxiety.
