Foundations of Mental Health Nursing

A client with a diagnosis of depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, “I should have died. I’ve always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me.” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?

The nurse visits a client at home. The client states, “I haven’t slept at all the last couple of nights.” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?

A client experiencing disturbed thought processes believes that his food is being poisoned. Which communication technique should the nurse use to encourage the client to eat?

The nurse should plan which goals of the termination stage of group development? Select all that apply.

1. The group evaluates the experience.
2. The real work of the group is accomplished.
3. Group interaction involves superficial conversation.
4. Group members become acquainted with one another.
5. Some structuring of group norms, roles, and responsibilities takes place.
6. The group explores members’ feelings about the group and the impending separation.

A client diagnosed with terminal cancer says to the nurse, “I’m going to die, and I wish my family would stop hoping for a cure! I get so angry when they carry on like this. After all, I’m the one who’s dying.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?

On review of the client’s record, the nurse notes that the admission was voluntary. Based on this information, the nurse plans care anticipating which client behavior?

A client admitted voluntarily for treatment of an anxiety problem demands to be released from the hospital. Which action should the nurse take initially?

When reviewing the admission assessment, the nurse notes that a client was admitted to the mental health unit involuntarily. Based on this type of admission, the nurse should provide which intervention for this client?

When a client is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, a cognitive behavioral approach is used as part of the treatment plan. The nurse plans care based on which purpose of this approach?

A client is preparing to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for the first time. The nurse should tell the client that which is the first step in this 12-step program?

The nurse employed in a mental health clinic is greeted by a neighbor in a local grocery store. The neighbor says to the nurse, “How is Carol doing? She is my best friend and is seen at your clinic every week.” Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

The nurse calls security and has physical restraints applied to a client who was admitted voluntarily when the client becomes verbally abusive, demanding to be discharged from the hospital. Which represents the possible legal ramifications for the nurse associated with these interventions? Select all that apply.

1. Libel
2. Battery
3. Assault
4. Slander
5. False imprisonment

The nurse in the mental health unit plans to use which therapeutic communication techniques when communicating with a client? Select all that apply.

1. Restating
2. Active listening
3. Asking the client “Why?”
4. Maintaining neutral responses
5. Providing acknowledgment and feedback
6. Giving advice and approval or disapproval

What is the most appropriate nursing action to help manage a manic client who is monopolizing a group therapy session?

A client is participating in a therapy group and focuses on viewing all team members as equally important in helping the clients meet their goals. The nurse is implementing which therapeutic approach?

The nurse is working with a client who, despite making a heroic effort, was unable to rescue a neighbor trapped in a house fire. Which client-focused action should the nurse engage in during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?