NURS 5461 Final Exam Questions With ACorrect
Answers Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep
NURS 5461 Final Exam Practice Questions 1–98
Comprehensive Exam Prep | Original Practice
Questions | 2026 Study Edition
Questions 1–20
1. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder
reports excessive worry occurring nearly every
day for several months. Which symptom most
strongly supports the diagnosis?
A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
B. Excessive anxiety that is difficult to control
C. Persistent fear of gaining weight
D. Recurrent intrusive thoughts with compulsive
behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is
characterized by excessive, difficult-to-control
,worry occurring more days than not, typically
accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness,
fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle
tension, or sleep disturbance.
2. Which neurotransmitter is most closely
associated with the pathophysiology of
depression?
A. Dopamine only
B. GABA only
C. Serotonin and norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression involves complex
neurobiological mechanisms, including
dysregulation of serotonin, norepinephrine,
dopamine, and other systems.
3. A patient taking an SSRI reports nausea
during the first week of treatment. What is the
best response by the nurse practitioner?
,A. "Stop the medication immediately."
B. "This may be an early adverse effect that often
improves."
C. "Double your dose to overcome the nausea."
D. "This indicates serotonin syndrome."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as
nausea can occur early during SSRI treatment and
may improve as the patient adapts.
4. Which finding requires the most immediate
intervention in a patient taking an
antidepressant?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Mild headache
C. Suicidal thoughts with a specific plan
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Suicidal ideation with intent or a specific
plan requires immediate safety assessment and
intervention.
, 5. Which patient statement best demonstrates
cognitive distortion?
A. "I made one mistake, so I am a complete failure."
B. "I need to schedule another appointment."
C. "I feel nervous before presentations."
D. "I want to improve my communication."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement demonstrates all-or-
nothing thinking, a common cognitive distortion
addressed in cognitive behavioral therapy.
6. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the primary
goal is to help patients:
A. Avoid all negative emotions
B. Identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and
behaviors
C. Explore only childhood experiences
D. Eliminate the need for medication
Correct Answer: B
Answers Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep
NURS 5461 Final Exam Practice Questions 1–98
Comprehensive Exam Prep | Original Practice
Questions | 2026 Study Edition
Questions 1–20
1. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder
reports excessive worry occurring nearly every
day for several months. Which symptom most
strongly supports the diagnosis?
A. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
B. Excessive anxiety that is difficult to control
C. Persistent fear of gaining weight
D. Recurrent intrusive thoughts with compulsive
behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is
characterized by excessive, difficult-to-control
,worry occurring more days than not, typically
accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness,
fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle
tension, or sleep disturbance.
2. Which neurotransmitter is most closely
associated with the pathophysiology of
depression?
A. Dopamine only
B. GABA only
C. Serotonin and norepinephrine
D. Acetylcholine only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression involves complex
neurobiological mechanisms, including
dysregulation of serotonin, norepinephrine,
dopamine, and other systems.
3. A patient taking an SSRI reports nausea
during the first week of treatment. What is the
best response by the nurse practitioner?
,A. "Stop the medication immediately."
B. "This may be an early adverse effect that often
improves."
C. "Double your dose to overcome the nausea."
D. "This indicates serotonin syndrome."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as
nausea can occur early during SSRI treatment and
may improve as the patient adapts.
4. Which finding requires the most immediate
intervention in a patient taking an
antidepressant?
A. Mild dry mouth
B. Mild headache
C. Suicidal thoughts with a specific plan
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Suicidal ideation with intent or a specific
plan requires immediate safety assessment and
intervention.
, 5. Which patient statement best demonstrates
cognitive distortion?
A. "I made one mistake, so I am a complete failure."
B. "I need to schedule another appointment."
C. "I feel nervous before presentations."
D. "I want to improve my communication."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement demonstrates all-or-
nothing thinking, a common cognitive distortion
addressed in cognitive behavioral therapy.
6. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the primary
goal is to help patients:
A. Avoid all negative emotions
B. Identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and
behaviors
C. Explore only childhood experiences
D. Eliminate the need for medication
Correct Answer: B
