Nur 253 Mental Health Exam 2 Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Ask the client to describe what triggered the attack
B. Teach the client deep breathing exercises
C. Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
D. Administer a long-acting benzodiazepine
Answer: C
Rationale: In a panic-level anxiety state, the nurse must provide safety and a low-stimulus
environment. The client cannot learn new skills (like breathing exercises) or analyze
triggers until the anxiety level decreases.
2. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily
washing their hands. What is the initial nursing action?
A. Restrict the client’s access to the sink
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual
C. Encourage the client to discuss the source of anxiety
D. Administer an antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
,Rationale: Initially, the nurse should allow the client to perform the ritual to prevent a
panic-level increase in anxiety. Restricting the ritual too early can be counterproductive.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is
‘splitting’ staff members. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Allow the client to choose their preferred nurse for the shift
B. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it
C. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior immediately
D. Discuss the client’s behavior in a staff meeting to ensure a consistent approach
Answer: D
Rationale: Consistency among the treatment team is vital for clients who use splitting.
Regular communication ensures all staff are following the same care plan and limits.
4. Which clinical manifestation is expected in a client with Anorexia Nervosa?
A. Lanugo and cold extremities
B. Tachycardia and hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
D. Menorrhagia
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to starvation,
including lanugo (fine, downy hair), bradycardia, hypotension, and cold extremities.
, 5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse
expect 6 to 12 hours after the last drink?
A. Visual hallucinations
B. Grand mal seizures
C. Tremors and irritability
D. Delirium tremens
Answer: C
Rationale: Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (6-12 hours) typically include tremors,
anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Delirium tremens usually occurs later (48-72 hours).
6. What is the drug of choice to treat an acute opioid overdose?
A. Methadone
B. Clonidine
C. Buprenorphine
D. Naloxone
Answer: D
Rationale: Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse respiratory
depression and other effects of opioid overdose.
Answers with Rationale | Newest Update | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Ask the client to describe what triggered the attack
B. Teach the client deep breathing exercises
C. Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment
D. Administer a long-acting benzodiazepine
Answer: C
Rationale: In a panic-level anxiety state, the nurse must provide safety and a low-stimulus
environment. The client cannot learn new skills (like breathing exercises) or analyze
triggers until the anxiety level decreases.
2. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily
washing their hands. What is the initial nursing action?
A. Restrict the client’s access to the sink
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual
C. Encourage the client to discuss the source of anxiety
D. Administer an antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
,Rationale: Initially, the nurse should allow the client to perform the ritual to prevent a
panic-level increase in anxiety. Restricting the ritual too early can be counterproductive.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is
‘splitting’ staff members. Which action should the nurse take?
A. Allow the client to choose their preferred nurse for the shift
B. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it
C. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior immediately
D. Discuss the client’s behavior in a staff meeting to ensure a consistent approach
Answer: D
Rationale: Consistency among the treatment team is vital for clients who use splitting.
Regular communication ensures all staff are following the same care plan and limits.
4. Which clinical manifestation is expected in a client with Anorexia Nervosa?
A. Lanugo and cold extremities
B. Tachycardia and hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
D. Menorrhagia
Answer: A
Rationale: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to starvation,
including lanugo (fine, downy hair), bradycardia, hypotension, and cold extremities.
, 5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse
expect 6 to 12 hours after the last drink?
A. Visual hallucinations
B. Grand mal seizures
C. Tremors and irritability
D. Delirium tremens
Answer: C
Rationale: Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (6-12 hours) typically include tremors,
anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Delirium tremens usually occurs later (48-72 hours).
6. What is the drug of choice to treat an acute opioid overdose?
A. Methadone
B. Clonidine
C. Buprenorphine
D. Naloxone
Answer: D
Rationale: Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse respiratory
depression and other effects of opioid overdose.
