Nur 253 Mental Health Exam 3 Comprehensive
Practice Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale | Newest Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being discharged. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching regarding their
behavior?
A. My nurse is the only one who actually cares about me; the others are mean.
B. I understand that my nurse cannot be the only person I talk to.
C. I will try to use my coping skills when I feel like cutting myself.
D. I will attend my dialectical behavior therapy sessions as scheduled.
Answer: A
Rationale: The statement in option C demonstrates ‘splitting,’ a common defense
mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder where individuals view people as all good
or all bad. This indicates a need for further teaching.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which of the following
physical assessment findings should the nurse expect?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Hyperthermia and oily skin
C. Bradycardia and hypotension
D. Heavy menstrual periods
Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to starvation,
including bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, and amenorrhea.
3. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient
experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal tremors and agitation?
A. Disulfiram
B. Fluoxetine
C. Methadone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide or Lorazepam are the gold standard for
managing acute alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens.
, 4. A client is admitted with a blood alcohol level of 0.20%. They are now
reporting ‘bugs crawling on the walls’ and are sweating profusely. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess vital signs and initiate seizure precautions.
B. Administer thiamine as ordered.
C. Orient the client to the room and time.
D. Ask the client to describe the bugs.
Answer: A
Rationale: The client is showing signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Assessing vitals and
ensuring safety via seizure precautions is the priority.
5. A nurse is teaching a group about Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
Which characteristic is most representative of this disorder?
A. Lack of remorse or empathy for others
B. Extreme shyness and fear of rejection
C. Excessive need to be taken care of
D. Preoccupation with orderliness and perfection
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, including a lack of remorse.
6. Which of the following is a classic sign of Bulimia Nervosa observed during a
physical exam?
A. Lanugo on the back and arms
B. Severe emaciation
C. Calluses on the knuckles (Russell’s sign)
D. High potassium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Russell’s sign (calluses on the knuckles) occurs from repeated self-induced
vomiting. Lanugo and emaciation are more common in Anorexia.
7. A client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease frequently wanders the halls at
night. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer a sedative at bedtime.
B. Place the client in soft restraints.
C. Move the client’s room next to the nurse’s station.
D. Ensure the environment is well-lit and free of clutter.
Answer: C
Practice Questions and Correct Answers with
Rationale | Newest Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being discharged. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching regarding their
behavior?
A. My nurse is the only one who actually cares about me; the others are mean.
B. I understand that my nurse cannot be the only person I talk to.
C. I will try to use my coping skills when I feel like cutting myself.
D. I will attend my dialectical behavior therapy sessions as scheduled.
Answer: A
Rationale: The statement in option C demonstrates ‘splitting,’ a common defense
mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder where individuals view people as all good
or all bad. This indicates a need for further teaching.
2. A nurse is caring for a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which of the following
physical assessment findings should the nurse expect?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Hyperthermia and oily skin
C. Bradycardia and hypotension
D. Heavy menstrual periods
Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to starvation,
including bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, and amenorrhea.
3. Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for a patient
experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal tremors and agitation?
A. Disulfiram
B. Fluoxetine
C. Methadone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide or Lorazepam are the gold standard for
managing acute alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens.
, 4. A client is admitted with a blood alcohol level of 0.20%. They are now
reporting ‘bugs crawling on the walls’ and are sweating profusely. What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Assess vital signs and initiate seizure precautions.
B. Administer thiamine as ordered.
C. Orient the client to the room and time.
D. Ask the client to describe the bugs.
Answer: A
Rationale: The client is showing signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium. Assessing vitals and
ensuring safety via seizure precautions is the priority.
5. A nurse is teaching a group about Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD).
Which characteristic is most representative of this disorder?
A. Lack of remorse or empathy for others
B. Extreme shyness and fear of rejection
C. Excessive need to be taken care of
D. Preoccupation with orderliness and perfection
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, including a lack of remorse.
6. Which of the following is a classic sign of Bulimia Nervosa observed during a
physical exam?
A. Lanugo on the back and arms
B. Severe emaciation
C. Calluses on the knuckles (Russell’s sign)
D. High potassium levels
Answer: C
Rationale: Russell’s sign (calluses on the knuckles) occurs from repeated self-induced
vomiting. Lanugo and emaciation are more common in Anorexia.
7. A client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease frequently wanders the halls at
night. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer a sedative at bedtime.
B. Place the client in soft restraints.
C. Move the client’s room next to the nurse’s station.
D. Ensure the environment is well-lit and free of clutter.
Answer: C
