, NUR 253 Exam 4: Mental Health Nursing Updated
Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) - Galen College
of Nursing | 178 Updated Questions and Answers
TRUSTED SOURCE AND VERIFIED, GRADED A+
Western Governors University - College of Health Professions
, Page 2
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with severe anxiety. Which behavioral response indicates that the
patient is experiencing a panic attack?
A. Increased heart rate and shallow breathing
B. Calm demeanor and relaxed posture
C. Engaging in conversation about their feelings
D. Sleeping comfortably in bed
ANSWER ~A
2. During a group therapy session, a patient begins to dominate the conversation. What is the most
appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Allow the patient to express themselves fully
B. Gently redirect the conversation to include others
C. Ask the patient to leave the session temporarily
D. Ignore the behavior and continue with the session
ANSWER ~B
3. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses medication. What is the nurse's best
action?
A. Administer the medication anyway to ensure treatment
B. Document the refusal and inform the healthcare provider
C. Explore the reasons for the refusal through dialogue
D. Suggest alternative therapies without further discussion
ANSWER ~C
4. In a psychiatric emergency, which intervention should the nurse prioritize for a patient exhibiting
aggressive behavior?
A. Administer sedatives as prescribed
B. Establish a calm and non-threatening environment
C. Call security immediately for assistance
D. Engage the patient in discussion about their feelings
ANSWER ~B
, Page 3
5. A nurse is using the SBAR technique to communicate a patient's status to the physician. What is
the appropriate content for the 'B' in SBAR?
A. The patient's heart rate is elevated
B. The patient's history of anxiety disorder
C. The patient is currently in the emergency department
D. The patient requires immediate intervention for safety
ANSWER ~B
6. What is the most effective nursing action for a patient diagnosed with borderline personality
disorder exhibiting self-harm behavior?
A. Encourage the patient to express their feelings
B. Restrict the patient’s access to sharp objects
C. Provide reassurance that it will not happen again
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcement
ANSWER ~B
7. A nursing student is reviewing the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia. Which symptom
is considered a negative symptom of the disorder?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Affective flattening
D. Disorganized speech
ANSWER ~C
8. During a medication round, a nurse notices that a patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing
increased energy and decreased sleep. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the findings in the patient's chart
B. Administer prescribed mood stabilizers
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
D. Encourage the patient to engage in relaxation techniques
ANSWER ~C
Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) - Galen College
of Nursing | 178 Updated Questions and Answers
TRUSTED SOURCE AND VERIFIED, GRADED A+
Western Governors University - College of Health Professions
, Page 2
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with severe anxiety. Which behavioral response indicates that the
patient is experiencing a panic attack?
A. Increased heart rate and shallow breathing
B. Calm demeanor and relaxed posture
C. Engaging in conversation about their feelings
D. Sleeping comfortably in bed
ANSWER ~A
2. During a group therapy session, a patient begins to dominate the conversation. What is the most
appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Allow the patient to express themselves fully
B. Gently redirect the conversation to include others
C. Ask the patient to leave the session temporarily
D. Ignore the behavior and continue with the session
ANSWER ~B
3. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses medication. What is the nurse's best
action?
A. Administer the medication anyway to ensure treatment
B. Document the refusal and inform the healthcare provider
C. Explore the reasons for the refusal through dialogue
D. Suggest alternative therapies without further discussion
ANSWER ~C
4. In a psychiatric emergency, which intervention should the nurse prioritize for a patient exhibiting
aggressive behavior?
A. Administer sedatives as prescribed
B. Establish a calm and non-threatening environment
C. Call security immediately for assistance
D. Engage the patient in discussion about their feelings
ANSWER ~B
, Page 3
5. A nurse is using the SBAR technique to communicate a patient's status to the physician. What is
the appropriate content for the 'B' in SBAR?
A. The patient's heart rate is elevated
B. The patient's history of anxiety disorder
C. The patient is currently in the emergency department
D. The patient requires immediate intervention for safety
ANSWER ~B
6. What is the most effective nursing action for a patient diagnosed with borderline personality
disorder exhibiting self-harm behavior?
A. Encourage the patient to express their feelings
B. Restrict the patient’s access to sharp objects
C. Provide reassurance that it will not happen again
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcement
ANSWER ~B
7. A nursing student is reviewing the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia. Which symptom
is considered a negative symptom of the disorder?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Affective flattening
D. Disorganized speech
ANSWER ~C
8. During a medication round, a nurse notices that a patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing
increased energy and decreased sleep. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Document the findings in the patient's chart
B. Administer prescribed mood stabilizers
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
D. Encourage the patient to engage in relaxation techniques
ANSWER ~C
