, NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Concepts
Updated Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) - Galen
College of Nursing | 173 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 who has just been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
Which symptom should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care to reduce the risk of suicide?
A. Anhedonia
B. Insomnia
C. Fatigue
D. Social withdrawal
ANSWER ~A
2. In a group therapy session, one member begins to dominate the conversation, preventing others
from sharing. As the nurse leading the session, what is the best action to take?
A. Ignore the behavior and continue the session.
B. Encourage the dominating member to share their thoughts privately.
C. Gently redirect the conversation to other group members.
D. Confront the member about their behavior directly.
ANSWER ~C
3. A patient experiencing a manic episode refuses medication, insisting they feel 'great.' What is the
best nursing intervention to ensure safety?
A. Administer the medication forcibly.
B. Explain the risks of untreated mania.
C. Encourage the patient to rest and calm down.
D. Contact the psychiatrist for an emergency intervention.
ANSWER ~B
4. During a mental status examination, a patient exhibits flat affect and poor eye contact. What
should the nurse assess next to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition?
A. Cognitive functioning
B. Thought content
C. Motor activity
D. Sleep patterns
ANSWER ~B
, Page 3
5. A nurse is providing education to a family about a relative's diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which
statement by the family indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder.
B. People with schizophrenia can lead normal lives.
C. This illness is caused by poor parenting.
D. Medications can help manage symptoms.
ANSWER ~C
6. A patient with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting self-harming behavior. What is the
most therapeutic nursing intervention to employ?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings.
B. Set strict limits on behavior.
C. Provide distraction techniques.
D. Administer sedatives as needed.
ANSWER ~A
7. A nurse is developing a discharge plan for a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
Which intervention should be included to promote long-term success?
A. Encourage caffeine consumption to boost energy.
B. Teach relaxation techniques and coping strategies.
C. Advise avoidance of stressful situations.
D. Schedule frequent follow-ups only if symptoms worsen.
ANSWER ~B
8. A nurse is using the SBAR technique to report a patient's status. Which of the following
represents the 'Assessment' portion of SBAR?
A. The patient is currently experiencing severe anxiety.
B. The patient was admitted for depressive symptoms.
C. The patient's vital signs are stable.
D. The patient needs a psychiatric consult.
ANSWER ~A
Updated Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) - Galen
College of Nursing | 173 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 who has just been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
Which symptom should the nurse prioritize in the plan of care to reduce the risk of suicide?
A. Anhedonia
B. Insomnia
C. Fatigue
D. Social withdrawal
ANSWER ~A
2. In a group therapy session, one member begins to dominate the conversation, preventing others
from sharing. As the nurse leading the session, what is the best action to take?
A. Ignore the behavior and continue the session.
B. Encourage the dominating member to share their thoughts privately.
C. Gently redirect the conversation to other group members.
D. Confront the member about their behavior directly.
ANSWER ~C
3. A patient experiencing a manic episode refuses medication, insisting they feel 'great.' What is the
best nursing intervention to ensure safety?
A. Administer the medication forcibly.
B. Explain the risks of untreated mania.
C. Encourage the patient to rest and calm down.
D. Contact the psychiatrist for an emergency intervention.
ANSWER ~B
4. During a mental status examination, a patient exhibits flat affect and poor eye contact. What
should the nurse assess next to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition?
A. Cognitive functioning
B. Thought content
C. Motor activity
D. Sleep patterns
ANSWER ~B
, Page 3
5. A nurse is providing education to a family about a relative's diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which
statement by the family indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder.
B. People with schizophrenia can lead normal lives.
C. This illness is caused by poor parenting.
D. Medications can help manage symptoms.
ANSWER ~C
6. A patient with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting self-harming behavior. What is the
most therapeutic nursing intervention to employ?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings.
B. Set strict limits on behavior.
C. Provide distraction techniques.
D. Administer sedatives as needed.
ANSWER ~A
7. A nurse is developing a discharge plan for a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.
Which intervention should be included to promote long-term success?
A. Encourage caffeine consumption to boost energy.
B. Teach relaxation techniques and coping strategies.
C. Advise avoidance of stressful situations.
D. Schedule frequent follow-ups only if symptoms worsen.
ANSWER ~B
8. A nurse is using the SBAR technique to report a patient's status. Which of the following
represents the 'Assessment' portion of SBAR?
A. The patient is currently experiencing severe anxiety.
B. The patient was admitted for depressive symptoms.
C. The patient's vital signs are stable.
D. The patient needs a psychiatric consult.
ANSWER ~A
