NURS 322
FINAL EXAM
ACTUAL Questions with Verified Answers
(Concepts of Mental Health Nursing)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
Verified questions and accurate Answers
with Expert Rationales from FINAL EXAM of
NURS 322 at the Drexel University. It covers
core topics assessed in the course and reflects
the actual exam format and question style. Ideal for exam
preparation and concept reinforcement.
,1. A severely anxious patient experiencing headaches, palpitations, and inability
to concentrate is admitted to a medical floor. Which nursing intervention would
take priority?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings.
B. Discuss alternative coping strategies with the patient.
C. Use a distraction, such as having the patient attend group.
D. Sit with the patient, and use a calm but directive approach.
Correct Answer:
D. Sit with the patient, and use a calm but directive approach.
Expert Rationale:
Severe anxiety limits concentration and problem-solving. The priority is to remain with
the patient, provide safety, and communicate in a calm, clear, directive manner until
anxiety decreases.
2. A patient is exhibiting tension and needs direction to solve problems. Which
intervention would the nurse implement using a behavioral approach?
A. Assess the patient's family history for anxiety disorders
B. Encourage the patient to use deep breathing techniques.
C. Ask the patient to think of a time in the past when anxiety was manageable.
D. Encourage journal writing to express feelings.
Correct Answer:
B. Encourage the patient to use deep breathing techniques.
Expert Rationale:
A behavioral approach focuses on actions that reduce symptoms. Deep breathing is a
practical coping behavior that decreases physiologic arousal and helps manage anxiety.
3. A 17-year-old patient is brought into the emergency department after taking a
handful of lorazepam (Ativan) as a result of a recent breakup with her fiancée.
What priority nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Discuss patient's feelings about the breakup with her fiancée.
B. Monitor vital signs and note any signs of central nervous system depression
C. Allow the patient time to rest because lorazepam (Ativan) is sedating.
D. Increase fluids and place the patient on close observation.
,Correct Answer:
B. Monitor vital signs and note any signs of central nervous system depression
Expert Rationale:
Lorazepam overdose can cause respiratory depression, decreased level of
consciousness, hypotension, and central nervous system depression. Physiologic
stabilization is the priority before psychosocial exploration.
4. A client who has been sexually abused tearfully states, "I'm no good now; there
is nothing to live for." The most therapeutic response by the nurse would be:
A. "Tell me more about your feelings."
B. "I can understand why you feel worthless."
C. "Why do you feel there is nothing to live for?"
D. "You feel this way now because of what has happened."
Correct Answer:
A. "Tell me more about your feelings."
Expert Rationale:
This response is open-ended and therapeutic. It encourages the client to express
emotions while allowing the nurse to assess hopelessness and possible suicide risk.
5. Before effectively responding to a sexual assault victim in the emergency
department, it is essential that the nurse:
A. Get the client's name and address.
B. Call for assistance from the psychiatrist.
C. Know some myths and facts about rape.
D. Be aware of any personal bias about rape.
Correct Answer:
D. Be aware of any personal bias about rape.
Expert Rationale:
Self-awareness is essential in trauma-informed care. Recognizing personal bias helps
the nurse provide nonjudgmental, supportive, and patient-centered care.
6. The nurse is caring for patient with an addictive disorder who is currently drug-
free. The patient is experiencing repeated occurrences of vivid, frightening
images and thoughts. Which term would the nurse use to document this finding?
, A. Tolerance
B. Flashbacks
C. Withdrawal
D. Synergistic effect
Correct Answer:
B. Flashbacks
Expert Rationale:
Flashbacks are vivid re-experiences of past events or substance-related perceptions.
They may occur after substance use has stopped and can be frightening or distressing.
7. Which patient symptoms should the nurse suspect as related to alcohol
withdrawal?
A. Hyper-alert state, jerky movements, easily startled
B. Tachycardia, diaphoresis, elevated blood pressure
C. Peripheral vascular collapse, electrolyte imbalance
D. Paranoid delusions, fever, fluctuating levels of consciousness
Correct Answer:
A. Hyper-alert state, jerky movements, easily startled
Expert Rationale:
Alcohol withdrawal can produce central nervous system hyperexcitability, including
tremors, hyperalertness, exaggerated startle response, anxiety, and agitation.
8. While entering the building, an elementary school nurse observes a person in
the distance emerging from a forest and approaching the school. The person is
dressed in black from head to toe; wearing a backpack; and carrying a long,
narrow, dark object. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Move to a secure location.
b. Observe the intruder's features.
c. Take note of the intruder's location.
d. Activate the school code for an intruder.
Correct Answer:
a. Move to a secure location.
FINAL EXAM
ACTUAL Questions with Verified Answers
(Concepts of Mental Health Nursing)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
Verified questions and accurate Answers
with Expert Rationales from FINAL EXAM of
NURS 322 at the Drexel University. It covers
core topics assessed in the course and reflects
the actual exam format and question style. Ideal for exam
preparation and concept reinforcement.
,1. A severely anxious patient experiencing headaches, palpitations, and inability
to concentrate is admitted to a medical floor. Which nursing intervention would
take priority?
A. Encourage the patient to express feelings.
B. Discuss alternative coping strategies with the patient.
C. Use a distraction, such as having the patient attend group.
D. Sit with the patient, and use a calm but directive approach.
Correct Answer:
D. Sit with the patient, and use a calm but directive approach.
Expert Rationale:
Severe anxiety limits concentration and problem-solving. The priority is to remain with
the patient, provide safety, and communicate in a calm, clear, directive manner until
anxiety decreases.
2. A patient is exhibiting tension and needs direction to solve problems. Which
intervention would the nurse implement using a behavioral approach?
A. Assess the patient's family history for anxiety disorders
B. Encourage the patient to use deep breathing techniques.
C. Ask the patient to think of a time in the past when anxiety was manageable.
D. Encourage journal writing to express feelings.
Correct Answer:
B. Encourage the patient to use deep breathing techniques.
Expert Rationale:
A behavioral approach focuses on actions that reduce symptoms. Deep breathing is a
practical coping behavior that decreases physiologic arousal and helps manage anxiety.
3. A 17-year-old patient is brought into the emergency department after taking a
handful of lorazepam (Ativan) as a result of a recent breakup with her fiancée.
What priority nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Discuss patient's feelings about the breakup with her fiancée.
B. Monitor vital signs and note any signs of central nervous system depression
C. Allow the patient time to rest because lorazepam (Ativan) is sedating.
D. Increase fluids and place the patient on close observation.
,Correct Answer:
B. Monitor vital signs and note any signs of central nervous system depression
Expert Rationale:
Lorazepam overdose can cause respiratory depression, decreased level of
consciousness, hypotension, and central nervous system depression. Physiologic
stabilization is the priority before psychosocial exploration.
4. A client who has been sexually abused tearfully states, "I'm no good now; there
is nothing to live for." The most therapeutic response by the nurse would be:
A. "Tell me more about your feelings."
B. "I can understand why you feel worthless."
C. "Why do you feel there is nothing to live for?"
D. "You feel this way now because of what has happened."
Correct Answer:
A. "Tell me more about your feelings."
Expert Rationale:
This response is open-ended and therapeutic. It encourages the client to express
emotions while allowing the nurse to assess hopelessness and possible suicide risk.
5. Before effectively responding to a sexual assault victim in the emergency
department, it is essential that the nurse:
A. Get the client's name and address.
B. Call for assistance from the psychiatrist.
C. Know some myths and facts about rape.
D. Be aware of any personal bias about rape.
Correct Answer:
D. Be aware of any personal bias about rape.
Expert Rationale:
Self-awareness is essential in trauma-informed care. Recognizing personal bias helps
the nurse provide nonjudgmental, supportive, and patient-centered care.
6. The nurse is caring for patient with an addictive disorder who is currently drug-
free. The patient is experiencing repeated occurrences of vivid, frightening
images and thoughts. Which term would the nurse use to document this finding?
, A. Tolerance
B. Flashbacks
C. Withdrawal
D. Synergistic effect
Correct Answer:
B. Flashbacks
Expert Rationale:
Flashbacks are vivid re-experiences of past events or substance-related perceptions.
They may occur after substance use has stopped and can be frightening or distressing.
7. Which patient symptoms should the nurse suspect as related to alcohol
withdrawal?
A. Hyper-alert state, jerky movements, easily startled
B. Tachycardia, diaphoresis, elevated blood pressure
C. Peripheral vascular collapse, electrolyte imbalance
D. Paranoid delusions, fever, fluctuating levels of consciousness
Correct Answer:
A. Hyper-alert state, jerky movements, easily startled
Expert Rationale:
Alcohol withdrawal can produce central nervous system hyperexcitability, including
tremors, hyperalertness, exaggerated startle response, anxiety, and agitation.
8. While entering the building, an elementary school nurse observes a person in
the distance emerging from a forest and approaching the school. The person is
dressed in black from head to toe; wearing a backpack; and carrying a long,
narrow, dark object. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Move to a secure location.
b. Observe the intruder's features.
c. Take note of the intruder's location.
d. Activate the school code for an intruder.
Correct Answer:
a. Move to a secure location.
