Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026 Edition 100
Advanced Questions with Answers and
Detailed Rationales NCLEX Style
These 100-question advanced NCLEX-style practice exam covers major Exam 3 topics,
including:
PTSD and trauma-related disorders
Suicide risk assessment and safety
Personality disorders
Delirium and dementia
Dissociative and somatic symptom disorders
Psychopharmacology (SSRIs, MAOIs, lithium, clozapine, haloperidol,
benzodiazepines, buspirone, donepezil)
Prioritization and delegation
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case studies, bow-tie, matrix, and SATA clinical
judgment questions.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Nightmares about the traumatic event
B. Hypervigilance
C. Client reports having a loaded firearm and plans to "end the nightmares tonight."
D. Difficulty sleeping
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The priority is suicide risk with an available lethal means.
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
A, B, and D are expected PTSD symptoms.
Active suicidal intent plus access to a firearm requires immediate safety
interventions.
Question 2 (SATA)
Which manifestations are commonly associated with PTSD?
Select all that apply.
A. Flashbacks
B. Hyperarousal
C. Emotional numbing
D. Grandiosity
E. Avoidance of reminders
✅ Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale
PTSD includes:
intrusive memories
avoidance
negative mood changes
hyperarousal
Grandiosity is more consistent with mania.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack.
Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage discussion of childhood experiences
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
B. Leave the client alone
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
D. Teach relaxation exercises immediately
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
During panic:
stay with patient
reduce stimuli
simple communication
Teaching occurs after anxiety decreases.
Question 4
Which statement best describes dissociative identity disorder?
A. Multiple personalities are voluntarily created.
B. Separate identities develop following severe trauma.
C. It is a psychotic disorder.
D. Hallucinations are always present.
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale
DID usually develops following severe childhood trauma.
It is a dissociative—not psychotic—disorder.
Question 5 (NGN Prioritization)
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
Four clients arrive simultaneously.
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. PTSD client with nightmares
B. Client with OCD washing hands repeatedly
C. Client with depression who suddenly gives away possessions
D. Client with generalized anxiety reporting muscle tension
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Giving away possessions may indicate imminent suicide.
Safety is always the priority.
Question 6
A client repeatedly reports severe abdominal pain despite extensive negative diagnostic
testing.
The nurse recognizes this as:
A. Factitious disorder
B. Somatic symptom disorder
C. Malingering
D. Illness anxiety disorder
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Somatic symptom disorder involves excessive concern about genuine symptoms that
lack sufficient medical explanation.
Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026 Edition 100
Advanced Questions with Answers and
Detailed Rationales NCLEX Style
These 100-question advanced NCLEX-style practice exam covers major Exam 3 topics,
including:
PTSD and trauma-related disorders
Suicide risk assessment and safety
Personality disorders
Delirium and dementia
Dissociative and somatic symptom disorders
Psychopharmacology (SSRIs, MAOIs, lithium, clozapine, haloperidol,
benzodiazepines, buspirone, donepezil)
Prioritization and delegation
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case studies, bow-tie, matrix, and SATA clinical
judgment questions.
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Nightmares about the traumatic event
B. Hypervigilance
C. Client reports having a loaded firearm and plans to "end the nightmares tonight."
D. Difficulty sleeping
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
The priority is suicide risk with an available lethal means.
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
A, B, and D are expected PTSD symptoms.
Active suicidal intent plus access to a firearm requires immediate safety
interventions.
Question 2 (SATA)
Which manifestations are commonly associated with PTSD?
Select all that apply.
A. Flashbacks
B. Hyperarousal
C. Emotional numbing
D. Grandiosity
E. Avoidance of reminders
✅ Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale
PTSD includes:
intrusive memories
avoidance
negative mood changes
hyperarousal
Grandiosity is more consistent with mania.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack.
Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage discussion of childhood experiences
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
B. Leave the client alone
C. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements
D. Teach relaxation exercises immediately
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
During panic:
stay with patient
reduce stimuli
simple communication
Teaching occurs after anxiety decreases.
Question 4
Which statement best describes dissociative identity disorder?
A. Multiple personalities are voluntarily created.
B. Separate identities develop following severe trauma.
C. It is a psychotic disorder.
D. Hallucinations are always present.
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale
DID usually develops following severe childhood trauma.
It is a dissociative—not psychotic—disorder.
Question 5 (NGN Prioritization)
, Galen NUR 256 Exam 3 2026
Four clients arrive simultaneously.
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. PTSD client with nightmares
B. Client with OCD washing hands repeatedly
C. Client with depression who suddenly gives away possessions
D. Client with generalized anxiety reporting muscle tension
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale
Giving away possessions may indicate imminent suicide.
Safety is always the priority.
Question 6
A client repeatedly reports severe abdominal pain despite extensive negative diagnostic
testing.
The nurse recognizes this as:
A. Factitious disorder
B. Somatic symptom disorder
C. Malingering
D. Illness anxiety disorder
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale
Somatic symptom disorder involves excessive concern about genuine symptoms that
lack sufficient medical explanation.
