,Galen NSG 3450 Exam 3 | Nursing Practice –
Mental Health (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A patient with major depressive disorder states, "I just don't enjoy anything
anymore." The nurse documents this symptom as:
A) Anhedonia
B) Avolition
C) Alogia
D) Anergia
Correct Answer: Anhedonia
Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were
previously enjoyable, a core symptom of depression. Avolition is lack of
motivation, alogia is poverty of speech, and anergia is lack of energy. Accurate
documentation guides treatment planning and evaluation.
2. A patient with bipolar disorder, manic phase, has not eaten in 24 hours and is
constantly pacing. The nurse should:
A) Schedule a large sit-down meal
B) Provide high-calorie finger foods
C) Restrict food until behavior improves
D) Administer a sedative before meals
Correct Answer: Provide high-calorie finger foods
,Rationale: Manic patients often forget to eat and are in caloric deficit due to
hyperactivity. Finger foods allow them to eat while on the move. Large meals or
sedation may not address the nutritional deficit. The nurse ensures adequate
intake through accessible, portable options.
3. A client with anorexia nervosa has a daytime heart rate of 48 bpm. The nurse
should:
A) Document as expected for the disorder
B) Recognize this as a criterion for hospital admission
C) Increase the client's exercise regimen
D) Reassure the client that heart rate will normalize with weight gain
Correct Answer: Recognize this as a criterion for hospital admission
Rationale: A daytime heart rate below 50 bpm in anorexia indicates severe
medical instability and is a criterion for inpatient medical admission. It reflects
the body's energy-conserving bradycardia from starvation. This requires
immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
4. The nurse is using the DEAR MAN skill with a patient with borderline
personality disorder. Which component is represented by "Express"?
A) Describe the situation factually
B) State your feelings clearly
C) Assert your request
D) Reinforce the benefits
Correct Answer: State your feelings clearly
, Rationale: DEAR MAN: Describe the situation, Express your feelings, Assert your
request, Reinforce benefits, stay Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate.
Expressing feelings involves using "I feel" statements to communicate emotions
without blame.
5. A patient with alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. The nurse
notes blood pressure rising from 126/80 to 148/94 over 8 hours. Which action is
the priority?
A) Notify the provider of possible infection
B) Begin the alcohol detoxification protocol
C) Administer an antihypertensive
D) Reassure the patient that this is normal
Correct Answer: Begin the alcohol detoxification protocol
Rationale: Increasing vital signs indicate worsening alcohol withdrawal and risk
of delirium tremens. The detox protocol, often with benzodiazepines, must be
initiated promptly to prevent seizures and autonomic instability. This is the
standard of care for escalating withdrawal.
6. A patient with bulimia nervosa has dental erosion and enlarged parotid
glands. The nurse attributes these findings to:
A) Excessive exercise
B) Self-induced vomiting
C) Laxative abuse
D) Restriction of fluids
Mental Health (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A patient with major depressive disorder states, "I just don't enjoy anything
anymore." The nurse documents this symptom as:
A) Anhedonia
B) Avolition
C) Alogia
D) Anergia
Correct Answer: Anhedonia
Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were
previously enjoyable, a core symptom of depression. Avolition is lack of
motivation, alogia is poverty of speech, and anergia is lack of energy. Accurate
documentation guides treatment planning and evaluation.
2. A patient with bipolar disorder, manic phase, has not eaten in 24 hours and is
constantly pacing. The nurse should:
A) Schedule a large sit-down meal
B) Provide high-calorie finger foods
C) Restrict food until behavior improves
D) Administer a sedative before meals
Correct Answer: Provide high-calorie finger foods
,Rationale: Manic patients often forget to eat and are in caloric deficit due to
hyperactivity. Finger foods allow them to eat while on the move. Large meals or
sedation may not address the nutritional deficit. The nurse ensures adequate
intake through accessible, portable options.
3. A client with anorexia nervosa has a daytime heart rate of 48 bpm. The nurse
should:
A) Document as expected for the disorder
B) Recognize this as a criterion for hospital admission
C) Increase the client's exercise regimen
D) Reassure the client that heart rate will normalize with weight gain
Correct Answer: Recognize this as a criterion for hospital admission
Rationale: A daytime heart rate below 50 bpm in anorexia indicates severe
medical instability and is a criterion for inpatient medical admission. It reflects
the body's energy-conserving bradycardia from starvation. This requires
immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
4. The nurse is using the DEAR MAN skill with a patient with borderline
personality disorder. Which component is represented by "Express"?
A) Describe the situation factually
B) State your feelings clearly
C) Assert your request
D) Reinforce the benefits
Correct Answer: State your feelings clearly
, Rationale: DEAR MAN: Describe the situation, Express your feelings, Assert your
request, Reinforce benefits, stay Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate.
Expressing feelings involves using "I feel" statements to communicate emotions
without blame.
5. A patient with alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. The nurse
notes blood pressure rising from 126/80 to 148/94 over 8 hours. Which action is
the priority?
A) Notify the provider of possible infection
B) Begin the alcohol detoxification protocol
C) Administer an antihypertensive
D) Reassure the patient that this is normal
Correct Answer: Begin the alcohol detoxification protocol
Rationale: Increasing vital signs indicate worsening alcohol withdrawal and risk
of delirium tremens. The detox protocol, often with benzodiazepines, must be
initiated promptly to prevent seizures and autonomic instability. This is the
standard of care for escalating withdrawal.
6. A patient with bulimia nervosa has dental erosion and enlarged parotid
glands. The nurse attributes these findings to:
A) Excessive exercise
B) Self-induced vomiting
C) Laxative abuse
D) Restriction of fluids
