,Galen NSG 3450 Exam 4 | Nursing Practice –
Mental Health (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A patient with borderline personality disorder repeatedly engages in self-
harm behaviors. Which treatment approach is considered the gold standard for
this disorder?
A) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
B) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D) Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Correct Answer: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Rationale: DBT is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for
borderline personality disorder, focusing on emotional regulation, distress
tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It directly addresses
the self-harm and instability characteristic of the disorder. Other therapies may
be adjunctive but are not the gold standard.
2. A patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder displays a pattern of
disregard for the rights of others. Which behavior would the nurse most likely
observe?
A) Perfectionism and rigidity
B) Deceitfulness and manipulation for personal gain
C) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
D) Social inhibition and fear of rejection
,Correct Answer: Deceitfulness and manipulation for personal gain
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by antagonistic
behaviors, including deceit, manipulation, and lack of remorse. Perfectionism is
typical of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, excessive emotionality of
histrionic, and social inhibition of avoidant personality disorder.
3. The nurse is describing personality disorder clusters to a student. Which
cluster includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders?
A) Cluster B
B) Cluster C
C) Cluster A
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: Cluster A
Rationale: Cluster A personality disorders are described as odd or eccentric and
include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal disorders. Cluster B is
dramatic/emotional/erratic; Cluster C is anxious/fearful. There is no Cluster D in
the DSM-5-TR classification.
4. A patient with avoidant personality disorder exhibits extreme sensitivity to
rejection. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to join a large social group immediately
B) Confront the patient about their avoidance
C) Allow the patient to isolate to reduce anxiety
D) Establish a trusting relationship and gently encourage social interaction
, Correct Answer: Establish a trusting relationship and gently encourage social
interaction
Rationale: A trusting relationship provides a secure base from which to
gradually confront feared situations. Immediate large-group exposure or
confrontation would heighten anxiety and reinforce avoidance. Isolation is not
therapeutic and worsens the disorder.
5. A patient with histrionic personality disorder is likely to display which
behavior?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
B) Detachment from social relationships
C) Grandiose sense of self-importance
D) Submissive and clinging behavior
Correct Answer: Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
Rationale: Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by dramatic,
emotional, and attention-seeking behavior. Detachment is seen in schizoid,
grandiosity in narcissistic, and submissive clinging in dependent personality
disorder. The nurse sets gentle limits while acknowledging feelings.
6. A patient with schizotypal personality disorder exhibits odd beliefs and
magical thinking. Which statement by the patient reflects this?
A) "I don't need anyone; I prefer to be alone."
B) "I think I can influence events with my thoughts."
Mental Health (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. A patient with borderline personality disorder repeatedly engages in self-
harm behaviors. Which treatment approach is considered the gold standard for
this disorder?
A) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
B) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D) Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Correct Answer: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Rationale: DBT is an evidence-based treatment specifically designed for
borderline personality disorder, focusing on emotional regulation, distress
tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It directly addresses
the self-harm and instability characteristic of the disorder. Other therapies may
be adjunctive but are not the gold standard.
2. A patient diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder displays a pattern of
disregard for the rights of others. Which behavior would the nurse most likely
observe?
A) Perfectionism and rigidity
B) Deceitfulness and manipulation for personal gain
C) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
D) Social inhibition and fear of rejection
,Correct Answer: Deceitfulness and manipulation for personal gain
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by antagonistic
behaviors, including deceit, manipulation, and lack of remorse. Perfectionism is
typical of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, excessive emotionality of
histrionic, and social inhibition of avoidant personality disorder.
3. The nurse is describing personality disorder clusters to a student. Which
cluster includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders?
A) Cluster B
B) Cluster C
C) Cluster A
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: Cluster A
Rationale: Cluster A personality disorders are described as odd or eccentric and
include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal disorders. Cluster B is
dramatic/emotional/erratic; Cluster C is anxious/fearful. There is no Cluster D in
the DSM-5-TR classification.
4. A patient with avoidant personality disorder exhibits extreme sensitivity to
rejection. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to join a large social group immediately
B) Confront the patient about their avoidance
C) Allow the patient to isolate to reduce anxiety
D) Establish a trusting relationship and gently encourage social interaction
, Correct Answer: Establish a trusting relationship and gently encourage social
interaction
Rationale: A trusting relationship provides a secure base from which to
gradually confront feared situations. Immediate large-group exposure or
confrontation would heighten anxiety and reinforce avoidance. Isolation is not
therapeutic and worsens the disorder.
5. A patient with histrionic personality disorder is likely to display which
behavior?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
B) Detachment from social relationships
C) Grandiose sense of self-importance
D) Submissive and clinging behavior
Correct Answer: Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking
Rationale: Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by dramatic,
emotional, and attention-seeking behavior. Detachment is seen in schizoid,
grandiosity in narcissistic, and submissive clinging in dependent personality
disorder. The nurse sets gentle limits while acknowledging feelings.
6. A patient with schizotypal personality disorder exhibits odd beliefs and
magical thinking. Which statement by the patient reflects this?
A) "I don't need anyone; I prefer to be alone."
B) "I think I can influence events with my thoughts."
