Exam 2 V1: NU 160 / NU160 (Latest 2026 / 2027) Mental Health Concepts | 100% Correct Questions & Answers – Galen

Exam 2 V1: NU 160 / NU160 (Latest 2026 / 2027) Mental Health Concepts | 100% Correct Questions & Answers – Galen Question : A patient recently survived a devastating natural disaster and is experiencing emotional numbness and detachment from their feelings. The nurse recognizes this behavioral manifestation as which defense mechanism? Answer Dissociation 3 multiple choice options Question : The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who spends excessive time performing handwashing rituals. Which initial nursing intervention is most appropriate? Answer Allow the patient time to complete the ritual while monitoring safety. 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Lorazepam (Ativan). Which instruction should the nurse prioritize when educating the patient about this medication? Answer Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. 3 multiple choice options Question : A military veteran diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) reports frequently reliving a combat experience and becoming hypervigilant in crowds. When developing the plan of care, the nurse prioritizes which outcome? Answer The patient will utilize grounding techniques when experiencing flashbacks. 3 multiple choice options Question : Which statement made by a patient indicates effective teaching regarding non-pharmacological management of moderate anxiety? Answer "When I feel anxious, I will engage in vigorous exercise or a hobby." 3 multiple choice options Question : A student who failed a major course exam blames the instructor, stating, "He must have designed the test to fail everyone." The nurse identifies this defense mechanism as: Answer Projection 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient with severe anxiety and panic attacks is prescribed Buspirone (Buspar). The nurse should instruct the patient that the therapeutic effects of this medication will typically be noticed within which time frame? Answer In 3 to 6 weeks. 3 multiple choice options Question : Which is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient experiencing a severe panic attack? Answer Risk for Injury 3 multiple choice options Question : The nurse is assessing a patient with Social Phobia. Which behavior is the patient most likely to exhibit? Answer Intense anxiety when speaking in public or eating in restaurants. 3 multiple choice options Question : A young man, unable to cope with the sudden loss of his job, begins sucking his thumb and demanding to be fed soft foods. Which defense mechanism is this patient demonstrating? Answer Regression 3 multiple choice options Question : When providing care to a patient experiencing acute anxiety, the nurse should use communication techniques that are: Answer Calming, directive, and brief. 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient with General Anxiety Disorder reports insomnia. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote sleep hygiene? Answer Encourage avoiding heavy meals and exercise close to bedtime. 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient is taking Alprazolam (Xanax). The nurse assesses the patient for which common side effect of benzodiazepines? Answer Sedation 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient whose family member died six months ago continues to plan meals and set a plate for the deceased person every night. This behavior is indicative of which defense mechanism? Answer Denial 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient is demonstrating symptoms of agoraphobia. Which scenario is most typical of this disorder? Answer The patient refuses to leave the house due to fear of panic attacks in public. 3 multiple choice options Question : Which of the following is an expected intervention during the planning phase of the nursing process for a patient with severe panic disorder? Answer Establish a goal that the patient will identify symptoms of escalating anxiety. 3 multiple choice options Question : The nurse is discussing anxiety with a patient. The patient reports a feeling of tension, changes in vital signs, and reduced perceptual field, but can still problem-solve. The nurse documents this level of anxiety as: Answer Moderate 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient is hospitalized in an acute manic episode. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority? Answer Providing frequent rest periods and high-calorie finger foods. 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder reports nausea, fine hand tremors, and polyuria. The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are indicative of which condition? Answer Early signs of Lithium toxicity. 3 multiple choice options Question : The nurse is teaching a patient about their new prescription for Fluoxetine (Prozac), an SSRI. The nurse should include which vital piece of information regarding efficacy? Answer It may take 1 to 4 weeks before a change in mood is noticeable. 3 multiple choice options Question : During the assessment of a patient with severe depression, which finding should the nurse prioritize as requiring immediate intervention? Answer The patient states, "I have a plan to end my life, and the means to do it." 3 multiple choice options Question : A patient experiencing mania is shouting rapidly and shifting topics frequently, making conversations impossible to follow. The nurse identifies this speech pattern as: Answer Flight of ideas 3 multiple choice options Question : The nurse is preparing to discharge a patient taking Lithium. Which dietary instruction is essential for the nurse to review with the patient? Answer Increase fluid intake and maintain consistent daily sodium intake. 3 multiple choice options Question : When providing therapeutic communication to a patient who is severely depressed, which technique is most appropriate? Answer Using silence and nonverbal communication to show support. 3 multiple choice options A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is manic and exhibiting poor judgment regarding spending. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to manage this behavior? Answer Direct the patient to the day room and distract them with a constructive activity. 3 multiple choice options A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who exhibits psychomotor retardation. The primary intervention should focus on: Answer Monitoring weight and nutritional intake closely. 3 multiple choice options A patient taking the MAOI Phenelzine (Nardil) must be educated about avoiding foods containing which substance to prevent a hypertensive crisis? Answer Tyramine 3 multiple choice options Which finding is the most reliable indicator that antidepressant medication is working effectively for a patient previously experiencing suicidal ideation? Answer The patient has an increase in energy, motivation, and mood stability. 3 multiple choice options A patient is exhibiting signs of severe depression. The nurse suspects which neurotransmitter deficiency? Answer Serotonin and norepinephrine 3 multiple choice options Which is a characteristic symptom of a patient experiencing a hypomanic episode? Answer Persistent, highly elevated mood lasting at least four days, without psychosis. 3 multiple choice options When evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions for a patient with Major Depressive Disorder, which statement indicates goal attainment? "I made a list of two people I can call if I feel overwhelmed." 3 multiple choice options A patient with Bipolar Disorder is prescribed Valproate (Depakote). The nurse should prioritize monitoring which laboratory values? Liver function tests (LFTs) and amylase. 3 multiple choice options The nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly developed a high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and confusion after starting a new SSRI. The nurse suspects: Serotonin Syndrome. 3 multiple choice options A nurse is caring for a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who tells the primary nurse, "You are the only competent nurse here; all the others are lazy and rude." The nurse recognizes this behavior as: Splitting 3 multiple choice options Which nursing approach is essential when establishing a therapeutic relationship with a patient diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder? Maintaining strict, consistent boundaries and limit-setting. 3 multiple choice options A patient with Schizoid Personality Disorder (Cluster A) is admitted to the unit. The nurse anticipates the patient will most likely exhibit which characteristic? Extreme emotional detachment and preference for solitary activities. 3 multiple choice options A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently engages in self-mutilating behaviors. Which is the immediate priority nursing intervention? Searching the patient and the environment for harmful objects. 3 multiple choice options Which patient behavior is characteristic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Cluster B)? An exaggerated sense of self-importance and grandiosity. 3 multiple choice options A patient with Paranoid Personality Disorder (Cluster A) refuses to eat food brought on the meal tray, stating, "It might be poisoned." What is the most therapeutic nursing action? Allowing the patient to select a meal sealed in an individual package. 3 multiple choice options The nurse is caring for a patient with Avoidant Personality Disorder (Cluster C). The primary nursing goal for this patient is to encourage the development of which skill? Participating in new social situations. 3 multiple choice options Which characteristic differentiates Schizotypal Personality Disorder from Schizoid Personality Disorder? Schizotypal involves eccentric behavior and magical thinking; Schizoid involves emotional coldness. 3 multiple choice options When communicating with a patient who has Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) (Cluster C), the nurse should understand that this patient typically displays: Perfectionism and preoccupation with detail and control. 3 multiple choice options A patient with Dependent Personality Disorder (Cluster C) constantly asks the nurse what they should wear, eat, and when they should take their walk. Which nursing response is most therapeutic? "What are your choices, and what do you think would be the best decision?" 3 multiple choice options Which cluster of personality disorders is primarily characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior? Cluster B 3 multiple choice options A patient with Antisocial Personality Disorder (Cluster B) attempts to manipulate the nurse into giving them extra privileges. The nurse's best response should involve: Stating firmly, "That is against the rules; we must stick to the unit policy." 3 multiple choice options According to the syllabus content, the nurse recognizes that Borderline, Antisocial, and Narcissistic personality disorders fall into which descriptive cluster? Cluster B: Dramatic/Erratic 3 multiple choice options A patient with BPD is expressing intense fear of being left alone, stating, "If you leave, I'll hurt myself." The nurse must prioritize which action? Documenting the threat and initiating suicide precautions as appropriate 3 multiple choice options Which theory relating to personality disorders emphasizes personality development throughout the life cycle? Developmental theory 3 multiple choice options When assessing a patient with Schizotypal Personality Disorder (Cluster A), the nurse might observe: Magical thinking or ideas of reference. 3 multiple choice options Which Cluster C personality disorder is characterized by extreme shyness and fear of rejection, leading to social withdrawal despite a desire for relationships? Avoidant 3 multiple choice options