NSG 3450 Mental Health Actual Exam 3 – Nursing Program –
2026/2027 Academic Year – Verified Questions and Answers
for Mental Health Nursing Students
Question 1
When considering an eating disorder, what is a physical criterion for hospital admission?
A. A daytime HR of <50 bpm
B. An oral temp of 100°F or more
C. 90% of ideal body weight
D. Systolic BP >130 mmHg
Answer: A. A daytime HR of <50 bpm
Rationale: Bradycardia (HR <50 bpm during daytime hours) is a serious physical criterion
indicating cardiovascular compromise requiring hospitalization. Severe bradycardia
reflects malnutrition's impact on cardiac function and can lead to life-threatening
arrhythmias. While temperature elevation, body weight concerns, and hypertension are
concerning, bradycardia is a more immediate criterion for admission in eating disorder
patients .
Question 2
When considering the need for monitoring, which interventions should the nurse
implement for a patient with anorexia nervosa? Select all that apply.
,A. Provide scheduled portion-controlled meals and snacks
B. Congratulate patients for weight gain and behaviors that promote weight gain
C. Limit time spent in bathroom during periods when not under direct supervision
D. Promote exercise as a method to increase appetite
E. Observe patient during and after meals/snacks to ensure adequate intake is achieved
Answer: A, C, E
Rationale: Scheduled portion-controlled meals help normalize eating patterns. Limiting
bathroom access prevents purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use). Direct observation
during and after meals ensures intake and prevents purging. Congratulating patients for
weight gain may reinforce the eating disorder focus on weight rather than health. Exercise
should be restricted, not promoted, as patients with anorexia often overexercise to burn
calories .
Question 3
Which intervention will promote independence in a patient being treated for bulimia
nervosa?
A. Have the patient monitor daily caloric intake and intake/output of fluids
B. Encourage the patient to use behavior modification techniques to promote weight
gain
C. Ask the patient to use a daily log to record feelings and circumstances related to
urges to purge
D. Allow the patient to make limited choices about eating and exercise as weight gain
progresses
Answer: C. Ask the patient to use a daily log to record feelings and circumstances
related to urges to purge
,Rationale: Self-monitoring through a daily log promotes insight and independence by
helping the patient identify triggers for purging behaviors. This empowers the patient to
develop coping strategies. Calorie counting reinforces preoccupation with food. Weight-
focused interventions maintain the eating disorder mindset. Limited choices may be
appropriate but do not directly promote independence as effectively as self-awareness
through logging .
Question 4
Which patient statement supports the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
A. "I'm terrified of gaining weight."
B. "I wish I had a good friend to talk to."
C. "I've been told I drink way too much alcohol."
D. "I don't get much pleasure out of life anymore."
Answer: A. "I'm terrified of gaining weight."
Rationale: Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat is a hallmark diagnostic criterion
for anorexia nervosa, even when significantly underweight. This reflects the core cognitive
distortion in anorexia. Social isolation, substance abuse, and anhedonia may be present
but are not pathognomonic for anorexia .
Question 5
Obesity can be the end result of a binge-eating disorder. The nurse understands that the
best treatment option in persons with a binge-eating disorder promotes:
A. Bariatric surgery
B. Coping strategies
, C. Avoidance of public eating
D. Appetite suppression medications
Answer: B. Coping strategies
Rationale: Binge-eating disorder is primarily a psychological condition characterized by
loss of control and emotional eating. Teaching coping strategies addresses underlying
emotional triggers and behavioral patterns. Bariatric surgery is a physical intervention
that does not address psychological components. Avoidance of public eating reinforces
shame and isolation. Appetite suppressants may have temporary effects but do not treat
the underlying disorder .
Question 6
A psychiatric nurse orients a patient with anorexia nervosa to the room where she will
be assigned. After getting the patient settled, the nurse informs the patient:
A. "I need to go through the belongings you have brought with you."
B. "You can use the scale in the back room when you need to."
C. "You will be eating 5 times a day here."
D. "The daily structure is based around your desire to eat."
Answer: A. "I need to go through the belongings you have brought with you."
Rationale: Safety is paramount in eating disorder treatment. Nurses must search
belongings for potential contraband including laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, or sharp
objects used for self-harm. Scales should be restricted as daily weighing reinforces weight
preoccupation. Eating schedules should be structured, not patient-directed, to normalize
intake. A therapeutic structure should not be based on the patient's desire to eat, as their
judgment about eating is impaired .
2026/2027 Academic Year – Verified Questions and Answers
for Mental Health Nursing Students
Question 1
When considering an eating disorder, what is a physical criterion for hospital admission?
A. A daytime HR of <50 bpm
B. An oral temp of 100°F or more
C. 90% of ideal body weight
D. Systolic BP >130 mmHg
Answer: A. A daytime HR of <50 bpm
Rationale: Bradycardia (HR <50 bpm during daytime hours) is a serious physical criterion
indicating cardiovascular compromise requiring hospitalization. Severe bradycardia
reflects malnutrition's impact on cardiac function and can lead to life-threatening
arrhythmias. While temperature elevation, body weight concerns, and hypertension are
concerning, bradycardia is a more immediate criterion for admission in eating disorder
patients .
Question 2
When considering the need for monitoring, which interventions should the nurse
implement for a patient with anorexia nervosa? Select all that apply.
,A. Provide scheduled portion-controlled meals and snacks
B. Congratulate patients for weight gain and behaviors that promote weight gain
C. Limit time spent in bathroom during periods when not under direct supervision
D. Promote exercise as a method to increase appetite
E. Observe patient during and after meals/snacks to ensure adequate intake is achieved
Answer: A, C, E
Rationale: Scheduled portion-controlled meals help normalize eating patterns. Limiting
bathroom access prevents purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative use). Direct observation
during and after meals ensures intake and prevents purging. Congratulating patients for
weight gain may reinforce the eating disorder focus on weight rather than health. Exercise
should be restricted, not promoted, as patients with anorexia often overexercise to burn
calories .
Question 3
Which intervention will promote independence in a patient being treated for bulimia
nervosa?
A. Have the patient monitor daily caloric intake and intake/output of fluids
B. Encourage the patient to use behavior modification techniques to promote weight
gain
C. Ask the patient to use a daily log to record feelings and circumstances related to
urges to purge
D. Allow the patient to make limited choices about eating and exercise as weight gain
progresses
Answer: C. Ask the patient to use a daily log to record feelings and circumstances
related to urges to purge
,Rationale: Self-monitoring through a daily log promotes insight and independence by
helping the patient identify triggers for purging behaviors. This empowers the patient to
develop coping strategies. Calorie counting reinforces preoccupation with food. Weight-
focused interventions maintain the eating disorder mindset. Limited choices may be
appropriate but do not directly promote independence as effectively as self-awareness
through logging .
Question 4
Which patient statement supports the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
A. "I'm terrified of gaining weight."
B. "I wish I had a good friend to talk to."
C. "I've been told I drink way too much alcohol."
D. "I don't get much pleasure out of life anymore."
Answer: A. "I'm terrified of gaining weight."
Rationale: Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat is a hallmark diagnostic criterion
for anorexia nervosa, even when significantly underweight. This reflects the core cognitive
distortion in anorexia. Social isolation, substance abuse, and anhedonia may be present
but are not pathognomonic for anorexia .
Question 5
Obesity can be the end result of a binge-eating disorder. The nurse understands that the
best treatment option in persons with a binge-eating disorder promotes:
A. Bariatric surgery
B. Coping strategies
, C. Avoidance of public eating
D. Appetite suppression medications
Answer: B. Coping strategies
Rationale: Binge-eating disorder is primarily a psychological condition characterized by
loss of control and emotional eating. Teaching coping strategies addresses underlying
emotional triggers and behavioral patterns. Bariatric surgery is a physical intervention
that does not address psychological components. Avoidance of public eating reinforces
shame and isolation. Appetite suppressants may have temporary effects but do not treat
the underlying disorder .
Question 6
A psychiatric nurse orients a patient with anorexia nervosa to the room where she will
be assigned. After getting the patient settled, the nurse informs the patient:
A. "I need to go through the belongings you have brought with you."
B. "You can use the scale in the back room when you need to."
C. "You will be eating 5 times a day here."
D. "The daily structure is based around your desire to eat."
Answer: A. "I need to go through the belongings you have brought with you."
Rationale: Safety is paramount in eating disorder treatment. Nurses must search
belongings for potential contraband including laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, or sharp
objects used for self-harm. Scales should be restricted as daily weighing reinforces weight
preoccupation. Eating schedules should be structured, not patient-directed, to normalize
intake. A therapeutic structure should not be based on the patient's desire to eat, as their
judgment about eating is impaired .
