Grand Canyon University NSG-322 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 |
Behavioral Health Q&A | Behavioral Health Nurs
1. Which of the following best characterizes personality disorders according
to the DSM-5?
A) Acute episodes of psychosis that resolve with medication
B) Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that
deviate from cultural expectations
C) Temporary changes in mood and behavior during times of stress
D) Developmental delays that improve with age and maturity
Correct Answer: Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner
experience that deviate from cultural expectations
Rationale: Personality disorders are defined by enduring, inflexible patterns
of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from
cultural expectations. These patterns are pervasive across contexts and lead
to significant distress or impairment. They are not acute episodes.
---
2. A patient diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder is admitted to the
unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Use a warm, friendly approach to build trust quickly
B) Maintain a matter-of-fact, straightforward approach and respect the
patient's need for personal space
C) Confront the patient's suspicious beliefs directly to challenge them
D) Assign the patient to a room with a highly sociable roommate
Correct Answer: Maintain a matter-of-fact, straightforward approach and
respect the patient's need for personal space
,Rationale: Patients with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious and
mistrustful. A straightforward, honest approach with clear boundaries is
essential. Confrontation increases suspicion, and overly friendly approaches
may be misinterpreted.
---
3. According to the NSG-322 Exam 2 blueprint, what percentage of the exam
is dedicated to Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorders?
A) 26%
B) 28%
C) 40%
D) 44%
Correct Answer: 40%
Rationale: The Exam 2 blueprint specifies that Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders comprises 40% of the exam (20 questions).
Topic 3: Personality Disorders accounts for 26% (13 questions), and Topic 5:
Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders accounts for 28% (14
questions).
---
4. A patient with borderline personality disorder is using splitting as a
defense mechanism. Which behavior would the nurse observe?
A) Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
B) Attributing their own feelings to the nurse
,C) Creating logical explanations for unacceptable behaviors
D) Returning to childlike behaviors when stressed
Correct Answer: Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline
personality disorder where the patient cannot integrate positive and
negative qualities of others, viewing them as all good or all bad. This can
lead to staff splitting and manipulative behavior.
---
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with antisocial personality disorder. Which
behavioral pattern is characteristic of this disorder?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
B) Grandiose sense of self-importance and need for admiration
C) Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
D) Submissive and clinging behavior with a need to be taken care of
Correct Answer: Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, including deceitfulness,
impulsivity, irritability, aggressiveness, and lack of remorse. This pattern
typically begins in childhood or adolescence.
---
, 6. A patient with avoidant personality disorder is being treated on an
inpatient unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to participate in group activities immediately
B) Allow the patient to remain isolated to reduce anxiety
C) Provide a supportive environment and gradually encourage social
interaction
D) Confront the patient about their social fears
Correct Answer: Provide a supportive environment and gradually encourage
social interaction
Rationale: Patients with avoidant personality disorder fear rejection and
criticism. A supportive, non-judgmental environment with gradual
encouragement to participate in social activities is most effective. Forcing
participation or confrontation increases anxiety.
---
7. Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by dramatic,
emotional, or erratic behavior?
A) Cluster A
B) Cluster B
C) Cluster C
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: Cluster B
Rationale: Cluster B personality disorders include antisocial, borderline,
histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. These are characterized by
Behavioral Health Q&A | Behavioral Health Nurs
1. Which of the following best characterizes personality disorders according
to the DSM-5?
A) Acute episodes of psychosis that resolve with medication
B) Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that
deviate from cultural expectations
C) Temporary changes in mood and behavior during times of stress
D) Developmental delays that improve with age and maturity
Correct Answer: Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner
experience that deviate from cultural expectations
Rationale: Personality disorders are defined by enduring, inflexible patterns
of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from
cultural expectations. These patterns are pervasive across contexts and lead
to significant distress or impairment. They are not acute episodes.
---
2. A patient diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder is admitted to the
unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Use a warm, friendly approach to build trust quickly
B) Maintain a matter-of-fact, straightforward approach and respect the
patient's need for personal space
C) Confront the patient's suspicious beliefs directly to challenge them
D) Assign the patient to a room with a highly sociable roommate
Correct Answer: Maintain a matter-of-fact, straightforward approach and
respect the patient's need for personal space
,Rationale: Patients with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious and
mistrustful. A straightforward, honest approach with clear boundaries is
essential. Confrontation increases suspicion, and overly friendly approaches
may be misinterpreted.
---
3. According to the NSG-322 Exam 2 blueprint, what percentage of the exam
is dedicated to Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorders?
A) 26%
B) 28%
C) 40%
D) 44%
Correct Answer: 40%
Rationale: The Exam 2 blueprint specifies that Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders comprises 40% of the exam (20 questions).
Topic 3: Personality Disorders accounts for 26% (13 questions), and Topic 5:
Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders accounts for 28% (14
questions).
---
4. A patient with borderline personality disorder is using splitting as a
defense mechanism. Which behavior would the nurse observe?
A) Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
B) Attributing their own feelings to the nurse
,C) Creating logical explanations for unacceptable behaviors
D) Returning to childlike behaviors when stressed
Correct Answer: Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline
personality disorder where the patient cannot integrate positive and
negative qualities of others, viewing them as all good or all bad. This can
lead to staff splitting and manipulative behavior.
---
5. A nurse is caring for a patient with antisocial personality disorder. Which
behavioral pattern is characteristic of this disorder?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
B) Grandiose sense of self-importance and need for admiration
C) Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
D) Submissive and clinging behavior with a need to be taken care of
Correct Answer: Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, including deceitfulness,
impulsivity, irritability, aggressiveness, and lack of remorse. This pattern
typically begins in childhood or adolescence.
---
, 6. A patient with avoidant personality disorder is being treated on an
inpatient unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage the patient to participate in group activities immediately
B) Allow the patient to remain isolated to reduce anxiety
C) Provide a supportive environment and gradually encourage social
interaction
D) Confront the patient about their social fears
Correct Answer: Provide a supportive environment and gradually encourage
social interaction
Rationale: Patients with avoidant personality disorder fear rejection and
criticism. A supportive, non-judgmental environment with gradual
encouragement to participate in social activities is most effective. Forcing
participation or confrontation increases anxiety.
---
7. Which cluster of personality disorders is characterized by dramatic,
emotional, or erratic behavior?
A) Cluster A
B) Cluster B
C) Cluster C
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: Cluster B
Rationale: Cluster B personality disorders include antisocial, borderline,
histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. These are characterized by
