Galen College NUR 256 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental Health
Q&A | Mental Health Nursing
1. The nurse is leading a multi-family support group. A client states,
"Sometimes I feel sad that I'll never have a good marriage like each of my
siblings do." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate to facilitate
group discussion?
A) "Everyone's path in marriage is different; you should focus on your own
journey."
B) "Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?"
C) "Marriage is not the only measure of success in life."
D) "Have you considered what makes a marriage good to you?"
Correct Answer: "Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?"
Rationale: In group therapy, facilitating peer sharing is essential to build
universality and cohesion. By inviting others to discuss similar feelings, the
nurse encourages group members to identify with one another, reducing
isolation and fostering mutual support. The other options focus on the
individual or offer advice, which does not promote group process.
2. A client with bipolar disorder repeatedly attempts to monopolize a group
therapy session. The nurse thanks the client for their input but reminds them
that others need an opportunity to contribute. After a few minutes, the client
repeats the same behavior. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Redirect the client's attention by asking them to lead a relaxation exercise
B) End the group session early and speak with the client privately
C) Allow the client to continue speaking to avoid confrontation
D) Ask the client to leave the group for the remainder of the session
Correct Answer: Redirect the client's attention by asking them to lead a
relaxation exercise
,Rationale: When a client monopolizes a group, the nurse should redirect their
behavior in a therapeutic way that maintains their dignity while preserving
group process. Asking the client to lead a relaxation exercise channels their
energy positively and gives them a constructive role. Ending the session
early or asking the client to leave can be punitive and disrupt the therapeutic
milieu.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about the relationship between
neurotransmitters and mental illness. Which statement accurately describes
the role of dopamine?
A) Decreased dopamine is associated with schizophrenia and mania.
B) Increased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease and
depression.
C) Decreased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease and
depression.
D) Increased dopamine is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Correct Answer: Decreased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease
and depression.
Rationale: Dopamine plays a role in movement, motivation, and mood.
Decreased dopamine levels are associated with Parkinson's disease (motor
symptoms) and depression (anhedonia and lack of motivation). Increased
dopamine is associated with schizophrenia (psychosis) and mania.
4. A client is prescribed buspirone (BuSpar) for anxiety. The nurse should
explain that this medication differs from benzodiazepines in which way?
A) It has a strong hypnotic effect
B) It affects the GABA neurotransmitter system
C) It has a lower risk of dependence and sedation
,D) It works immediately to relieve anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: It has a lower risk of dependence and sedation
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that reduces anxiety
without strong hypnotic-sedative effects. Unlike benzodiazepines, which
affect GABA, buspirone affects serotonergic pathways. It also has a lower risk
of dependence and takes several weeks to reach full effectiveness.
5. A client has been prescribed an antidepressant for anxiety. The nurse
should inform the client that the anti-anxiety effects may not be fully realized
for how many weeks?
A) 1-2 weeks
B) 2-4 weeks
C) 4-8 weeks
D) 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: 4-8 weeks
Rationale: Antidepressants are first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, but
their anti-anxiety onset is delayed. Clients should be educated that
therapeutic effects may take 4 to 8 weeks to develop. This helps manage
expectations and promote adherence.
6. A client is prescribed a medication that blocks the action of
neurotransmitters by binding to receptor sites. The nurse identifies this
medication as a(n):
A) Agonist
B) Antagonist
C) Enzyme inhibitor
, D) Reuptake inhibitor
Correct Answer: Antagonist
Rationale: An antagonist blocks the action of neurotransmitters by binding to
receptor sites, thereby obstructing the neurotransmitter's action. An agonist
mimics the effects of neurotransmitters by binding to and stimulating
receptor sites.
7. The nurse is caring for a client who is taking a medication with
anticholinergic side effects. Which symptom should the nurse monitor for?
A) Diarrhea and excessive salivation
B) Dry mouth and urinary retention
C) Hypertension and tachycardia
D) Bronchodilation and pupil constriction
Correct Answer: Dry mouth and urinary retention
Rationale: Anticholinergic side effects occur when acetylcholine is blocked.
Common anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision,
constipation, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention, and dizziness. These are
important to monitor, especially in older adults.
8. The nurse is assessing a client's level of anxiety. The client has a severely
limited perceptual field, is focused on details, and is unable to accomplish
much. The nurse should document this as which level of anxiety?
A) Mild
B) Moderate
C) Severe
D) Panic
Q&A | Mental Health Nursing
1. The nurse is leading a multi-family support group. A client states,
"Sometimes I feel sad that I'll never have a good marriage like each of my
siblings do." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate to facilitate
group discussion?
A) "Everyone's path in marriage is different; you should focus on your own
journey."
B) "Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?"
C) "Marriage is not the only measure of success in life."
D) "Have you considered what makes a marriage good to you?"
Correct Answer: "Would anyone else like to talk about similar feelings?"
Rationale: In group therapy, facilitating peer sharing is essential to build
universality and cohesion. By inviting others to discuss similar feelings, the
nurse encourages group members to identify with one another, reducing
isolation and fostering mutual support. The other options focus on the
individual or offer advice, which does not promote group process.
2. A client with bipolar disorder repeatedly attempts to monopolize a group
therapy session. The nurse thanks the client for their input but reminds them
that others need an opportunity to contribute. After a few minutes, the client
repeats the same behavior. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Redirect the client's attention by asking them to lead a relaxation exercise
B) End the group session early and speak with the client privately
C) Allow the client to continue speaking to avoid confrontation
D) Ask the client to leave the group for the remainder of the session
Correct Answer: Redirect the client's attention by asking them to lead a
relaxation exercise
,Rationale: When a client monopolizes a group, the nurse should redirect their
behavior in a therapeutic way that maintains their dignity while preserving
group process. Asking the client to lead a relaxation exercise channels their
energy positively and gives them a constructive role. Ending the session
early or asking the client to leave can be punitive and disrupt the therapeutic
milieu.
3. The nurse is teaching a client about the relationship between
neurotransmitters and mental illness. Which statement accurately describes
the role of dopamine?
A) Decreased dopamine is associated with schizophrenia and mania.
B) Increased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease and
depression.
C) Decreased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease and
depression.
D) Increased dopamine is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Correct Answer: Decreased dopamine is associated with Parkinson's disease
and depression.
Rationale: Dopamine plays a role in movement, motivation, and mood.
Decreased dopamine levels are associated with Parkinson's disease (motor
symptoms) and depression (anhedonia and lack of motivation). Increased
dopamine is associated with schizophrenia (psychosis) and mania.
4. A client is prescribed buspirone (BuSpar) for anxiety. The nurse should
explain that this medication differs from benzodiazepines in which way?
A) It has a strong hypnotic effect
B) It affects the GABA neurotransmitter system
C) It has a lower risk of dependence and sedation
,D) It works immediately to relieve anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: It has a lower risk of dependence and sedation
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that reduces anxiety
without strong hypnotic-sedative effects. Unlike benzodiazepines, which
affect GABA, buspirone affects serotonergic pathways. It also has a lower risk
of dependence and takes several weeks to reach full effectiveness.
5. A client has been prescribed an antidepressant for anxiety. The nurse
should inform the client that the anti-anxiety effects may not be fully realized
for how many weeks?
A) 1-2 weeks
B) 2-4 weeks
C) 4-8 weeks
D) 8-12 weeks
Correct Answer: 4-8 weeks
Rationale: Antidepressants are first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, but
their anti-anxiety onset is delayed. Clients should be educated that
therapeutic effects may take 4 to 8 weeks to develop. This helps manage
expectations and promote adherence.
6. A client is prescribed a medication that blocks the action of
neurotransmitters by binding to receptor sites. The nurse identifies this
medication as a(n):
A) Agonist
B) Antagonist
C) Enzyme inhibitor
, D) Reuptake inhibitor
Correct Answer: Antagonist
Rationale: An antagonist blocks the action of neurotransmitters by binding to
receptor sites, thereby obstructing the neurotransmitter's action. An agonist
mimics the effects of neurotransmitters by binding to and stimulating
receptor sites.
7. The nurse is caring for a client who is taking a medication with
anticholinergic side effects. Which symptom should the nurse monitor for?
A) Diarrhea and excessive salivation
B) Dry mouth and urinary retention
C) Hypertension and tachycardia
D) Bronchodilation and pupil constriction
Correct Answer: Dry mouth and urinary retention
Rationale: Anticholinergic side effects occur when acetylcholine is blocked.
Common anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision,
constipation, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention, and dizziness. These are
important to monitor, especially in older adults.
8. The nurse is assessing a client's level of anxiety. The client has a severely
limited perceptual field, is focused on details, and is unable to accomplish
much. The nurse should document this as which level of anxiety?
A) Mild
B) Moderate
C) Severe
D) Panic
