NURS 201 MENTAL HEALTH AND
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: WEEK 4 QUIZ
2026
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed being exceptionally friendly
to one nurse while being extremely hostile to another during the same shift. The nurse
recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Splitting
C. Projective Identification
D. Undoing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual is unable to integrate positive and negative qualities of self or others into a
cohesive image, resulting in viewing people as either ‘all good’ or ‘all bad’.
,2. A client is prescribed Lorazepam for acute anxiety. Which teaching point is most critical for
the nurse to include?
A. Abruptly stopping this medication can lead to life-threatening seizures.
B. Avoid consuming aged cheeses and red wine while on this medication.
C. It may take 2-4 weeks for the medication to reach full therapeutic effect.
D. This medication is the first-line long-term treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam carry a high risk of physical
dependence. Sudden withdrawal can cause central nervous system rebound, potentially
leading to seizures and death.
3. A nurse is caring for a veteran diagnosed with PTSD who experiences frequent flashbacks.
Which is the priority nursing intervention during an active flashback?
A. Touch the client gently on the shoulder to ground them.
B. Ask the client to describe the traumatic event in detail.
C. Maintain a safe distance and speak in a low, calm voice.
D. Administer a PRN dose of Haloperidol immediately.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Safety and grounding are priorities. Physical touch can be
misinterpreted as a threat during a flashback, potentially triggering aggression. A calm,
non-threatening presence is essential.
4. Which assessment finding differentiates Severe Anxiety from Moderate Anxiety?
A. The client experiences a total loss of control and inability to function.
B. The client’s perceptual field is slightly narrowed but they can still follow directions.
C. The client experiences ‘tunnel vision’ and can only focus on one detail.
D. The client feels a sense of restlessness and increased motivation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In severe anxiety, the perceptual field is greatly reduced, often
focusing on one particular detail (tunnel vision). In moderate anxiety, the perceptual field
narrows but problem-solving is still possible with assistance.
5. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends 2 hours every morning washing
their hands. What is the primary purpose of these rituals?
A. To gain attention from the nursing staff.
B. To express underlying anger toward their family.
C. To ensure physical cleanliness and prevent infection.
D. To decrease the intense anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.
Answer: D
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: WEEK 4 QUIZ
2026
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed being exceptionally friendly
to one nurse while being extremely hostile to another during the same shift. The nurse
recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Splitting
C. Projective Identification
D. Undoing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual is unable to integrate positive and negative qualities of self or others into a
cohesive image, resulting in viewing people as either ‘all good’ or ‘all bad’.
,2. A client is prescribed Lorazepam for acute anxiety. Which teaching point is most critical for
the nurse to include?
A. Abruptly stopping this medication can lead to life-threatening seizures.
B. Avoid consuming aged cheeses and red wine while on this medication.
C. It may take 2-4 weeks for the medication to reach full therapeutic effect.
D. This medication is the first-line long-term treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam carry a high risk of physical
dependence. Sudden withdrawal can cause central nervous system rebound, potentially
leading to seizures and death.
3. A nurse is caring for a veteran diagnosed with PTSD who experiences frequent flashbacks.
Which is the priority nursing intervention during an active flashback?
A. Touch the client gently on the shoulder to ground them.
B. Ask the client to describe the traumatic event in detail.
C. Maintain a safe distance and speak in a low, calm voice.
D. Administer a PRN dose of Haloperidol immediately.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Safety and grounding are priorities. Physical touch can be
misinterpreted as a threat during a flashback, potentially triggering aggression. A calm,
non-threatening presence is essential.
4. Which assessment finding differentiates Severe Anxiety from Moderate Anxiety?
A. The client experiences a total loss of control and inability to function.
B. The client’s perceptual field is slightly narrowed but they can still follow directions.
C. The client experiences ‘tunnel vision’ and can only focus on one detail.
D. The client feels a sense of restlessness and increased motivation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In severe anxiety, the perceptual field is greatly reduced, often
focusing on one particular detail (tunnel vision). In moderate anxiety, the perceptual field
narrows but problem-solving is still possible with assistance.
5. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends 2 hours every morning washing
their hands. What is the primary purpose of these rituals?
A. To gain attention from the nursing staff.
B. To express underlying anger toward their family.
C. To ensure physical cleanliness and prevent infection.
D. To decrease the intense anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.
Answer: D
