NSG 3180 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a domestic dispute. The nurse notes the
client is pacing, has a rapid heart rate, and is unable to follow instructions or focus on details.
The nurse should categorize this level of anxiety as:
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic-level anxiety
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significant reduction in the
perceptual field; the individual focuses on one detail or many scattered details. Physical
symptoms like tachycardia and the inability to process information or follow directions are
common.
,2. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily washing their
hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Strictly limit the time the client can spend at the sink.
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual to reduce anxiety.
C. Use aversive conditioning to stop the handwashing immediately.
D. Instruct the client that their behavior is irrational and must stop.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, it is important to allow the client time to perform their
ritual to prevent panic-level anxiety. Forcing an immediate stop can be detrimental. Limits
are set gradually as treatment progresses.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is experiencing a manic episode. The
client is moving rapidly and using profanity. Which environment is most therapeutic?
A. A room with several other clients to promote socialization.
B. The dayroom where a movie is being shown for distraction.
C. A quiet, private room with low lighting and minimal stimuli.
D. An area near the nurses’ station for constant observation.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulus environments to
help decrease agitation and overactivity. High stimuli (crowds, noise, bright lights) can
worsen the manic state.
4. Which defense mechanism is being used when a client who is angry with their boss comes
home and yells at their spouse?
A. Sublimation
B. Reaction Formation
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original
source (the boss) to a less threatening target (the spouse).
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has just been prescribed Buspirone (Buspar) for
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. What information is crucial to include?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of symptoms.
B. This drug carries a high risk for physical dependence.
C. The client should stop the medication if they feel drowsy.
D. It is important to avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Answer: D
EXAM 2 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a domestic dispute. The nurse notes the
client is pacing, has a rapid heart rate, and is unable to follow instructions or focus on details.
The nurse should categorize this level of anxiety as:
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic-level anxiety
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significant reduction in the
perceptual field; the individual focuses on one detail or many scattered details. Physical
symptoms like tachycardia and the inability to process information or follow directions are
common.
,2. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily washing their
hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Strictly limit the time the client can spend at the sink.
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual to reduce anxiety.
C. Use aversive conditioning to stop the handwashing immediately.
D. Instruct the client that their behavior is irrational and must stop.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, it is important to allow the client time to perform their
ritual to prevent panic-level anxiety. Forcing an immediate stop can be detrimental. Limits
are set gradually as treatment progresses.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is experiencing a manic episode. The
client is moving rapidly and using profanity. Which environment is most therapeutic?
A. A room with several other clients to promote socialization.
B. The dayroom where a movie is being shown for distraction.
C. A quiet, private room with low lighting and minimal stimuli.
D. An area near the nurses’ station for constant observation.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulus environments to
help decrease agitation and overactivity. High stimuli (crowds, noise, bright lights) can
worsen the manic state.
4. Which defense mechanism is being used when a client who is angry with their boss comes
home and yells at their spouse?
A. Sublimation
B. Reaction Formation
C. Displacement
D. Rationalization
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original
source (the boss) to a less threatening target (the spouse).
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has just been prescribed Buspirone (Buspar) for
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. What information is crucial to include?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of symptoms.
B. This drug carries a high risk for physical dependence.
C. The client should stop the medication if they feel drowsy.
D. It is important to avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Answer: D
