NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027
UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed praising one nurse while
telling another nurse that they are ‘incompetent and cruel.’ What defense mechanism is the
client utilizing?
A. Reaction formation
B. Undoing
C. Splitting
D. is observed praising one nurse while telling another nurse that they are ‘incompetent and cruel.’
What defense mechanism is the client utilizing?
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views people or
situations as either all good or all bad, unable to integrate positive and negative qualities.
Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse.
Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level.
2. A patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which medication class is the gold standard for managing these symptoms
and preventing seizures?
A. Antipsychotics
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Beta-blockers
D. Anticonvulsants
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide, are the primary treatment for
alcohol withdrawal to stabilize vital signs and prevent progression to Delirium Tremens. Clear
understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment.
Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. In practice, this guides the nurse
to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are
frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physiological finding is most
concerning and requires immediate intervention?
A. Bradycardia of 50 beats per minute
B. Presence of lanugo on the back
C. Amenorrhea for six months
D. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a critical finding in eating disorders that can lead to fatal
cardiac arrhythmias. A level of 2.8 is significantly below the normal range (3.5-. Understanding this
helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often
prevents bigger complications for the client. Remembering this point will help you decide the best
nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current
condition and risk level.
4. A 75-year-old client is admitted with acute confusion, visual hallucinations, and a
fluctuating level of consciousness. The symptoms started 24 hours ago. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating consciousness, and reversible
causes, whereas dementia is chronic and progressive. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out
the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide 2026/2027
UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed praising one nurse while
telling another nurse that they are ‘incompetent and cruel.’ What defense mechanism is the
client utilizing?
A. Reaction formation
B. Undoing
C. Splitting
D. is observed praising one nurse while telling another nurse that they are ‘incompetent and cruel.’
What defense mechanism is the client utilizing?
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views people or
situations as either all good or all bad, unable to integrate positive and negative qualities.
Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse.
Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level.
2. A patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which medication class is the gold standard for managing these symptoms
and preventing seizures?
A. Antipsychotics
B. Benzodiazepines
C. Beta-blockers
D. Anticonvulsants
Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines, such as Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide, are the primary treatment for
alcohol withdrawal to stabilize vital signs and prevent progression to Delirium Tremens. Clear
understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment.
Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. In practice, this guides the nurse
to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are
frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physiological finding is most
concerning and requires immediate intervention?
A. Bradycardia of 50 beats per minute
B. Presence of lanugo on the back
C. Amenorrhea for six months
D. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a critical finding in eating disorders that can lead to fatal
cardiac arrhythmias. A level of 2.8 is significantly below the normal range (3.5-. Understanding this
helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often
prevents bigger complications for the client. Remembering this point will help you decide the best
nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current
condition and risk level.
4. A 75-year-old client is admitted with acute confusion, visual hallucinations, and a
fluctuating level of consciousness. The symptoms started 24 hours ago. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating consciousness, and reversible
causes, whereas dementia is chronic and progressive. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out
the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
