PERSONALITY AND MOOD DISORDERS QUESTIONS AND A+ 100 %VERIFIED ANSWERS
2023 UPDATE – 2026–2027 UPDATED EXAM 100% (VERIFIED ANSWERS)|A+ GRADE
BRAND NEW
Question 1 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
The nursing diagnosis that would be most appropriate for a 22-year old client who uses ritualistic behavior would be:
A. Ineffective coping
B. Impaired adjustment
C. Personal identity disturbance
D. Sensory/perceptual alterations
ANSWER : A — Ineffective coping
Explanation: Ineffective coping is the impairment of a person's adaptive behaviors and problem-solving abilities in meeting life's demands; ritualistic
behavior fits under this category as a defining characteristic. During the beginning of treatment, allow plenty of time for rituals. Do not be judgmental
or verbalize disapproval of the behavior. To deny the client this activity can precipitate panic level of anxiety.
Question 2 — Chapter 3: Cluster C Personality Disorders
A psychiatrist prescribes an anti-obsessional agent for a client who is using ritualistic behavior. A common anti-anxiety
medication used for this type of client would be:
A. fluvoxamine (Luvox)
B. benztropine (Cogentin)
C. amantadine (Symmetrel)
D. diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
ANSWER : A — fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Explanation: This drug blocks the uptake of serotonin. Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't
go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over) and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in
front of others that interferes with normal life). Fluvoxamine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works
by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Question 3 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A 20-year old college student has been brought to the psychiatric hospital by her parents. Her admitting diagnosis is borderline
personality disorder. When talking with the parents, which information would the nurse expect to be included in the client's
history? Select all that apply.
A. Impulsiveness
B. Lability of mood
C. Ritualistic behavior
D. Psychomotor retardation
E. Self-destructive behavior
ANSWER : A, B, & E — Impulsiveness, Lability of mood, & Self-destructive behavior
Explanation: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable moods and emotions, relationships, and behavior. Typical historical
findings include impulsiveness (e.g., spending, substance abuse, risky behavior), affective instability/lability of mood (quick mood shifts), and
self-destructive behavior (such as cutting, burning, or suicidal gestures). Ritualistic behaviors are associated with OCD, and psychomotor retardation
is classic in melancholic depression.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 1 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
, Question 4 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A hospitalized client, diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, consistently breaks the unit's rules. This behavior should
be confronted because it will help the client:
A. Control anger
B. Reduce anxiety
C. Set realistic goals
D. Become more self-aware
ANSWER : D — Become more self-aware
Explanation: Clients must first become aware of their behavior before they can change it. Confronting the rule-breaking behavior in a therapeutic
manner helps the client recognize and reflect on their behavior, paving the way for self-awareness and eventual behavior modification.
Question 5 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
When working with the nurse during the orientation phase of the relationship, a client with a borderline personality disorder would
probably have the most difficulty in:
A. Controlling anxiety.
B. Terminating the session on time.
C. Accepting the psychiatric diagnosis.
D. Setting mutual goals for the relationship.
ANSWER : D — Setting mutual goals for the relationship.
Explanation: Clients with borderline personality disorders frequently demonstrate a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsiveness,
affective instability, and frantic efforts to avoid abandonment; these behaviors usually create great difficulty in establishing mutual goals. Goals should
be set realistically and renegotiated frequently.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 1 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
,PERSONALITY AND MOOD DISORDERS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 6 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A client with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder has negative feelings toward the other clients on the unit and considers
them all to be 'bad.' The nurse understands this defense is known as:
A. Splitting
B. Ambivalence
C. Passive aggression
D. Reaction formation
ANSWER : A — Splitting
Explanation: Splitting is the compartmentalization of opposite-affect states and failure to integrate the positive and negative aspects of self or others.
The individual is unable to hold opposing thoughts or beliefs, seeing the world in terms of black or white, all-or-nothing, or all-good or all-bad.
Question 7 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
The client with antisocial personality disorder:
A. Suffers from a great deal of anxiety.
B. Is generally unable to postpone gratification.
C. Rapidly learns by experience and punishment.
D. Has a great sense of responsibility toward others.
ANSWER : B — Is generally unable to postpone gratification.
Explanation: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder tend to be self-centered and impulsive. They lack judgment and self-control, are unable
to postpone gratification, and do not profit from their mistakes or punishment.
Question 8 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A person with antisocial personality disorder has difficulty relating to others because of never having learned to:
A. Count on others.
B. Empathize with others.
C. Be dependent on others.
D. Communicate with others socially.
ANSWER : B — Empathize with others.
Explanation: The lack of superego control in individuals with antisocial personality disorder allows the ego and id to dominate, focusing entirely on
self-motivation and self-satisfaction. They have an extreme difficulty feeling empathy for others, making stable relationships nearly impossible.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 3 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
, PERSONALITY AND MOOD DISORDERS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 9 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A young, handsome man with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is being discharged from the hospital next week. He
asks the nurse for her phone number so that he can call her for a date. The nurse's best response would be:
A. "We are not permitted to date clients."
B. "No, you are a client and I am a nurse."
C. "I like you, but our relationship is professional."
D. "It's against my professional ethics to date clients."
ANSWER : C — "I like you, but our relationship is professional."
Explanation: This accepts the client as a person of worth rather than being cold or implying rejection. However, the nurse maintains a professional
rather than a social role, clearly establishing boundaries.
Question 10 — Chapter 1: Cluster A Personality Disorders
When caring for a client with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder, the nurse should:
A. Set limits on manipulative behavior.
B. Encourage participation in group therapy.
C. Respect the client's needs for social isolation.
D. Understand that seductive behavior is expected.
ANSWER : C — Respect the client's needs for social isolation.
Explanation: These clients are withdrawn, aloof, and socially distant; allowing distance and providing support may encourage the eventual
development of a therapeutic alliance. Group therapy would increase this client's anxiety.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 4 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
2023 UPDATE – 2026–2027 UPDATED EXAM 100% (VERIFIED ANSWERS)|A+ GRADE
BRAND NEW
Question 1 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
The nursing diagnosis that would be most appropriate for a 22-year old client who uses ritualistic behavior would be:
A. Ineffective coping
B. Impaired adjustment
C. Personal identity disturbance
D. Sensory/perceptual alterations
ANSWER : A — Ineffective coping
Explanation: Ineffective coping is the impairment of a person's adaptive behaviors and problem-solving abilities in meeting life's demands; ritualistic
behavior fits under this category as a defining characteristic. During the beginning of treatment, allow plenty of time for rituals. Do not be judgmental
or verbalize disapproval of the behavior. To deny the client this activity can precipitate panic level of anxiety.
Question 2 — Chapter 3: Cluster C Personality Disorders
A psychiatrist prescribes an anti-obsessional agent for a client who is using ritualistic behavior. A common anti-anxiety
medication used for this type of client would be:
A. fluvoxamine (Luvox)
B. benztropine (Cogentin)
C. amantadine (Symmetrel)
D. diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
ANSWER : A — fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Explanation: This drug blocks the uptake of serotonin. Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't
go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over) and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in
front of others that interferes with normal life). Fluvoxamine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works
by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Question 3 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A 20-year old college student has been brought to the psychiatric hospital by her parents. Her admitting diagnosis is borderline
personality disorder. When talking with the parents, which information would the nurse expect to be included in the client's
history? Select all that apply.
A. Impulsiveness
B. Lability of mood
C. Ritualistic behavior
D. Psychomotor retardation
E. Self-destructive behavior
ANSWER : A, B, & E — Impulsiveness, Lability of mood, & Self-destructive behavior
Explanation: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable moods and emotions, relationships, and behavior. Typical historical
findings include impulsiveness (e.g., spending, substance abuse, risky behavior), affective instability/lability of mood (quick mood shifts), and
self-destructive behavior (such as cutting, burning, or suicidal gestures). Ritualistic behaviors are associated with OCD, and psychomotor retardation
is classic in melancholic depression.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 1 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
, Question 4 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A hospitalized client, diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, consistently breaks the unit's rules. This behavior should
be confronted because it will help the client:
A. Control anger
B. Reduce anxiety
C. Set realistic goals
D. Become more self-aware
ANSWER : D — Become more self-aware
Explanation: Clients must first become aware of their behavior before they can change it. Confronting the rule-breaking behavior in a therapeutic
manner helps the client recognize and reflect on their behavior, paving the way for self-awareness and eventual behavior modification.
Question 5 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
When working with the nurse during the orientation phase of the relationship, a client with a borderline personality disorder would
probably have the most difficulty in:
A. Controlling anxiety.
B. Terminating the session on time.
C. Accepting the psychiatric diagnosis.
D. Setting mutual goals for the relationship.
ANSWER : D — Setting mutual goals for the relationship.
Explanation: Clients with borderline personality disorders frequently demonstrate a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsiveness,
affective instability, and frantic efforts to avoid abandonment; these behaviors usually create great difficulty in establishing mutual goals. Goals should
be set realistically and renegotiated frequently.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 1 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
,PERSONALITY AND MOOD DISORDERS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 6 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A client with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder has negative feelings toward the other clients on the unit and considers
them all to be 'bad.' The nurse understands this defense is known as:
A. Splitting
B. Ambivalence
C. Passive aggression
D. Reaction formation
ANSWER : A — Splitting
Explanation: Splitting is the compartmentalization of opposite-affect states and failure to integrate the positive and negative aspects of self or others.
The individual is unable to hold opposing thoughts or beliefs, seeing the world in terms of black or white, all-or-nothing, or all-good or all-bad.
Question 7 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
The client with antisocial personality disorder:
A. Suffers from a great deal of anxiety.
B. Is generally unable to postpone gratification.
C. Rapidly learns by experience and punishment.
D. Has a great sense of responsibility toward others.
ANSWER : B — Is generally unable to postpone gratification.
Explanation: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder tend to be self-centered and impulsive. They lack judgment and self-control, are unable
to postpone gratification, and do not profit from their mistakes or punishment.
Question 8 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A person with antisocial personality disorder has difficulty relating to others because of never having learned to:
A. Count on others.
B. Empathize with others.
C. Be dependent on others.
D. Communicate with others socially.
ANSWER : B — Empathize with others.
Explanation: The lack of superego control in individuals with antisocial personality disorder allows the ego and id to dominate, focusing entirely on
self-motivation and self-satisfaction. They have an extreme difficulty feeling empathy for others, making stable relationships nearly impossible.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 3 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
, PERSONALITY AND MOOD DISORDERS PRACTICE EXAM 2026-2027 UPDATE EXAM
Question 9 — Chapter 2: Cluster B Personality Disorders
A young, handsome man with a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder is being discharged from the hospital next week. He
asks the nurse for her phone number so that he can call her for a date. The nurse's best response would be:
A. "We are not permitted to date clients."
B. "No, you are a client and I am a nurse."
C. "I like you, but our relationship is professional."
D. "It's against my professional ethics to date clients."
ANSWER : C — "I like you, but our relationship is professional."
Explanation: This accepts the client as a person of worth rather than being cold or implying rejection. However, the nurse maintains a professional
rather than a social role, clearly establishing boundaries.
Question 10 — Chapter 1: Cluster A Personality Disorders
When caring for a client with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder, the nurse should:
A. Set limits on manipulative behavior.
B. Encourage participation in group therapy.
C. Respect the client's needs for social isolation.
D. Understand that seductive behavior is expected.
ANSWER : C — Respect the client's needs for social isolation.
Explanation: These clients are withdrawn, aloof, and socially distant; allowing distance and providing support may encourage the eventual
development of a therapeutic alliance. Group therapy would increase this client's anxiety.
Subject: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Page 4 of 50 Gemini Notebook A+ Professional Study Guide
