,NUR 256 Exam 3 Concepts of Mental Health Nursing Questions And
Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD)?
A) Persistent elevated mood
B) Intrusive memories related to a traumatic event
C) Progressive loss of language
D) Repetitive motor tics
Correct Answer: B) Intrusive memories related to a traumatic event
Rationale: PTSD can involve intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks,
avoidance, negative changes in cognition and mood, and increased arousal
following trauma.
Q2. A client with PTSD experiences a rapid heartbeat and sweating
after hearing a sound associated with the traumatic event. Which
response is occurring?
A) Trauma-related physiological reactivity
B) Negative symptom
C) Compulsion
D) Confabulation
Correct Answer: A) Trauma-related physiological reactivity
Rationale: Trauma reminders can trigger marked physiological and
emotional responses in clients with PTSD.
Q3. Which behavior is characteristic of avoidance in PTSD?
A) Repeatedly discussing the traumatic event
B) Avoiding places associated with the trauma
C) Increasing participation in social activities
D) Seeking repeated exposure to reminders
Correct Answer: B) Avoiding places associated with the trauma
Rationale: Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, people, places,
or situations is a common PTSD symptom.
Q4. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client with
PTSD?
, A) Force the client to describe every traumatic detail immediately
B) Establish safety and provide a predictable environment
C) Tell the client to forget the trauma
D) Avoid discussing coping strategies
Correct Answer: B) Establish safety and provide a predictable environment
Rationale: Safety, trust, predictability, and stabilization are important
foundations of trauma-informed care.
Q5. Which finding is associated with acute stress disorder?
A) Symptoms occurring after exposure to a traumatic event
B) Symptoms occurring only after years of chronic stress
C) Progressive cognitive decline
D) Persistent manic behavior
Correct Answer: A) Symptoms occurring after exposure to a traumatic event
Rationale: Acute stress disorder involves trauma-related symptoms that
occur after exposure to a traumatic event and are present during the early
post-trauma period.
Q6. Which symptom is commonly associated with acute stress
reactions?
A) Dissociation
B) Grandiosity
C) Flight of ideas
D) Echolalia
Correct Answer: A) Dissociation
Rationale: Acute trauma responses may include dissociation, intrusive
memories, avoidance, negative mood, and heightened arousal.
Q7. A client says, "I feel as if I am watching myself from outside my
body." Which phenomenon should the nurse recognize?
A) Derealization
B) Depersonalization
C) Confabulation
D) Delusion
Correct Answer: B) Depersonalization
Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD)?
A) Persistent elevated mood
B) Intrusive memories related to a traumatic event
C) Progressive loss of language
D) Repetitive motor tics
Correct Answer: B) Intrusive memories related to a traumatic event
Rationale: PTSD can involve intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks,
avoidance, negative changes in cognition and mood, and increased arousal
following trauma.
Q2. A client with PTSD experiences a rapid heartbeat and sweating
after hearing a sound associated with the traumatic event. Which
response is occurring?
A) Trauma-related physiological reactivity
B) Negative symptom
C) Compulsion
D) Confabulation
Correct Answer: A) Trauma-related physiological reactivity
Rationale: Trauma reminders can trigger marked physiological and
emotional responses in clients with PTSD.
Q3. Which behavior is characteristic of avoidance in PTSD?
A) Repeatedly discussing the traumatic event
B) Avoiding places associated with the trauma
C) Increasing participation in social activities
D) Seeking repeated exposure to reminders
Correct Answer: B) Avoiding places associated with the trauma
Rationale: Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, people, places,
or situations is a common PTSD symptom.
Q4. Which intervention is appropriate when caring for a client with
PTSD?
, A) Force the client to describe every traumatic detail immediately
B) Establish safety and provide a predictable environment
C) Tell the client to forget the trauma
D) Avoid discussing coping strategies
Correct Answer: B) Establish safety and provide a predictable environment
Rationale: Safety, trust, predictability, and stabilization are important
foundations of trauma-informed care.
Q5. Which finding is associated with acute stress disorder?
A) Symptoms occurring after exposure to a traumatic event
B) Symptoms occurring only after years of chronic stress
C) Progressive cognitive decline
D) Persistent manic behavior
Correct Answer: A) Symptoms occurring after exposure to a traumatic event
Rationale: Acute stress disorder involves trauma-related symptoms that
occur after exposure to a traumatic event and are present during the early
post-trauma period.
Q6. Which symptom is commonly associated with acute stress
reactions?
A) Dissociation
B) Grandiosity
C) Flight of ideas
D) Echolalia
Correct Answer: A) Dissociation
Rationale: Acute trauma responses may include dissociation, intrusive
memories, avoidance, negative mood, and heightened arousal.
Q7. A client says, "I feel as if I am watching myself from outside my
body." Which phenomenon should the nurse recognize?
A) Derealization
B) Depersonalization
C) Confabulation
D) Delusion
Correct Answer: B) Depersonalization
