NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehens... Professional Study Guide
NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026)
Comprehensive Study Guide UPDATE
Comprehensive Study Guide
50 Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Update
Galen College of Nursing
High-Yield Practice for Exam Success
Questions include correct answers and clear clinical rationales
to strengthen understanding and retention.
Ideal for exam preparation and NCLEX-style practice
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehens... Professional Study Guide
How to Use This Study Guide
This guide contains 50 practice questions with answers and rationales. Attempt each question before revealing the
answer. Review rationales carefully to reinforce key concepts and priority nursing actions.
• Work through questions under timed conditions when possible.
• Focus extra review on topics you miss.
• Use rationales to create personal summary notes or flashcards.
Good luck with your studies!
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehens... Professional Study Guide
Practice Questions
Question 1
A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which information should
the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It should be taken only as needed (PRN) for acute panic attacks.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur.
C. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
D. The medication has a high potential for addiction and withdrawal.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate effects; it requires consistent dosing and takes
weeks to reach full efficacy. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not for PRN use and has low abuse potential.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department who reports sudden palpitations, chest pain, and a
feeling of ‘impending doom.’ Which level of anxiety is the client experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Panic level anxiety
D. Severe anxiety
Answer: C
Rationale:
Panic level anxiety is characterized by a complete loss of control, feelings of dread or doom, and physical symptoms like
chest pain and palpitations that may mimic a myocardial infarction.
Question 3
Which nursing intervention is a priority for a client admitted with a severe depressive episode and a history of
suicidal ideation who suddenly appears happy and energetic?
A. Decrease the frequency of observation to encourage independence.
B. Document the improvement in mood and prepare for discharge.
C. Increase the frequency of suicide checks and one-to-one observation.
D. Encourage the client to lead a group therapy session.
Answer: C
Rationale:
A sudden increase in energy or improvement in mood in a depressed, suicidal client often indicates the client has finalized a
suicide plan and now has the energy to carry it out.
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 3
NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026)
Comprehensive Study Guide UPDATE
Comprehensive Study Guide
50 Practice Questions with Detailed Rationales
Update
Galen College of Nursing
High-Yield Practice for Exam Success
Questions include correct answers and clear clinical rationales
to strengthen understanding and retention.
Ideal for exam preparation and NCLEX-style practice
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehens... Professional Study Guide
How to Use This Study Guide
This guide contains 50 practice questions with answers and rationales. Attempt each question before revealing the
answer. Review rationales carefully to reinforce key concepts and priority nursing actions.
• Work through questions under timed conditions when possible.
• Focus extra review on topics you miss.
• Use rationales to create personal summary notes or flashcards.
Good luck with your studies!
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehens... Professional Study Guide
Practice Questions
Question 1
A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which information should
the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It should be taken only as needed (PRN) for acute panic attacks.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur.
C. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
D. The medication has a high potential for addiction and withdrawal.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate effects; it requires consistent dosing and takes
weeks to reach full efficacy. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not for PRN use and has low abuse potential.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department who reports sudden palpitations, chest pain, and a
feeling of ‘impending doom.’ Which level of anxiety is the client experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Panic level anxiety
D. Severe anxiety
Answer: C
Rationale:
Panic level anxiety is characterized by a complete loss of control, feelings of dread or doom, and physical symptoms like
chest pain and palpitations that may mimic a myocardial infarction.
Question 3
Which nursing intervention is a priority for a client admitted with a severe depressive episode and a history of
suicidal ideation who suddenly appears happy and energetic?
A. Decrease the frequency of observation to encourage independence.
B. Document the improvement in mood and prepare for discharge.
C. Increase the frequency of suicide checks and one-to-one observation.
D. Encourage the client to lead a group therapy session.
Answer: C
Rationale:
A sudden increase in energy or improvement in mood in a depressed, suicidal client often indicates the client has finalized a
suicide plan and now has the energy to carry it out.
2026/2027 Update • For Educational Use Page 3
