NUR 253 Exams 1–4 Mental Health Psychiatric
Nursing Galen 2026/2027 – Questions and
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NUR 253 Exams 1–4 Practice Exam
Concepts of Mental Health Nursing | Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027
Edition
SECTION 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
1. A nurse is performing a mental status examination on a patient. Which of the
following is an objective finding regarding the patient's 'affect'?
A. The patient reports feeling very sad.
B. The patient appears expressionless with a flat tone.
C. The patient describes having high energy levels.
D. The patient believes they have special powers.
Answer: B
Rationale: Affect is the objective, observable emotional expression of a patient
(e.g., flat, blunted, labile), whereas mood is the subjective state reported by the
patient .
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is suspected of having a cognitive disorder.
Which finding indicates the client is experiencing clouded sensorium?
,A. The client states, "I am the President of the United States."
B. The client is oriented to person, place, and time.
C. The client is drowsy and difficult to arouse.
D. The client exhibits rapid, pressured speech.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clouded sensorium refers to a state of reduced awareness or
alertness, where the client appears drowsy or obtunded and has difficulty
maintaining focus. Delusions and pressured speech relate to thought processes
rather than level of consciousness .
3. Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for executive functions,
decision-making, and personality?
A. Occipital Lobe
B. Parietal Lobe
C. Frontal Lobe
D. Temporal Lobe
Answer: C
Rationale: The frontal lobe is primarily responsible for executive functions,
decision-making, and personality .
4. According to Erikson's stages of development, what is the primary task for an
individual in late adulthood (65+ years)?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: A
Rationale: Late adulthood is characterized by the struggle between Ego Integrity
(feeling satisfied with one's life) and Despair (regret over the past) .
, 5. According to Erik Erikson, which psychosocial conflict occurs between ages 2
and 3 years?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Rationale: During ages 2-3, toddlers develop autonomy by learning to control
bodily functions and make simple choices. Success leads to willpower; failure or
excessive criticism results in shame and doubt .
6. According to the diathesis-stress model, mental illness develops when:
A. A person experiences a traumatic event in isolation
B. A biological or genetic predisposition combines with environmental stress or
trauma
C. A person has no family history of mental illness
D. Environmental factors alone are present
Answer: B
Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders result from
a combination of a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis) and
environmental stress or trauma .
7. A nurse is providing education about mental health. Which statement about
mental illness is true?
A. Mental illness is only due to social/cultural factors.
B. Mental illness causes significant distress, impaired functioning, or both.
C. Individuals suffering from mental illness are usually able to cope effectively with
Nursing Galen 2026/2027 – Questions and
Answers | 100% Verified | Detailed Rationales
– Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
NUR 253 Exams 1–4 Practice Exam
Concepts of Mental Health Nursing | Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027
Edition
SECTION 1: Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
1. A nurse is performing a mental status examination on a patient. Which of the
following is an objective finding regarding the patient's 'affect'?
A. The patient reports feeling very sad.
B. The patient appears expressionless with a flat tone.
C. The patient describes having high energy levels.
D. The patient believes they have special powers.
Answer: B
Rationale: Affect is the objective, observable emotional expression of a patient
(e.g., flat, blunted, labile), whereas mood is the subjective state reported by the
patient .
2. A nurse is assessing a client who is suspected of having a cognitive disorder.
Which finding indicates the client is experiencing clouded sensorium?
,A. The client states, "I am the President of the United States."
B. The client is oriented to person, place, and time.
C. The client is drowsy and difficult to arouse.
D. The client exhibits rapid, pressured speech.
Answer: C
Rationale: Clouded sensorium refers to a state of reduced awareness or
alertness, where the client appears drowsy or obtunded and has difficulty
maintaining focus. Delusions and pressured speech relate to thought processes
rather than level of consciousness .
3. Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for executive functions,
decision-making, and personality?
A. Occipital Lobe
B. Parietal Lobe
C. Frontal Lobe
D. Temporal Lobe
Answer: C
Rationale: The frontal lobe is primarily responsible for executive functions,
decision-making, and personality .
4. According to Erikson's stages of development, what is the primary task for an
individual in late adulthood (65+ years)?
A. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
B. Identity vs. Role Confusion
C. Generativity vs. Stagnation
D. Intimacy vs. Isolation
Answer: A
Rationale: Late adulthood is characterized by the struggle between Ego Integrity
(feeling satisfied with one's life) and Despair (regret over the past) .
, 5. According to Erik Erikson, which psychosocial conflict occurs between ages 2
and 3 years?
A. Trust vs. Mistrust
B. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
C. Initiative vs. Guilt
D. Industry vs. Inferiority
Answer: B
Rationale: During ages 2-3, toddlers develop autonomy by learning to control
bodily functions and make simple choices. Success leads to willpower; failure or
excessive criticism results in shame and doubt .
6. According to the diathesis-stress model, mental illness develops when:
A. A person experiences a traumatic event in isolation
B. A biological or genetic predisposition combines with environmental stress or
trauma
C. A person has no family history of mental illness
D. Environmental factors alone are present
Answer: B
Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders result from
a combination of a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis) and
environmental stress or trauma .
7. A nurse is providing education about mental health. Which statement about
mental illness is true?
A. Mental illness is only due to social/cultural factors.
B. Mental illness causes significant distress, impaired functioning, or both.
C. Individuals suffering from mental illness are usually able to cope effectively with
