NUR 208 Exam 3 Mental Health
Nursing Review 2026/2027 –
Practice Questions, Answers &
Detailed Rationales Guaranteed
Pass (GRADED A+)
1. A client experiencing a panic attack is pacing rapidly and
stating, “I can’t breathe.” What should the nurse do first?
A. Ask the client to describe the cause of the anxiety
B. Teach the client about relaxation techniques
C. Remain with the client and use short, calm statements.
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
Rationale: During severe anxiety or panic, the nurse should
remain with the client, reduce environmental stimuli, and
communicate briefly and calmly until anxiety decreases.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive
disorder?
A. Elevated self-esteem
B. Persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure
C. Increased need for social interaction
D. Rapidly changing perceptions of reality
,Rationale: Major depressive disorder commonly involves
persistent depressed mood and/or anhedonia accompanied by
cognitive, physical, or behavioral symptoms.
3. A client taking an antipsychotic medication develops
severe muscle rigidity, fever, confusion, and autonomic
instability. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Tardive dyskinesia
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Acute dystonia
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially life-
threatening reaction associated with antipsychotic medications
and is characterized by rigidity, hyperthermia, altered mental
status, and autonomic instability.
4. Which statement by a client with obsessive-compulsive
disorder demonstrates understanding of the condition?
A. “My compulsions are completely voluntary.”
B. “My thoughts are caused by a psychotic disorder.”
C. “The repetitive behaviors temporarily reduce my anxiety.”
D. “I should avoid all situations that increase my anxiety.”
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts
performed to reduce anxiety associated with intrusive
obsessions.
,5. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client
experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Agree that the voices are real
B. Tell the client to stop listening to the voices
C. Acknowledge the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination.
D. Encourage the client to isolate until the hallucinations stop
Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client’s
perception while presenting reality, such as stating, “I
understand that you hear the voices, but I do not hear them.”
6. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing acute mania.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
A. Provide lengthy explanations
B. Encourage participation in multiple group activities
C. Reduce environmental stimulation and establish clear
limits.
D. Encourage unrestricted physical activity
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from decreased
stimulation, structured routines, clear limits, and brief, direct
communication.
7. Which assessment finding requires the nurse’s immediate
attention in a client with depression?
, A. Fatigue
B. Decreased appetite
C. Social withdrawal
D. A specific suicide plan
Rationale: A specific suicide plan indicates increased risk and
requires immediate safety assessment and intervention.
8. Which question is most appropriate when assessing
suicide risk?
A. “You aren't thinking about suicide, are you?”
B. “Why would you want to hurt yourself?”
C. “Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?”
D. “You would tell me if you were suicidal, correct?”
Rationale: Direct, clear questioning about suicide does not
increase suicidal behavior and allows the nurse to assess risk
accurately.
9. Which symptom is commonly associated with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
A. Persistent euphoria
B. Intrusive memories or nightmares related to the trauma
C. Increased need for social interaction
D. Complete absence of anxiety
Nursing Review 2026/2027 –
Practice Questions, Answers &
Detailed Rationales Guaranteed
Pass (GRADED A+)
1. A client experiencing a panic attack is pacing rapidly and
stating, “I can’t breathe.” What should the nurse do first?
A. Ask the client to describe the cause of the anxiety
B. Teach the client about relaxation techniques
C. Remain with the client and use short, calm statements.
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
Rationale: During severe anxiety or panic, the nurse should
remain with the client, reduce environmental stimuli, and
communicate briefly and calmly until anxiety decreases.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of major depressive
disorder?
A. Elevated self-esteem
B. Persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure
C. Increased need for social interaction
D. Rapidly changing perceptions of reality
,Rationale: Major depressive disorder commonly involves
persistent depressed mood and/or anhedonia accompanied by
cognitive, physical, or behavioral symptoms.
3. A client taking an antipsychotic medication develops
severe muscle rigidity, fever, confusion, and autonomic
instability. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin syndrome
B. Tardive dyskinesia
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
D. Acute dystonia
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially life-
threatening reaction associated with antipsychotic medications
and is characterized by rigidity, hyperthermia, altered mental
status, and autonomic instability.
4. Which statement by a client with obsessive-compulsive
disorder demonstrates understanding of the condition?
A. “My compulsions are completely voluntary.”
B. “My thoughts are caused by a psychotic disorder.”
C. “The repetitive behaviors temporarily reduce my anxiety.”
D. “I should avoid all situations that increase my anxiety.”
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts
performed to reduce anxiety associated with intrusive
obsessions.
,5. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client
experiencing auditory hallucinations?
A. Agree that the voices are real
B. Tell the client to stop listening to the voices
C. Acknowledge the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination.
D. Encourage the client to isolate until the hallucinations stop
Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client’s
perception while presenting reality, such as stating, “I
understand that you hear the voices, but I do not hear them.”
6. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing acute mania.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
A. Provide lengthy explanations
B. Encourage participation in multiple group activities
C. Reduce environmental stimulation and establish clear
limits.
D. Encourage unrestricted physical activity
Rationale: Clients experiencing mania benefit from decreased
stimulation, structured routines, clear limits, and brief, direct
communication.
7. Which assessment finding requires the nurse’s immediate
attention in a client with depression?
, A. Fatigue
B. Decreased appetite
C. Social withdrawal
D. A specific suicide plan
Rationale: A specific suicide plan indicates increased risk and
requires immediate safety assessment and intervention.
8. Which question is most appropriate when assessing
suicide risk?
A. “You aren't thinking about suicide, are you?”
B. “Why would you want to hurt yourself?”
C. “Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?”
D. “You would tell me if you were suicidal, correct?”
Rationale: Direct, clear questioning about suicide does not
increase suicidal behavior and allows the nurse to assess risk
accurately.
9. Which symptom is commonly associated with post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
A. Persistent euphoria
B. Intrusive memories or nightmares related to the trauma
C. Increased need for social interaction
D. Complete absence of anxiety
