NUR 253 EXAM 2: MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING CONCEPTS QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH
EXPERT EXPLANATIONS | 2026 – 2027
UPDATE (PDF) GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the
following symptoms is a characteristic diagnostic criterion according to the DSM-5?
A. Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations
B. Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about future attacks
C. Excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months
D. The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms within 3 months of a stressor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a
number of events or activities.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit in a state of panic. Which nursing intervention is
the priority?
A. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail
,B. Provide a detailed explanation of the unit rules and schedule
C. Administer an oral dose of an SSRI immediately
D. Stay with the client and maintain a calm, quiet environment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In a panic state, the priority is safety and reducing stimuli.
Staying with the client provides reassurance, and a calm environment helps lower anxiety
levels. Oral SSRIs take weeks to work.
3. The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed Alprazolam for acute anxiety. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “I should not stop taking this medication abruptly.”
B. “This medication can make me feel dizzy or drowsy.”
C. “I can have one or two glasses of wine to help me relax at night.”
D. “I will avoid driving until I know how this medicine affects me.”
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Alprazolam are CNS depressants and
should never be combined with alcohol due to the risk of respiratory depression and
additive sedation.
, 4. Which neurobiological factor is most commonly associated with the etiology of Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
A. Deficiency of Acetylcholine in the hippocampus
B. Dysregulation of Serotonin in the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex
C. Excessive levels of Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex
D. Low levels of GABA in the amygdala
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: OCD is strongly linked to dysregulation of the serotonin system
and neuroanatomical differences in the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex.
5. A client with OCD spends two hours every morning organizing their closet. What is the
nurse’s best initial action?
A. Lock the closet door to prevent the ritualistic behavior
B. Explain to the client that their behavior is irrational and time-consuming
C. Interrupt the ritual and redirect the client to a group activity
D. Allow the client time to complete the ritual to prevent increased anxiety
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the client to perform rituals to
avoid a panic level of anxiety. Later in treatment, limits can be set on the rituals while
teaching coping skills.
NURSING CONCEPTS QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) WITH
EXPERT EXPLANATIONS | 2026 – 2027
UPDATE (PDF) GALEN COLLEGE OF
NURSING
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the
following symptoms is a characteristic diagnostic criterion according to the DSM-5?
A. Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations
B. Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks followed by persistent concern about future attacks
C. Excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months
D. The development of emotional or behavioral symptoms within 3 months of a stressor
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a
number of events or activities.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit in a state of panic. Which nursing intervention is
the priority?
A. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail
,B. Provide a detailed explanation of the unit rules and schedule
C. Administer an oral dose of an SSRI immediately
D. Stay with the client and maintain a calm, quiet environment
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In a panic state, the priority is safety and reducing stimuli.
Staying with the client provides reassurance, and a calm environment helps lower anxiety
levels. Oral SSRIs take weeks to work.
3. The nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed Alprazolam for acute anxiety. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. “I should not stop taking this medication abruptly.”
B. “This medication can make me feel dizzy or drowsy.”
C. “I can have one or two glasses of wine to help me relax at night.”
D. “I will avoid driving until I know how this medicine affects me.”
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Alprazolam are CNS depressants and
should never be combined with alcohol due to the risk of respiratory depression and
additive sedation.
, 4. Which neurobiological factor is most commonly associated with the etiology of Obsessive-
Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
A. Deficiency of Acetylcholine in the hippocampus
B. Dysregulation of Serotonin in the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex
C. Excessive levels of Dopamine in the prefrontal cortex
D. Low levels of GABA in the amygdala
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: OCD is strongly linked to dysregulation of the serotonin system
and neuroanatomical differences in the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex.
5. A client with OCD spends two hours every morning organizing their closet. What is the
nurse’s best initial action?
A. Lock the closet door to prevent the ritualistic behavior
B. Explain to the client that their behavior is irrational and time-consuming
C. Interrupt the ritual and redirect the client to a group activity
D. Allow the client time to complete the ritual to prevent increased anxiety
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the client to perform rituals to
avoid a panic level of anxiety. Later in treatment, limits can be set on the rituals while
teaching coping skills.
