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Final Exam NSG 3600 Exam Questions and Answers Practice
Questions with Solutions Newest Complete Questions And
Correct Detailed Answers| Already Graded A+
Question 1
A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following
statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that
apply.)
A. "To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens."
B. "To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression."
C. "To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence."
D. "To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of objects."
E. "To assess the client's abstract thinking, I can ask the client to identify the most recent president."
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Counting backward by sevens assesses concentration and cognitive ability. Affect is assessed
by observing facial expressions. Writing a sentence evaluates language ability. Remote memory is tested
by asking about past historical events, not object repetition (which tests immediate recall). Abstract
thinking is assessed by interpreting proverbs, not naming presidents.
Question 2
A nurse is performing a mental status examination on a client. Which of the following components of
the MSE assesses the client's awareness of their current situation, including person, place, and time?
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Orientation
D. Thought content
Answer: C
Rationale: Orientation refers to the client's awareness of person (who they are), place (where they are),
and time (date, season, year). Insight refers to understanding of their illness. Judgment refers to
decision-making ability. Thought content refers to what the client is thinking about (delusions,
obsessions, phobias).
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Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Grandiose delusions
B. Pressured speech
C. Psychomotor retardation
D. Flight of ideas
Answer: C
Rationale: Psychomotor retardation (slowed movements, speech, and thought processes) is a classic
finding in major depressive disorder. Grandiose delusions, pressured speech, and flight of ideas are
characteristic of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing acute mania. Which of the following findings should the
nurse expect?
A. Hypersomnia
B. Anhedonia
C. Pressured speech
D. Psychomotor retardation
Answer: C
Rationale: Pressured speech—rapid, frenzied, and difficult to interrupt—is a hallmark of acute mania.
Hypersomnia, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation are characteristic of depression.
Question 5
A client tells the nurse, "I don't want to take my medication anymore because it makes me feel tired all
the time." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "If you don't take it, your symptoms will return."
B. "You should just try harder to tolerate the side effects."
C. "Let's talk with your provider about your concerns and possible alternatives."
D. "It's normal to feel this way, but stopping suddenly is fine."
Answer: C
Rationale: Collaborative problem-solving supports adherence while validating the client's concerns.
Nurses should encourage communication with the provider about side effects to consider dose
adjustments or alternative medications. Warning about relapse without addressing concerns reduces
trust and worsens noncompliance.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory hallucinations and tells the
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nurse, "The voices keep telling me I am worthless." Which of the following responses should the nurse
provide?
A. "Those voices aren't real, so you should ignore them."
B. "I don't hear the voices, but I understand they are real to you. What are they saying right now?"
C. "If you keep talking about the voices, I will have to leave."
D. "Try not to think about the voices; let's talk about something else."
Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication acknowledges the client's experience without validating the
hallucinations as real. By asking what the voices are saying, the nurse gains insight into the client's
thought content (assessing for command hallucinations) while promoting trust and demonstrating
empathy. Dismissing or avoiding the discussion is non-therapeutic and can increase isolation and
distress.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing actions is
most appropriate?
A. Teach the client to identify triggers of anxiety.
B. Stay with the client, use short clear sentences, and encourage slow breathing.
C. Encourage the client to talk in detail about their anxiety.
D. Leave the client alone until the attack subsides.
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client's ability to focus and learn is impaired, making education
ineffective. The priority is to stay with the client, provide reassurance, and model calming techniques.
Leaving the client alone can worsen anxiety, and lengthy explanations may overwhelm them further.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client following a physical assault. The client states, "I don't remember what
happened to me." The nurse should recognize that the client is using which of the following defense
mechanisms?
A. Repression
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Denial
Answer: A
Rationale: Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism in which the ego excludes anxiety-
provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories from conscious awareness. The client's statement, "I don't
remember what happened," indicates repression of traumatic memory. Denial involves conscious
refusal to acknowledge reality, while displacement transfers feelings to a less threatening target.
Rationalization involves justifying unacceptable behavior with logical reasons.
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Question 9
A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
A. Excessive worry for 6 months
B. Impulsive decision making
C. Delayed reflexes
D. Restlessness
E. Need for reassurance
Answer: A, D, E
Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least
6 months. Restlessness and a need for reassurance are common symptoms. Impulsive decision making is
more characteristic of bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Delayed reflexes are not a
typical finding in GAD.
Question 10
A client is fearful of driving and enters a behavioral therapy program to help overcome this anxiety.
Using systematic desensitization, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Have the client drive on a busy highway.
B. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
C. Discuss the client's childhood fears.
D. Expose the client to a parked car.
Answer: B
Rationale: Systematic desensitization involves three steps: (1) teaching relaxation techniques, (2)
creating a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli, and (3) gradual exposure while maintaining relaxation.
The first step is always teaching relaxation skills so the client can manage anxiety during exposure.
Question 11
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed sertraline. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "It might take several weeks before I notice improvement in my mood."
B. "I should avoid abruptly stopping this medication."
C. "I will let my provider know if I develop a rash."
D. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
Answer: D
Rationale: Antidepressants should be taken for the full prescribed duration, even after symptoms
improve. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse. The other statements
Final Exam NSG 3600 Exam Questions and Answers Practice
Questions with Solutions Newest Complete Questions And
Correct Detailed Answers| Already Graded A+
Question 1
A charge nurse is discussing mental status exams with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following
statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that
apply.)
A. "To assess cognitive ability, I should ask the client to count backward by sevens."
B. "To assess affect, I should observe the client's facial expression."
C. "To assess language ability, I should instruct the client to write a sentence."
D. "To assess remote memory, I should have the client repeat a list of objects."
E. "To assess the client's abstract thinking, I can ask the client to identify the most recent president."
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Counting backward by sevens assesses concentration and cognitive ability. Affect is assessed
by observing facial expressions. Writing a sentence evaluates language ability. Remote memory is tested
by asking about past historical events, not object repetition (which tests immediate recall). Abstract
thinking is assessed by interpreting proverbs, not naming presidents.
Question 2
A nurse is performing a mental status examination on a client. Which of the following components of
the MSE assesses the client's awareness of their current situation, including person, place, and time?
A. Insight
B. Judgment
C. Orientation
D. Thought content
Answer: C
Rationale: Orientation refers to the client's awareness of person (who they are), place (where they are),
and time (date, season, year). Insight refers to understanding of their illness. Judgment refers to
decision-making ability. Thought content refers to what the client is thinking about (delusions,
obsessions, phobias).
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Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Grandiose delusions
B. Pressured speech
C. Psychomotor retardation
D. Flight of ideas
Answer: C
Rationale: Psychomotor retardation (slowed movements, speech, and thought processes) is a classic
finding in major depressive disorder. Grandiose delusions, pressured speech, and flight of ideas are
characteristic of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing acute mania. Which of the following findings should the
nurse expect?
A. Hypersomnia
B. Anhedonia
C. Pressured speech
D. Psychomotor retardation
Answer: C
Rationale: Pressured speech—rapid, frenzied, and difficult to interrupt—is a hallmark of acute mania.
Hypersomnia, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation are characteristic of depression.
Question 5
A client tells the nurse, "I don't want to take my medication anymore because it makes me feel tired all
the time." Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "If you don't take it, your symptoms will return."
B. "You should just try harder to tolerate the side effects."
C. "Let's talk with your provider about your concerns and possible alternatives."
D. "It's normal to feel this way, but stopping suddenly is fine."
Answer: C
Rationale: Collaborative problem-solving supports adherence while validating the client's concerns.
Nurses should encourage communication with the provider about side effects to consider dose
adjustments or alternative medications. Warning about relapse without addressing concerns reduces
trust and worsens noncompliance.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory hallucinations and tells the
,3
nurse, "The voices keep telling me I am worthless." Which of the following responses should the nurse
provide?
A. "Those voices aren't real, so you should ignore them."
B. "I don't hear the voices, but I understand they are real to you. What are they saying right now?"
C. "If you keep talking about the voices, I will have to leave."
D. "Try not to think about the voices; let's talk about something else."
Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication acknowledges the client's experience without validating the
hallucinations as real. By asking what the voices are saying, the nurse gains insight into the client's
thought content (assessing for command hallucinations) while promoting trust and demonstrating
empathy. Dismissing or avoiding the discussion is non-therapeutic and can increase isolation and
distress.
Question 7
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing actions is
most appropriate?
A. Teach the client to identify triggers of anxiety.
B. Stay with the client, use short clear sentences, and encourage slow breathing.
C. Encourage the client to talk in detail about their anxiety.
D. Leave the client alone until the attack subsides.
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client's ability to focus and learn is impaired, making education
ineffective. The priority is to stay with the client, provide reassurance, and model calming techniques.
Leaving the client alone can worsen anxiety, and lengthy explanations may overwhelm them further.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a client following a physical assault. The client states, "I don't remember what
happened to me." The nurse should recognize that the client is using which of the following defense
mechanisms?
A. Repression
B. Displacement
C. Rationalization
D. Denial
Answer: A
Rationale: Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism in which the ego excludes anxiety-
provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories from conscious awareness. The client's statement, "I don't
remember what happened," indicates repression of traumatic memory. Denial involves conscious
refusal to acknowledge reality, while displacement transfers feelings to a less threatening target.
Rationalization involves justifying unacceptable behavior with logical reasons.
, 4
Question 9
A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
A. Excessive worry for 6 months
B. Impulsive decision making
C. Delayed reflexes
D. Restlessness
E. Need for reassurance
Answer: A, D, E
Rationale: GAD is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least
6 months. Restlessness and a need for reassurance are common symptoms. Impulsive decision making is
more characteristic of bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. Delayed reflexes are not a
typical finding in GAD.
Question 10
A client is fearful of driving and enters a behavioral therapy program to help overcome this anxiety.
Using systematic desensitization, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Have the client drive on a busy highway.
B. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
C. Discuss the client's childhood fears.
D. Expose the client to a parked car.
Answer: B
Rationale: Systematic desensitization involves three steps: (1) teaching relaxation techniques, (2)
creating a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli, and (3) gradual exposure while maintaining relaxation.
The first step is always teaching relaxation skills so the client can manage anxiety during exposure.
Question 11
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed sertraline. Which statement by the client
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "It might take several weeks before I notice improvement in my mood."
B. "I should avoid abruptly stopping this medication."
C. "I will let my provider know if I develop a rash."
D. "I can stop taking this medication once I feel better."
Answer: D
Rationale: Antidepressants should be taken for the full prescribed duration, even after symptoms
improve. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse. The other statements
