NUR 356 Exam 2: Mental Health Theory & Application V1 -
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm
B. Teach the client deep breathing techniques
C. Encourage the client to discuss the cause of anxiety
D. Administer an ordered antidepressant
Ans: A
Explanation: Safety and presence are the most critical components during a severe panic attack. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security and reduces the fear of being alone. A calm nurse helps to
prevent the escalation of the client’s anxiety. Complex teaching should be avoided until the panic
subsides because the client cannot focus. This intervention establishes trust and maintains a safe
environment for the patient.
2. Which behavior is most characteristic of a client with Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Social isolation and lack of interest in relationships
B. Extreme suspiciousness and mistrust of others
C. Grandiosity and a need for constant admiration
D. Splitting and emotional instability
Ans: D
Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in moods and interpersonal
relationships. Splitting is a common defense mechanism where individuals see others as all good or all
,bad. This behavior often leads to chaotic relationships and frequent crises. Nursing care focuses on
setting clear boundaries and maintaining consistency. Understanding these patterns helps the healthcare
team manage the client’s emotional dysregulation effectively.
3. A patient is prescribed Lithium for Bipolar Disorder. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Hemoglobin Levels
Ans: A
Explanation: Lithium is a salt that is closely related to sodium levels in the body. If sodium levels drop,
the kidneys retain lithium, leading to toxic levels. It is essential for the nurse to monitor fluid intake and
salt balance. Patients should be educated to maintain a consistent sodium diet. Regular blood tests are
required to ensure the lithium remains within a therapeutic range.
4. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A. To return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
B. To explore childhood traumas
C. To provide long-term psychotherapy
D. To diagnose underlying personality disorders
Ans: A
, Explanation: Crisis intervention is a short-term strategy designed to stabilize an individual. The main
focus is on the immediate problem rather than historical issues. Success is measured by the client’s
ability to regain their previous level of stability. Nurses play a vital role by identifying coping mechanisms
and support systems. This approach prevents long-term psychological damage following a stressful
event.
5. Which symptom is considered a ‘positive’ symptom of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Social withdrawal
D. Lack of motivation
Ans: A
Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia represent an excess or distortion of normal functions.
Hallucinations and delusions are the most recognizable positive symptoms. In contrast, negative
symptoms involve a loss of normal function like speech or emotion. Antipsychotic medications are
generally more effective at treating positive symptoms. Nurses must assess the nature of these symptoms
to ensure patient safety.
6. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends hours washing their hands. Initially, the nurse
should:
A. Force the client to stop the behavior immediately
B. Lock the bathroom to prevent handwashing
C. Tell the client that their hands are clean
D. Allow the ritual but set time limits gradually
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm
B. Teach the client deep breathing techniques
C. Encourage the client to discuss the cause of anxiety
D. Administer an ordered antidepressant
Ans: A
Explanation: Safety and presence are the most critical components during a severe panic attack. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security and reduces the fear of being alone. A calm nurse helps to
prevent the escalation of the client’s anxiety. Complex teaching should be avoided until the panic
subsides because the client cannot focus. This intervention establishes trust and maintains a safe
environment for the patient.
2. Which behavior is most characteristic of a client with Borderline Personality Disorder?
A. Social isolation and lack of interest in relationships
B. Extreme suspiciousness and mistrust of others
C. Grandiosity and a need for constant admiration
D. Splitting and emotional instability
Ans: D
Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in moods and interpersonal
relationships. Splitting is a common defense mechanism where individuals see others as all good or all
,bad. This behavior often leads to chaotic relationships and frequent crises. Nursing care focuses on
setting clear boundaries and maintaining consistency. Understanding these patterns helps the healthcare
team manage the client’s emotional dysregulation effectively.
3. A patient is prescribed Lithium for Bipolar Disorder. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Hemoglobin Levels
Ans: A
Explanation: Lithium is a salt that is closely related to sodium levels in the body. If sodium levels drop,
the kidneys retain lithium, leading to toxic levels. It is essential for the nurse to monitor fluid intake and
salt balance. Patients should be educated to maintain a consistent sodium diet. Regular blood tests are
required to ensure the lithium remains within a therapeutic range.
4. What is the primary goal of crisis intervention?
A. To return the client to the pre-crisis level of functioning
B. To explore childhood traumas
C. To provide long-term psychotherapy
D. To diagnose underlying personality disorders
Ans: A
, Explanation: Crisis intervention is a short-term strategy designed to stabilize an individual. The main
focus is on the immediate problem rather than historical issues. Success is measured by the client’s
ability to regain their previous level of stability. Nurses play a vital role by identifying coping mechanisms
and support systems. This approach prevents long-term psychological damage following a stressful
event.
5. Which symptom is considered a ‘positive’ symptom of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Social withdrawal
D. Lack of motivation
Ans: A
Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia represent an excess or distortion of normal functions.
Hallucinations and delusions are the most recognizable positive symptoms. In contrast, negative
symptoms involve a loss of normal function like speech or emotion. Antipsychotic medications are
generally more effective at treating positive symptoms. Nurses must assess the nature of these symptoms
to ensure patient safety.
6. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends hours washing their hands. Initially, the nurse
should:
A. Force the client to stop the behavior immediately
B. Lock the bathroom to prevent handwashing
C. Tell the client that their hands are clean
D. Allow the ritual but set time limits gradually
