NUR 252 Mental Health Nursing Exam 6 Practice 2026 |Galen College
1. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to the medical unit. Which
physical assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Lanugo on the back and arms
C. Amenorrhea for six months
D. Dry, flaky skin
Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypotension are critical signs of cardiovascular instability in
patients with severe malnutrition and require immediate intervention.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with Bulimia Nervosa. Which laboratory value
is most important to monitor?
A. Serum Calcium
B. Blood Glucose
C. Hemoglobin
D. Serum Potassium
Answer: D
Rationale: Frequent vomiting and laxative use lead to electrolyte imbalances, specifically
hypokalemia, which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
,3. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. At what time frame after the last
drink is the nurse most concerned about the onset of Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. 6 to 12 hours
B. 12 to 24 hours
C. 48 to 72 hours
D. 1 to 2 weeks
Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium Tremens, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal, typically peaks
between 48 and 72 hours after the last ingestion of alcohol.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder tells a nurse, ‘You are the only
one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ This is an example of
which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where individuals view others as all good or all bad.
5. Which medication is considered first-line treatment for a client experiencing
acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naltrexone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
, Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are used to prevent seizures
and manage agitation during acute alcohol withdrawal.
6. A client diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being treated in a
group setting. Which behavior is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Lack of remorse for hurting others
B. Extreme shyness and avoidance
C. Excessive need for admiration
D. Ritualistic hand washing
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of
others and a lack of guilt or remorse for one’s actions.
7. During the assessment of a client with Bulimia Nervosa, the nurse notes
calluses on the knuckles of the hand. This is known as:
A. Trousseau’s sign
B. Russell’s sign
C. Chvostek’s sign
D. Homans’ sign
Answer: B
Rationale: Russell’s sign refers to calluses on the knuckles caused by repeated self-induced
vomiting.
8. What is the primary goal of nursing care for a client with a Somatic Symptom
Disorder?
A. Explain that the symptoms are not real
B. Identify the underlying psychological conflict
C. Provide intensive physical therapy for the symptom
D. Encourage the client to ignore the symptom
Answer: B
1. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to the medical unit. Which
physical assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Lanugo on the back and arms
C. Amenorrhea for six months
D. Dry, flaky skin
Answer: A
Rationale: Bradycardia and hypotension are critical signs of cardiovascular instability in
patients with severe malnutrition and require immediate intervention.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with Bulimia Nervosa. Which laboratory value
is most important to monitor?
A. Serum Calcium
B. Blood Glucose
C. Hemoglobin
D. Serum Potassium
Answer: D
Rationale: Frequent vomiting and laxative use lead to electrolyte imbalances, specifically
hypokalemia, which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
,3. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. At what time frame after the last
drink is the nurse most concerned about the onset of Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. 6 to 12 hours
B. 12 to 24 hours
C. 48 to 72 hours
D. 1 to 2 weeks
Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium Tremens, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal, typically peaks
between 48 and 72 hours after the last ingestion of alcohol.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder tells a nurse, ‘You are the only
one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ This is an example of
which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where individuals view others as all good or all bad.
5. Which medication is considered first-line treatment for a client experiencing
acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naltrexone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
, Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) are used to prevent seizures
and manage agitation during acute alcohol withdrawal.
6. A client diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being treated in a
group setting. Which behavior is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Lack of remorse for hurting others
B. Extreme shyness and avoidance
C. Excessive need for admiration
D. Ritualistic hand washing
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of
others and a lack of guilt or remorse for one’s actions.
7. During the assessment of a client with Bulimia Nervosa, the nurse notes
calluses on the knuckles of the hand. This is known as:
A. Trousseau’s sign
B. Russell’s sign
C. Chvostek’s sign
D. Homans’ sign
Answer: B
Rationale: Russell’s sign refers to calluses on the knuckles caused by repeated self-induced
vomiting.
8. What is the primary goal of nursing care for a client with a Somatic Symptom
Disorder?
A. Explain that the symptoms are not real
B. Identify the underlying psychological conflict
C. Provide intensive physical therapy for the symptom
D. Encourage the client to ignore the symptom
Answer: B
