NSG 3450 Exam 4 Prep 2026 | 200 Practice Questions & Detailed
Answers | Nursing Comprehensive Review | Verified Solutions | Pass
with Confidence
1. A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting selfdestructive behaviors
including cutting. Which cluster of personality disorders does this diagnosis belong to?
A) Cluster A
B) Cluster B
C) Cluster C
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Borderline personality disorder is a Cluster B diagnosis, which is described as dramatic,
emotional, or erratic. Features include marked instability, impulsivity, identity or selfimage distortions,
unstable mood, unstable interpersonal relationships, and prominent selfdestructing behaviors such as
cutting.
2. A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The zorbles are coming to take my thoughts away." This
is an example of which speech pattern?
A) Clang association
B) Neologism
C) Word salad
D) Echolalia
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: A neologism is a word that has meaning for the patient but a different or nonexistent
meaning for others. The patient's use of "zorbles" is a madeup word that only has meaning to them.
3. A patient with antisocial personality disorder is described by family members as manipulative and
deceitful. Which of the following is a main pathological trait of this disorder?
A) Anxious and avoidant behavior
B) Antagonistic behaviors such as being deceitful and manipulative for personal gain
C) Perfectionism and rigidity
D) Excessive emotionality and attentionseeking
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Antisocial personality disorder is a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a pattern
of disregard for the rights of others. Main pathological traits include antagonistic behaviors such as
being deceitful and manipulative for personal gain, as well as disinhibited behaviors like risk taking and
impulsivity.
4. A patient has been taking an antipsychotic medication for several months. The nurse notices
involuntary movements of the tongue and face. Which assessment tool should the nurse use to evaluate
these symptoms?
A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
C) MiniMental State Examination
D) Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is used for monitoring and early
detection of tardive dyskinesia, which may be irreversible even after discontinuation of antipsychotic
medications. Early detection is of utmost importance.
5. A family member brings a patient to the emergency department and reports that the patient is
hearing voices. What is the nurse's priority question to ask the family member?
A) "Does your family have a history of mental illness?"
B) "Has this ever happened before?"
C) "What medications is the patient taking?"
D) "Is the patient a danger to themselves or others?"
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a family member brings someone in with hallucinations, the nurse should ask, "Has
this ever happened before?" This helps establish whether this is a new or recurring symptom and guides
the assessment.
6. Which of the following are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
A) Hallucinations and delusions
B) Anhedonia, social discomfort, and lack of goaldirected behavior
C) Disorganized speech and behavior
, D) Agitation and hostility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are the absence of qualities that should be present.
They include anhedonia (inability to enjoy activities), social discomfort, lack of goaldirected behavior,
loss of affect, and loss of motivation.
7. A patient on a firstgeneration antipsychotic develops a fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered
consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Serotonin syndrome
B) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
C) Extrapyramidal symptoms
D) Tardive dyskinesia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is caused by excessive dopamine receptor
blockade, most commonly with firstgeneration antipsychotics. It is characterized by reduced
consciousness, generalized muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, and hyperthermia. It usually occurs
early in therapy and requires prompt detection and discontinuation of the antipsychotic agent.
8. A patient with schizophrenia is displaying lack of motivation and diminished emotional expression.
These are examples of:
A) Positive symptoms
Answers | Nursing Comprehensive Review | Verified Solutions | Pass
with Confidence
1. A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is exhibiting selfdestructive behaviors
including cutting. Which cluster of personality disorders does this diagnosis belong to?
A) Cluster A
B) Cluster B
C) Cluster C
D) Cluster D
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Borderline personality disorder is a Cluster B diagnosis, which is described as dramatic,
emotional, or erratic. Features include marked instability, impulsivity, identity or selfimage distortions,
unstable mood, unstable interpersonal relationships, and prominent selfdestructing behaviors such as
cutting.
2. A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The zorbles are coming to take my thoughts away." This
is an example of which speech pattern?
A) Clang association
B) Neologism
C) Word salad
D) Echolalia
Correct Answer: B
,Explanation: A neologism is a word that has meaning for the patient but a different or nonexistent
meaning for others. The patient's use of "zorbles" is a madeup word that only has meaning to them.
3. A patient with antisocial personality disorder is described by family members as manipulative and
deceitful. Which of the following is a main pathological trait of this disorder?
A) Anxious and avoidant behavior
B) Antagonistic behaviors such as being deceitful and manipulative for personal gain
C) Perfectionism and rigidity
D) Excessive emotionality and attentionseeking
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Antisocial personality disorder is a Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a pattern
of disregard for the rights of others. Main pathological traits include antagonistic behaviors such as
being deceitful and manipulative for personal gain, as well as disinhibited behaviors like risk taking and
impulsivity.
4. A patient has been taking an antipsychotic medication for several months. The nurse notices
involuntary movements of the tongue and face. Which assessment tool should the nurse use to evaluate
these symptoms?
A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
C) MiniMental State Examination
D) Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is used for monitoring and early
detection of tardive dyskinesia, which may be irreversible even after discontinuation of antipsychotic
medications. Early detection is of utmost importance.
5. A family member brings a patient to the emergency department and reports that the patient is
hearing voices. What is the nurse's priority question to ask the family member?
A) "Does your family have a history of mental illness?"
B) "Has this ever happened before?"
C) "What medications is the patient taking?"
D) "Is the patient a danger to themselves or others?"
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: When a family member brings someone in with hallucinations, the nurse should ask, "Has
this ever happened before?" This helps establish whether this is a new or recurring symptom and guides
the assessment.
6. Which of the following are negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
A) Hallucinations and delusions
B) Anhedonia, social discomfort, and lack of goaldirected behavior
C) Disorganized speech and behavior
, D) Agitation and hostility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are the absence of qualities that should be present.
They include anhedonia (inability to enjoy activities), social discomfort, lack of goaldirected behavior,
loss of affect, and loss of motivation.
7. A patient on a firstgeneration antipsychotic develops a fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered
consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Serotonin syndrome
B) Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
C) Extrapyramidal symptoms
D) Tardive dyskinesia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is caused by excessive dopamine receptor
blockade, most commonly with firstgeneration antipsychotics. It is characterized by reduced
consciousness, generalized muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, and hyperthermia. It usually occurs
early in therapy and requires prompt detection and discontinuation of the antipsychotic agent.
8. A patient with schizophrenia is displaying lack of motivation and diminished emotional expression.
These are examples of:
A) Positive symptoms
