NUR 253 Exam 1 Mental Health (2026/2027) PDF | Galen College of Nursing | Verified Questions & Answers with Rationales | Complete Study Guide

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(2026/2027) PDF | Galen College of
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Nursing | 50 Questions & Verified
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Answers with Rationales | Graded A+
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THIS EXAM INCLUDES: xxx xxx




• Complete 50+ exam-style multiple-choice questions
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• Verified correct answers with detailed rationales
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• NCLEX-style clinical judgment and case-based questions
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• Comprehensive review aligned with Galen College of Nursing
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• Updated for 2026/2027 exam preparation.
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,Nur253 Mental Health Exams 1 Galen 2026 2027 xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx




NUR 253 Exams 1 | Mental Health Nursing Practice
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Exam Pack (2026/2027)
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EXAM 1 – Foundations of Mental Health Nursing
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1. A nurse is communicating with a client experiencing anxiety. Which therapeutic response
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is most appropriate?
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A. “You should calm down immediately.”
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B. “Tell me more about what you are feeling.”
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C. “There is nothing to worry about.”
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D. “Other patients feel worse than you.”
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Correct Answer: xxx




B. “Tell me more about what you are feeling.”
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Expert Rationale: xxx




Open-ended therapeutic communication encourages expression of feelings and builds trust.
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2. Which defense mechanism involves refusing to acknowledge reality?
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A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Denial
D. Regression

Correct Answer: xxx




C. Denial
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Expert Rationale: xxx




Denial occurs when a person refuses to accept painful facts or reality.
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3. A client with panic disorder is hyperventilating. What is the nurse’s priority action?
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A. Leave the client alone. xxx xxx xxx


B. Encourage rapid breathing. xxx xxx

, C. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
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D. Provide detailed teaching immediately.
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Correct Answer: xxx




C. Stay with the client and speak calmly.
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Expert Rationale:
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Remaining calm and present helps decrease panic and promotes safety.
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4. Which finding is commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder?
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A. Hallucinations
B. Excessive uncontrollable worry xxx xxx


C. Grandiosity
D. Flat affect only
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Correct Answer: xxx




B. Excessive uncontrollable worry
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Expert Rationale:
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Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent excessive anxiety and worry.
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5. A nurse is assessing suicide risk. Which statement requires immediate intervention?
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A. “I feel tired lately.”
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B. “Sometimes I feel hopeless.” xxx xxx xxx


C. “I have a plan to kill myself tonight.”
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D. “I do not enjoy hobbies anymore.”
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Correct Answer: xxx




C. “I have a plan to kill myself tonight.”
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Expert Rationale:
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A specific suicide plan indicates high suicide risk and requires immediate action.
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6. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse says, “Go on”?
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A. Confrontation
B. Reflection
C. General leads xxx


D. Interpretation