NUR253 Exam 3 V3 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a client undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings
should the nurse identify as an early sign of withdrawal?
A. Fine tremors of the hands
B. Delirium Tremens
C. Seizures
D. Visual hallucinations
Answer: A
Rationale: Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin 6 to 8 hours after the last
drink. Fine tremors, anxiety, and tachycardia are common initial manifestations. Delirium
and seizures usually occur much later in the withdrawal process if left untreated.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is observed being extremely friendly to one
nurse while being hostile toward another. Which defense mechanism is this?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
,D. Rationalization
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where the client views individuals as all good or all bad. This behavior often creates conflict
among the nursing staff and disrupts the milieu. Nurses must maintain consistent
boundaries and communicate frequently to provide cohesive care.
3. Which medication is specifically used to support abstinence in clients with alcohol use
disorder by causing a physical reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Methadone
B. Naltrexone
C. Buprenorphine
D. Disulfiram
Answer: D
Rationale: Disulfiram works as an aversion therapy by inhibiting the breakdown of
acetaldehyde, causing severe nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested. It is essential that
the client is highly motivated and fully aware of the consequences of drinking while on this
medication. Education must include avoiding hidden alcohol sources like mouthwash or
vanilla extract.
, 4. When assessing a client for suicide risk, which of the following represents the highest level
of lethality?
A. A plan to overdose on vitamins.
B. A plan to use a firearm with a specific location chosen.
C. A vague statement about wanting to go to sleep forever.
D. Cutting the wrists with a plastic knife.
Answer: B
Rationale: The lethality of a suicide plan is determined by the immediacy of the method
and the availability of the means. Firearms represent a high-lethality method because they
are rapid and usually irreversible. A specific plan with a location indicates a higher level of
intent and immediate danger.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with Antisocial Personality Disorder. Which of the following
behaviors should the nurse expect?
A. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking.
B. Lack of remorse and disregard for the rights of others.
C. Fear of abandonment and self-mutilation.
D. Social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy.
Answer: B
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a client undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings
should the nurse identify as an early sign of withdrawal?
A. Fine tremors of the hands
B. Delirium Tremens
C. Seizures
D. Visual hallucinations
Answer: A
Rationale: Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal typically begin 6 to 8 hours after the last
drink. Fine tremors, anxiety, and tachycardia are common initial manifestations. Delirium
and seizures usually occur much later in the withdrawal process if left untreated.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is observed being extremely friendly to one
nurse while being hostile toward another. Which defense mechanism is this?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
,D. Rationalization
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where the client views individuals as all good or all bad. This behavior often creates conflict
among the nursing staff and disrupts the milieu. Nurses must maintain consistent
boundaries and communicate frequently to provide cohesive care.
3. Which medication is specifically used to support abstinence in clients with alcohol use
disorder by causing a physical reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Methadone
B. Naltrexone
C. Buprenorphine
D. Disulfiram
Answer: D
Rationale: Disulfiram works as an aversion therapy by inhibiting the breakdown of
acetaldehyde, causing severe nausea and vomiting if alcohol is ingested. It is essential that
the client is highly motivated and fully aware of the consequences of drinking while on this
medication. Education must include avoiding hidden alcohol sources like mouthwash or
vanilla extract.
, 4. When assessing a client for suicide risk, which of the following represents the highest level
of lethality?
A. A plan to overdose on vitamins.
B. A plan to use a firearm with a specific location chosen.
C. A vague statement about wanting to go to sleep forever.
D. Cutting the wrists with a plastic knife.
Answer: B
Rationale: The lethality of a suicide plan is determined by the immediacy of the method
and the availability of the means. Firearms represent a high-lethality method because they
are rapid and usually irreversible. A specific plan with a location indicates a higher level of
intent and immediate danger.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with Antisocial Personality Disorder. Which of the following
behaviors should the nurse expect?
A. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking.
B. Lack of remorse and disregard for the rights of others.
C. Fear of abandonment and self-mutilation.
D. Social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy.
Answer: B
