NUR253 Exam 3 V1 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Increased appetite
D. Fine tremors of both hands
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically start within 4 to 12 hours of the last
intake. Fine tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis are common clinical
manifestations. This analysis identifies that the CNS is overexcited after being suppressed
by chronic alcohol use, which is a key concept in managing substance-related emergencies.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently uses the defense mechanism of
‘splitting.’ Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Allowing the client to choose which nurse provides care.
B. Providing the client with extra attention to build trust.
C. Ignoring the client’s attempts to manipulate staff.
,D. Consistently maintaining boundaries and communicating with the interdisciplinary
team.
Answer: D
Rationale: Splitting involves the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of
oneself or others into a cohesive image. Staff must use a consistent approach to prevent the
client from playing one staff member against another. This consistency reduces
manipulation and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic milieu.
3. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to a client experiencing acute
benzodiazepine toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Disulfiram
C. Flumazenil
D. Methadone
Answer: C
Rationale: Flumazenil is the specific reversal agent for benzodiazepine toxicity and
overdose. It works by competitively inhibiting the activity at the benzodiazepine receptor
site. In contrast, Naloxone is used for opioid overdoses, making correct identification of the
substance essential for life-saving care.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is going through opioid withdrawal. Which of the
following symptoms should the nurse document?
A. Rhinorrhea and lacrimation
B. Pinpoint pupils
C. Somnolence
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Rationale: Opioid withdrawal presents with ‘flu-like’ symptoms such as rhinorrhea (runny
nose), lacrimation (tearing), pupillary dilation, and muscle aches. These symptoms are
physically distressing but generally not life-threatening compared to alcohol withdrawal.
Nursing care focuses on symptom management and psychological support.
5. A client is prescribed Disulfiram for alcohol abstinence. What is the most important
teaching point for the nurse to provide?
A. The medication will reduce the craving for alcohol.
B. Occasional use of alcohol-based mouthwash is acceptable.
C. Wait 6 hours after the last drink before starting the medication.
D. Severe nausea and vomiting occur if any alcohol is consumed.
Answer: D
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Increased appetite
D. Fine tremors of both hands
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically start within 4 to 12 hours of the last
intake. Fine tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis are common clinical
manifestations. This analysis identifies that the CNS is overexcited after being suppressed
by chronic alcohol use, which is a key concept in managing substance-related emergencies.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently uses the defense mechanism of
‘splitting.’ Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Allowing the client to choose which nurse provides care.
B. Providing the client with extra attention to build trust.
C. Ignoring the client’s attempts to manipulate staff.
,D. Consistently maintaining boundaries and communicating with the interdisciplinary
team.
Answer: D
Rationale: Splitting involves the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of
oneself or others into a cohesive image. Staff must use a consistent approach to prevent the
client from playing one staff member against another. This consistency reduces
manipulation and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic milieu.
3. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to a client experiencing acute
benzodiazepine toxicity?
A. Naloxone
B. Disulfiram
C. Flumazenil
D. Methadone
Answer: C
Rationale: Flumazenil is the specific reversal agent for benzodiazepine toxicity and
overdose. It works by competitively inhibiting the activity at the benzodiazepine receptor
site. In contrast, Naloxone is used for opioid overdoses, making correct identification of the
substance essential for life-saving care.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client who is going through opioid withdrawal. Which of the
following symptoms should the nurse document?
A. Rhinorrhea and lacrimation
B. Pinpoint pupils
C. Somnolence
D. Constipation
Answer: A
Rationale: Opioid withdrawal presents with ‘flu-like’ symptoms such as rhinorrhea (runny
nose), lacrimation (tearing), pupillary dilation, and muscle aches. These symptoms are
physically distressing but generally not life-threatening compared to alcohol withdrawal.
Nursing care focuses on symptom management and psychological support.
5. A client is prescribed Disulfiram for alcohol abstinence. What is the most important
teaching point for the nurse to provide?
A. The medication will reduce the craving for alcohol.
B. Occasional use of alcohol-based mouthwash is acceptable.
C. Wait 6 hours after the last drink before starting the medication.
D. Severe nausea and vomiting occur if any alcohol is consumed.
Answer: D
