NUR253 Exam 4 V1 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child for ADHD. Which finding should the nurse expect to
observe?
A. Persistent refusal to speak in social situations
B. Intentional cruelty toward animals and property destruction
C. Excessive fear of being separated from the primary caregiver
D. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Answer: D
Rationale: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a
persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Children with ADHD
often struggle to focus on tasks and may appear to not listen when spoken to directly. This
lack of attention can lead to academic and social difficulties throughout their development.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child newly diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Which intervention should the nurse emphasize?
A. Encouraging constant changes in the child’s daily schedule
B. Limiting the use of visual aids during communication
C. Providing a highly structured environment with a consistent routine
,D. Using complex verbal instructions to challenge the child
Answer: C
Rationale: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience high levels of
anxiety when their environment or routine changes. Establishing a predictable and
structured daily schedule helps the child feel secure and minimizes behavioral outbursts.
Nurses should work with families to maintain consistency between home and healthcare
settings.
3. Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of Conduct Disorder in an
adolescent?
A. A pattern of violating the basic rights of others and societal norms
B. Occasional outbursts of anger followed by deep remorse
C. Difficulty sleeping and nightmares about being alone
D. Persistent irritability and arguing with authority figures without aggression
Answer: A
Rationale: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in
which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated. This
can include aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, and
deceitfulness. It is distinguished from Oppositional Defiant Disorder by the presence of
physical aggression and criminal-like behaviors.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing acute confusion and visual
hallucinations. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Checking the patient for a possible urinary tract infection
B. Reviewing the patient’s long-term memory for deficits
C. Assessing the patient for symptoms of major depression
D. Determining the patient’s genetic history of Alzheimer’s disease
Answer: A
Rationale: The sudden onset of confusion and hallucinations in an older adult is often
indicative of delirium rather than dementia. Delirium is frequently caused by underlying
medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or electrolyte imbalances.
Identifying and treating the physiological cause is the priority to reverse the cognitive
impairment.
5. An older adult patient with Alzheimer’s disease exhibits ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention
is most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
A. Increasing environmental stimulation during the late afternoon
B. Administering a dose of a stimulant medication at bedtime
C. Keeping the patient’s room well-lit and quiet in the evening
D. Encouraging the patient to nap frequently during the day
Answer: C
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child for ADHD. Which finding should the nurse expect to
observe?
A. Persistent refusal to speak in social situations
B. Intentional cruelty toward animals and property destruction
C. Excessive fear of being separated from the primary caregiver
D. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Answer: D
Rationale: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a
persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Children with ADHD
often struggle to focus on tasks and may appear to not listen when spoken to directly. This
lack of attention can lead to academic and social difficulties throughout their development.
2. A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child newly diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Which intervention should the nurse emphasize?
A. Encouraging constant changes in the child’s daily schedule
B. Limiting the use of visual aids during communication
C. Providing a highly structured environment with a consistent routine
,D. Using complex verbal instructions to challenge the child
Answer: C
Rationale: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience high levels of
anxiety when their environment or routine changes. Establishing a predictable and
structured daily schedule helps the child feel secure and minimizes behavioral outbursts.
Nurses should work with families to maintain consistency between home and healthcare
settings.
3. Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of Conduct Disorder in an
adolescent?
A. A pattern of violating the basic rights of others and societal norms
B. Occasional outbursts of anger followed by deep remorse
C. Difficulty sleeping and nightmares about being alone
D. Persistent irritability and arguing with authority figures without aggression
Answer: A
Rationale: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in
which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated. This
can include aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, and
deceitfulness. It is distinguished from Oppositional Defiant Disorder by the presence of
physical aggression and criminal-like behaviors.
, 4. A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is experiencing acute confusion and visual
hallucinations. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Checking the patient for a possible urinary tract infection
B. Reviewing the patient’s long-term memory for deficits
C. Assessing the patient for symptoms of major depression
D. Determining the patient’s genetic history of Alzheimer’s disease
Answer: A
Rationale: The sudden onset of confusion and hallucinations in an older adult is often
indicative of delirium rather than dementia. Delirium is frequently caused by underlying
medical conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or electrolyte imbalances.
Identifying and treating the physiological cause is the priority to reverse the cognitive
impairment.
5. An older adult patient with Alzheimer’s disease exhibits ‘sundowning.’ Which intervention
is most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
A. Increasing environmental stimulation during the late afternoon
B. Administering a dose of a stimulant medication at bedtime
C. Keeping the patient’s room well-lit and quiet in the evening
D. Encouraging the patient to nap frequently during the day
Answer: C
