NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral Health
Nursing | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is assessing a client with delirium. Which of the following characteristics is most
indicative of this condition?
A. Slow, progressive decline in cognitive function
B. Irreversible memory loss and personality changes
C. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
D. Intact orientation to person, place, and time
Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a sudden, acute onset of symptoms rather than a
slow decline. The client’s level of consciousness typically fluctuates throughout the day,
often worsening at night. This condition is usually secondary to another medical issue and
is often reversible once the underlying cause is treated.
2. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is unable to recognize familiar objects such as a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this finding as:
A. Aphasia
B. Agnosia
C. Apraxia
,D. Alexia
Answer: B
Rationale: Agnosia is the loss of sensory ability to recognize objects, even when the
sensory organs are intact. For example, a person might see a glass but not understand its
purpose. This is a common symptom in middle to late stages of neurocognitive disorders.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who alternates between
overvaluing and undervaluing the staff. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Denial
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Rationale: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism common in individuals with
Borderline Personality Disorder. It involves the inability to integrate both positive and
negative qualities of oneself or others into a cohesive image. This results in seeing people
as either ‘all good’ or ‘all bad.’
4. Which medication is most commonly prescribed to treat the cognitive symptoms of mild to
moderate Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase?
A. Donepezil
, B. Memantine
C. Risperidone
D. Haloperidol
Answer: A
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the concentration of
acetylcholine in the brain. It is used to temporarily slow the progression of cognitive
decline in patients with Alzheimer’s. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and
bradycardia.
5. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal delirium (Delirium Tremens). Which of the
following symptoms should the nurse expect?
A. Severe hypertension, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
B. Hypotension and bradycardia
C. Increased appetite and somnolence
D. Pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression
Answer: A
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal delirium is a medical emergency that typically occurs 48 to
72 hours after the last drink. It is characterized by severe autonomic hyperactivity,
including tachycardia and hypertension. Patients may also experience vivid hallucinations
and profound confusion.