PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 4 V1 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who suddenly becomes confused, agitated, and has
a fluctuating level of consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and fluctuating levels
of consciousness. Unlike dementia, it is often reversible once the underlying medical cause
is treated. The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological trigger such as infection
or medication toxicity.
2. Which pharmacological intervention is most commonly used to slow the progression of
cognitive decline in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Lorazepam
B. Haloperidol
C. Donepezil
,D. Fluoxetine
Answer: C
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the availability of
acetylcholine in the brain. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of symptoms related
to Alzheimer’s disease. Patients and families should be educated that this medication does
not cure the disease but may improve functional ability.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling another
nurse that they are ‘terrible and incompetent.’ What defense mechanism is this?
A. Splitting
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where individuals view others as all good or all bad. This behavior often creates conflict
among the nursing staff and disrupts the therapeutic milieu. Consistent communication
among the treatment team is essential to manage this behavior.
4. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and
violation of the rights of others, often involving criminal behavior?
A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
, B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Schizoid Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder involves a lack of remorse and a history of
violating social norms and laws. Individuals with this disorder may be charming but are
often manipulative for personal gain. Nursing interventions should focus on setting clear
limits and consequences for behavior.
5. A patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors, tachycardia, and hypertension.
Which medication is the gold standard for managing these symptoms?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Varenicline
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam are used to prevent
seizures and delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal. These medications provide a
cross-tolerance to alcohol to safely taper the patient. The nurse should use a validated scale
like the CIWA-Ar to determine dosing.
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who suddenly becomes confused, agitated, and has
a fluctuating level of consciousness. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion and fluctuating levels
of consciousness. Unlike dementia, it is often reversible once the underlying medical cause
is treated. The nurse must prioritize identifying the physiological trigger such as infection
or medication toxicity.
2. Which pharmacological intervention is most commonly used to slow the progression of
cognitive decline in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Lorazepam
B. Haloperidol
C. Donepezil
,D. Fluoxetine
Answer: C
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the availability of
acetylcholine in the brain. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of symptoms related
to Alzheimer’s disease. Patients and families should be educated that this medication does
not cure the disease but may improve functional ability.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling another
nurse that they are ‘terrible and incompetent.’ What defense mechanism is this?
A. Splitting
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Sublimation
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where individuals view others as all good or all bad. This behavior often creates conflict
among the nursing staff and disrupts the therapeutic milieu. Consistent communication
among the treatment team is essential to manage this behavior.
4. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and
violation of the rights of others, often involving criminal behavior?
A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
, B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Schizoid Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder involves a lack of remorse and a history of
violating social norms and laws. Individuals with this disorder may be charming but are
often manipulative for personal gain. Nursing interventions should focus on setting clear
limits and consequences for behavior.
5. A patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal exhibits tremors, tachycardia, and hypertension.
Which medication is the gold standard for managing these symptoms?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Varenicline
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam are used to prevent
seizures and delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal. These medications provide a
cross-tolerance to alcohol to safely taper the patient. The nurse should use a validated scale
like the CIWA-Ar to determine dosing.
