PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 4 V3 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is assessing a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Which finding should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Repetitive hand-flapping and preoccupation with routines
B. High levels of physical aggression toward others
C. Engaging in complex imaginative group play
D. Intense desire to maintain eye contact during conversation
Answer: A
Rationale: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit stereotyped or
repetitive motor movements such as hand-flapping. They also have a strong insistence on
sameness and rigid adherence to routines or ritualized patterns of behavior. This disorder
is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across
multiple contexts.
2. Which medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Lorazepam
,C. Haloperidol
D. Lithium Carbonate
Answer: A
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine
and dopamine in the brain to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. It is considered a gold
standard for pharmacological management of ADHD symptoms in children and adults.
Nurses must monitor for side effects such as insomnia, decreased appetite, and potential
growth suppression.
3. An adolescent client is diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. What behavior is most
characteristic of this diagnosis?
A. Persistent pattern of violating the basic rights of others
B. Occasional disobedience to parental rules
C. Difficulty sustaining attention in the classroom
D. Extreme shyness in social situations
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, or theft. Unlike
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder usually involves more severe violations of
the law or physical harm.
, 4. A client is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Assessing the client’s spiritual beliefs
B. Providing a high-protein diet
C. Encouraging the client to attend an AA meeting immediately
D. Administering a prescribed benzodiazepine
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide are the treatment of
choice for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to Delirium
Tremens. These medications help stabilize vital signs and reduce the risk of withdrawal-
related seizures. Ensuring physiological stability is always the priority in the acute phase of
substance withdrawal.
5. Which of the following differentiates Delirium from Dementia?
A. Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset and fluctuating level of consciousness
B. Dementia has a sudden onset caused by an underlying medical condition
C. Delirium is a slow, progressive decline in cognition
D. Dementia is always reversible if treated early
Answer: A
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is assessing a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Which finding should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Repetitive hand-flapping and preoccupation with routines
B. High levels of physical aggression toward others
C. Engaging in complex imaginative group play
D. Intense desire to maintain eye contact during conversation
Answer: A
Rationale: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit stereotyped or
repetitive motor movements such as hand-flapping. They also have a strong insistence on
sameness and rigid adherence to routines or ritualized patterns of behavior. This disorder
is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across
multiple contexts.
2. Which medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
A. Methylphenidate
B. Lorazepam
,C. Haloperidol
D. Lithium Carbonate
Answer: A
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine
and dopamine in the brain to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. It is considered a gold
standard for pharmacological management of ADHD symptoms in children and adults.
Nurses must monitor for side effects such as insomnia, decreased appetite, and potential
growth suppression.
3. An adolescent client is diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. What behavior is most
characteristic of this diagnosis?
A. Persistent pattern of violating the basic rights of others
B. Occasional disobedience to parental rules
C. Difficulty sustaining attention in the classroom
D. Extreme shyness in social situations
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, or theft. Unlike
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder usually involves more severe violations of
the law or physical harm.
, 4. A client is experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Assessing the client’s spiritual beliefs
B. Providing a high-protein diet
C. Encouraging the client to attend an AA meeting immediately
D. Administering a prescribed benzodiazepine
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide are the treatment of
choice for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to Delirium
Tremens. These medications help stabilize vital signs and reduce the risk of withdrawal-
related seizures. Ensuring physiological stability is always the priority in the acute phase of
substance withdrawal.
5. Which of the following differentiates Delirium from Dementia?
A. Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset and fluctuating level of consciousness
B. Dementia has a sudden onset caused by an underlying medical condition
C. Delirium is a slow, progressive decline in cognition
D. Dementia is always reversible if treated early
Answer: A
