NURS 322
EXAM 1
ACTUAL Questions with Verified Answers
(Concepts of Mental Health Nursing)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
Verified questions and accurate Answers
with Expert Rationales from EXAM 1 of
NURS 322 at the Drexel University. It covers
core topics assessed in the course and reflects
the actual exam format and question style. Ideal for exam
preparation and concept reinforcement.
,1. A client demonstrating delusional behavior is escalating as a result of
increasing anxiety regarding his or her safety. Which action demonstrates that
the client has an understanding of actions to de-escalate his personal anxiety?
A. The client engages in a group therapy session led by nursing staff.
B. The client expresses the understanding that his or her safety is the primary nursing
goal.
C. The client retreats to his or her room accompanied by staff.
D. The client asks to be allowed to voluntary seclude.
Correct Answer:
D. The client asks to be allowed to voluntary seclude.
Expert Rationale:
Voluntary use of a quiet, low-stimulation space can help reduce anxiety before behavior
escalates. This demonstrates self-awareness and use of a coping strategy.
2. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, is admitted to an acute-
care psychiatric hospital unit. Which nursing diagnosis should be given highest
priority in the initial care plan?
A. Interrupted Thought Processes
B. Social Isolation
C. Impaired Verbal Communication
D. Risk for Violence directed at self or others
Correct Answer:
D. Risk for Violence directed at self or others
Expert Rationale:
Initial psychiatric priorities focus on safety. Paranoid delusions may increase fear,
mistrust, and defensive behavior, so risk for violence toward self or others must be
addressed before communication or social goals.
3. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says "Everyone here is part of the
secret police and wants to torture me." What is the most appropriate response by
the nurse?
A. "That is a strange idea."
B. "That must be a frightening thought."
,C. "You won't be tortured here."
D. "We will keep you safe from torture."
Correct Answer:
B. "That must be a frightening thought."
Expert Rationale:
The nurse should acknowledge the patient’s feelings without validating the delusion.
This response supports therapeutic communication by recognizing fear while avoiding
argument or reinforcement of psychotic content.
4. A patient with schizophrenia states "I want to go home to tome in a dome."
When documenting these findings, the nurse will refer to this as:
A. Associative looseness
B. Echolalia
C. Clang associations
D. Thought broadcasting
Correct Answer:
C. Clang associations
Expert Rationale:
Clang associations occur when word choice is based on sound, rhyme, or rhythm
rather than logical meaning. “Home,” “tome,” and “dome” demonstrate rhyming speech
commonly seen in disorganized thought.
5. While talking with a female patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, the nurse
notices that patient look away from the nurse and stare at the wall while making
facial grimaces. What is the most appropriate intervention by the nurse?
A. End the conversation
B. Administer the ordered prn medication
C. Ask the patient if she sees something on the wall
D. Redirect the conversations to a neutral topic
Correct Answer:
C. Ask the patient if she sees something on the wall
Expert Rationale:
The nurse should assess for hallucinations when behavior suggests altered perception.
, Asking directly and calmly helps determine what the patient is experiencing without
assuming or escalating.
6. The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient who is receiving
Clozapine (Clozaril). The nurse emphasizes the importance of notifying the health
care provider for which of the following situations?
A. Feelings of increased energy
B. Unusual reactions to sun exposure
C. Interference with normal sleep patterns
D. Any indication of infection
Correct Answer:
D. Any indication of infection
Expert Rationale:
Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening decrease in white
blood cells. Fever, sore throat, or other infection signs must be reported immediately.
7. A patient has a long history of bipolar disorder with frequent episodes of mania
secondary to stopping prescribed medications. The patient says, "I will use my
whole check next month to buy lottery tickets. Winning will solve my money
problems." Select the nurse's best action.
a. Educate the patient about the low odds of winning the lottery.
b. Present reality by saying to the patient, "That is not a good use of your money."
c. Confer with the treatment team about appointing a legal guardian for the patient.
d. Tell the patient, "If you buy lottery tickets, your money will run out before the end of
the month."
Correct Answer:
c. Confer with the treatment team about appointing a legal guardian for the
patient.
Expert Rationale:
Mania can impair judgment, impulse control, and financial decision-making. In NURS
322 mental health nursing, safety and protection from harm include collaborating with
the treatment team when a patient’s illness places them at risk for serious financial
exploitation or self-harm through impaired decisions.
EXAM 1
ACTUAL Questions with Verified Answers
(Concepts of Mental Health Nursing)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
Verified questions and accurate Answers
with Expert Rationales from EXAM 1 of
NURS 322 at the Drexel University. It covers
core topics assessed in the course and reflects
the actual exam format and question style. Ideal for exam
preparation and concept reinforcement.
,1. A client demonstrating delusional behavior is escalating as a result of
increasing anxiety regarding his or her safety. Which action demonstrates that
the client has an understanding of actions to de-escalate his personal anxiety?
A. The client engages in a group therapy session led by nursing staff.
B. The client expresses the understanding that his or her safety is the primary nursing
goal.
C. The client retreats to his or her room accompanied by staff.
D. The client asks to be allowed to voluntary seclude.
Correct Answer:
D. The client asks to be allowed to voluntary seclude.
Expert Rationale:
Voluntary use of a quiet, low-stimulation space can help reduce anxiety before behavior
escalates. This demonstrates self-awareness and use of a coping strategy.
2. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, is admitted to an acute-
care psychiatric hospital unit. Which nursing diagnosis should be given highest
priority in the initial care plan?
A. Interrupted Thought Processes
B. Social Isolation
C. Impaired Verbal Communication
D. Risk for Violence directed at self or others
Correct Answer:
D. Risk for Violence directed at self or others
Expert Rationale:
Initial psychiatric priorities focus on safety. Paranoid delusions may increase fear,
mistrust, and defensive behavior, so risk for violence toward self or others must be
addressed before communication or social goals.
3. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says "Everyone here is part of the
secret police and wants to torture me." What is the most appropriate response by
the nurse?
A. "That is a strange idea."
B. "That must be a frightening thought."
,C. "You won't be tortured here."
D. "We will keep you safe from torture."
Correct Answer:
B. "That must be a frightening thought."
Expert Rationale:
The nurse should acknowledge the patient’s feelings without validating the delusion.
This response supports therapeutic communication by recognizing fear while avoiding
argument or reinforcement of psychotic content.
4. A patient with schizophrenia states "I want to go home to tome in a dome."
When documenting these findings, the nurse will refer to this as:
A. Associative looseness
B. Echolalia
C. Clang associations
D. Thought broadcasting
Correct Answer:
C. Clang associations
Expert Rationale:
Clang associations occur when word choice is based on sound, rhyme, or rhythm
rather than logical meaning. “Home,” “tome,” and “dome” demonstrate rhyming speech
commonly seen in disorganized thought.
5. While talking with a female patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, the nurse
notices that patient look away from the nurse and stare at the wall while making
facial grimaces. What is the most appropriate intervention by the nurse?
A. End the conversation
B. Administer the ordered prn medication
C. Ask the patient if she sees something on the wall
D. Redirect the conversations to a neutral topic
Correct Answer:
C. Ask the patient if she sees something on the wall
Expert Rationale:
The nurse should assess for hallucinations when behavior suggests altered perception.
, Asking directly and calmly helps determine what the patient is experiencing without
assuming or escalating.
6. The nurse is reviewing discharge instructions with a patient who is receiving
Clozapine (Clozaril). The nurse emphasizes the importance of notifying the health
care provider for which of the following situations?
A. Feelings of increased energy
B. Unusual reactions to sun exposure
C. Interference with normal sleep patterns
D. Any indication of infection
Correct Answer:
D. Any indication of infection
Expert Rationale:
Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening decrease in white
blood cells. Fever, sore throat, or other infection signs must be reported immediately.
7. A patient has a long history of bipolar disorder with frequent episodes of mania
secondary to stopping prescribed medications. The patient says, "I will use my
whole check next month to buy lottery tickets. Winning will solve my money
problems." Select the nurse's best action.
a. Educate the patient about the low odds of winning the lottery.
b. Present reality by saying to the patient, "That is not a good use of your money."
c. Confer with the treatment team about appointing a legal guardian for the patient.
d. Tell the patient, "If you buy lottery tickets, your money will run out before the end of
the month."
Correct Answer:
c. Confer with the treatment team about appointing a legal guardian for the
patient.
Expert Rationale:
Mania can impair judgment, impulse control, and financial decision-making. In NURS
322 mental health nursing, safety and protection from harm include collaborating with
the treatment team when a patient’s illness places them at risk for serious financial
exploitation or self-harm through impaired decisions.
