Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursing | Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct - Fortis 2026/2027
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update
2026/2027) Mental Health Nursing | Questions
and Verified Answers | 100% Correct - Fortis
2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 Official Exam
75 100% 2026
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS 2027 EDITION
TOPICS COVERED
Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis Mood, Anxiety, & Psychotic Disorders
Therapeutic Communication & Interventions Crisis Intervention & Safety Protocols
Psychopharmacology & Medication Management
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 COVER PAGE - 1
, SECTION 1 | Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis | Q1-Q15 | Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Up 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
1. A nurse is completing a mental status examination on a 45-year-old patient admitted for major
depressive disorder. The nurse observes that the patient's speech is slow and measured, with
prolonged latency before responding to questions. The patient states, 'I have no energy and nothing
matters anymore.' The nurse should document this finding under which MSE category?
A. Mood and affect
B. Thought process and content
C. Sensorium and cognition
D. Perception and insight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Mood and affect encompass the patient's expressed emotional state and the observable emotional tone. The patient's
verbal report of hopelessness reflects mood, and the slow, labored speech with delayed responses reflects a depressed
affect. Thought process and content (B) refers to the logical flow and themes of thinking, not the emotional dimension.
The finding is not related to sensorium (C) or perception (D).
Q2 Question 2 of 75
2. A 32-year-old woman presents to the outpatient mental health clinic with complaints of persistent
worry and insomnia. During the psychosocial assessment, the nurse learns that the patient was
recently promoted at work, got married three months ago, and relocated to a new city. Which
psychosocial factor is most relevant for the nurse to explore further as a potential contributor to the
patient's symptoms?
A. Family genetic history of mental illness
B. Recent life changes and adjustment demands
C. Childhood developmental milestones
D. Previous psychiatric hospitalizations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The patient has experienced multiple significant life changes in a short period, including a promotion, marriage, and
relocation. These events represent psychosocial stressors that can precipitate or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. While
family genetic history (A) is important, the recent life changes have a more direct and immediate relationship to the
current presentation. Childhood milestones (C) and prior hospitalizations (D) are less relevant to the acute symptom
onset.
Q3 Question 3 of 75
3. A 19-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department by his roommate after posting
a concerning message on social media. The student admits to having persistent thoughts of death and
reports, 'I have been thinking about taking a bunch of pills, but I have not actually done anything about
it yet.' Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), how should the nurse classify this
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2
,patient's suicidal ideation?
A. Passive suicidal ideation without intent
B. Active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent
C. Active suicidal ideation with method but without intent
D. Suicidal behavior requiring immediate medical intervention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The C-SSRS categorizes suicidal ideation by specificity. This patient has active ideation (not just wishing for death) with
a specific method (taking pills) but has not acted on it, indicating no intent yet. Passive ideation (A) involves only a wish
for death without any active thoughts of self-harm. Category B requires both a specific plan and stated intent to act,
which this patient does not report. Category D would apply if the patient had already engaged in a suicidal act.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
4. A 35-year-old patient with a history of schizophrenia is being evaluated in the psychiatric emergency
department. The patient is pacing the room, clenching his fists, and stating, 'My neighbor has been
putting poison in my food for weeks, and I am going to make him stop.' Which factor in the violence risk
assessment is most concerning for imminent harm?
A. The patient's diagnosis of schizophrenia
B. The patient's age and gender demographics
C. The patient's history of prior psychiatric admissions
D. The presence of a specific threat with an identified target
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The combination of a specific delusional belief (poisoning) directed at an identified person (the neighbor) and an overt
threat to act represents the most significant predictor of imminent violence. While a diagnosis of schizophrenia (A) is a
statistical risk factor, it does not predict imminent dangerousness on its own. Age and gender (B) and prior admissions
(C) are demographic and historical risk factors that are less acutely concerning than a specific, targeted threat.
Q5 Question 5 of 75
5. A 26-year-old patient reports experiencing episodes of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and
racing thoughts that last for four days and then resolve completely. During these episodes, the patient
feels 'on top of the world' and engages in impulsive spending. Between episodes, the patient's mood
returns to normal without depressive symptoms. The nurse recognizes that these findings are most
consistent with which DSM-5 diagnosis?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar I disorder
C. Bipolar II disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder
Correct Answer: A
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3
, Rationale:
The patient describes hypomanic episodes lasting four days that alternate with normal mood, without meeting full criteria
for a manic episode or major depressive episode. Cyclothymic disorder involves numerous periods of hypomanic
symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the threshold for a major depressive episode. Bipolar I (B)
requires at least one full manic episode. Bipolar II (C) requires at least one major depressive episode and one
hypomanic episode. Persistent depressive disorder (D) involves chronic depressive symptoms without hypomania.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
6. A 40-year-old patient arrives for a routine primary care visit and the nurse administers the GAD-7 as
part of the screening protocol. The patient reports feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge 'nearly every
day' and being unable to stop or control worrying 'nearly every day' over the past two weeks. The
patient also endorses trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and feeling afraid something awful
might happen on 'more than half the days.' What total score does this patient most likely receive on the
GAD-7?
A. 5
B. 14
C. 9
D. 18
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The GAD-7 has seven items, each scored 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Two items scored at 3 ('nearly every
day') and four items scored at 2 ('more than half the days') yield a total of 6 plus 8 = 14 points, with the remaining item
scored at 0. A score of 14 falls in the moderate anxiety range on the GAD-7. A score of 5 (A) indicates mild anxiety, 9
(C) would require a different item distribution, and 18 (D) would require nearly all items scored at the maximum.
Q7 Question 7 of 75
7. A 55-year-old woman completes the PHQ-9 during a follow-up visit for diabetes management. She
reports little interest or pleasure in activities and feeling down, depressed, or hopeless on 'nearly every
day.' She also reports trouble falling asleep, feeling tired, and poor appetite on 'more than half the
days.' She denies feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating, psychomotor changes, and
thoughts of self-harm. The nurse should interpret this score as indicating which level of depression
severity?
A. Minimal depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Moderately severe depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
This patient has two items at 3 points ('nearly every day') and three items at 2 points ('more than half the days'), with four
items at 0, giving a total of 12 points. On the PHQ-9, scores of 10 to 14 indicate moderate depression severity. Minimal
depression (A) is 0 to 4, mild (B) is 5 to 9, and moderately severe (D) is 15 to 19. This score warrants clinical follow-up
and possible treatment initiation.
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update
2026/2027) Mental Health Nursing | Questions
and Verified Answers | 100% Correct - Fortis
2026/2027 -- 2026/2027 Official Exam
75 100% 2026
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS 2027 EDITION
TOPICS COVERED
Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis Mood, Anxiety, & Psychotic Disorders
Therapeutic Communication & Interventions Crisis Intervention & Safety Protocols
Psychopharmacology & Medication Management
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 COVER PAGE - 1
, SECTION 1 | Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis | Q1-Q15 | Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Up 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
1. A nurse is completing a mental status examination on a 45-year-old patient admitted for major
depressive disorder. The nurse observes that the patient's speech is slow and measured, with
prolonged latency before responding to questions. The patient states, 'I have no energy and nothing
matters anymore.' The nurse should document this finding under which MSE category?
A. Mood and affect
B. Thought process and content
C. Sensorium and cognition
D. Perception and insight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Mood and affect encompass the patient's expressed emotional state and the observable emotional tone. The patient's
verbal report of hopelessness reflects mood, and the slow, labored speech with delayed responses reflects a depressed
affect. Thought process and content (B) refers to the logical flow and themes of thinking, not the emotional dimension.
The finding is not related to sensorium (C) or perception (D).
Q2 Question 2 of 75
2. A 32-year-old woman presents to the outpatient mental health clinic with complaints of persistent
worry and insomnia. During the psychosocial assessment, the nurse learns that the patient was
recently promoted at work, got married three months ago, and relocated to a new city. Which
psychosocial factor is most relevant for the nurse to explore further as a potential contributor to the
patient's symptoms?
A. Family genetic history of mental illness
B. Recent life changes and adjustment demands
C. Childhood developmental milestones
D. Previous psychiatric hospitalizations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The patient has experienced multiple significant life changes in a short period, including a promotion, marriage, and
relocation. These events represent psychosocial stressors that can precipitate or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. While
family genetic history (A) is important, the recent life changes have a more direct and immediate relationship to the
current presentation. Childhood milestones (C) and prior hospitalizations (D) are less relevant to the acute symptom
onset.
Q3 Question 3 of 75
3. A 19-year-old college student is brought to the emergency department by his roommate after posting
a concerning message on social media. The student admits to having persistent thoughts of death and
reports, 'I have been thinking about taking a bunch of pills, but I have not actually done anything about
it yet.' Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), how should the nurse classify this
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2
,patient's suicidal ideation?
A. Passive suicidal ideation without intent
B. Active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent
C. Active suicidal ideation with method but without intent
D. Suicidal behavior requiring immediate medical intervention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The C-SSRS categorizes suicidal ideation by specificity. This patient has active ideation (not just wishing for death) with
a specific method (taking pills) but has not acted on it, indicating no intent yet. Passive ideation (A) involves only a wish
for death without any active thoughts of self-harm. Category B requires both a specific plan and stated intent to act,
which this patient does not report. Category D would apply if the patient had already engaged in a suicidal act.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
4. A 35-year-old patient with a history of schizophrenia is being evaluated in the psychiatric emergency
department. The patient is pacing the room, clenching his fists, and stating, 'My neighbor has been
putting poison in my food for weeks, and I am going to make him stop.' Which factor in the violence risk
assessment is most concerning for imminent harm?
A. The patient's diagnosis of schizophrenia
B. The patient's age and gender demographics
C. The patient's history of prior psychiatric admissions
D. The presence of a specific threat with an identified target
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The combination of a specific delusional belief (poisoning) directed at an identified person (the neighbor) and an overt
threat to act represents the most significant predictor of imminent violence. While a diagnosis of schizophrenia (A) is a
statistical risk factor, it does not predict imminent dangerousness on its own. Age and gender (B) and prior admissions
(C) are demographic and historical risk factors that are less acutely concerning than a specific, targeted threat.
Q5 Question 5 of 75
5. A 26-year-old patient reports experiencing episodes of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and
racing thoughts that last for four days and then resolve completely. During these episodes, the patient
feels 'on top of the world' and engages in impulsive spending. Between episodes, the patient's mood
returns to normal without depressive symptoms. The nurse recognizes that these findings are most
consistent with which DSM-5 diagnosis?
A. Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar I disorder
C. Bipolar II disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder
Correct Answer: A
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3
, Rationale:
The patient describes hypomanic episodes lasting four days that alternate with normal mood, without meeting full criteria
for a manic episode or major depressive episode. Cyclothymic disorder involves numerous periods of hypomanic
symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet the threshold for a major depressive episode. Bipolar I (B)
requires at least one full manic episode. Bipolar II (C) requires at least one major depressive episode and one
hypomanic episode. Persistent depressive disorder (D) involves chronic depressive symptoms without hypomania.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
6. A 40-year-old patient arrives for a routine primary care visit and the nurse administers the GAD-7 as
part of the screening protocol. The patient reports feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge 'nearly every
day' and being unable to stop or control worrying 'nearly every day' over the past two weeks. The
patient also endorses trouble relaxing, restlessness, irritability, and feeling afraid something awful
might happen on 'more than half the days.' What total score does this patient most likely receive on the
GAD-7?
A. 5
B. 14
C. 9
D. 18
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The GAD-7 has seven items, each scored 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Two items scored at 3 ('nearly every
day') and four items scored at 2 ('more than half the days') yield a total of 6 plus 8 = 14 points, with the remaining item
scored at 0. A score of 14 falls in the moderate anxiety range on the GAD-7. A score of 5 (A) indicates mild anxiety, 9
(C) would require a different item distribution, and 18 (D) would require nearly all items scored at the maximum.
Q7 Question 7 of 75
7. A 55-year-old woman completes the PHQ-9 during a follow-up visit for diabetes management. She
reports little interest or pleasure in activities and feeling down, depressed, or hopeless on 'nearly every
day.' She also reports trouble falling asleep, feeling tired, and poor appetite on 'more than half the
days.' She denies feelings of worthlessness, trouble concentrating, psychomotor changes, and
thoughts of self-harm. The nurse should interpret this score as indicating which level of depression
severity?
A. Minimal depression
B. Mild depression
C. Moderate depression
D. Moderately severe depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
This patient has two items at 3 points ('nearly every day') and three items at 2 points ('more than half the days'), with four
items at 0, giving a total of 12 points. On the PHQ-9, scores of 10 to 14 indicate moderate depression severity. Minimal
depression (A) is 0 to 4, mild (B) is 5 to 9, and moderately severe (D) is 15 to 19. This score warrants clinical follow-up
and possible treatment initiation.
Exam 2: NUR208 / NUR 208 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Mental Health Nursi -- 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4
