,NUR 253 Exam 2 | Concepts of Mental Health
Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. A client whose spouse died unexpectedly says, “I just can’t believe this is real.
I keep expecting them to walk through the door.” Which stage of grief is the
client most likely experiencing?
A) Bargaining
B) Denial
C) Anger
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Denial
Rationale: Denial is the first stage of grief, characterized by shock and refusal to
accept the loss. The client’s statements reflect disbelief and an inability to grasp
the reality of the death. This stage often serves as a buffer against
overwhelming emotions.
2. A family tells a client to “stop crying over a cat that died six months ago.” The
nurse recognizes that this type of grief is:
A) Anticipatory grief
B) Complicated grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Normal bereavement
Correct Answer: Disenfranchised grief
,Rationale: Disenfranchised grief occurs when the loss is not socially
acknowledged or validated. The family’s dismissal of the client’s attachment to
the pet illustrates this concept. The nurse should validate the client’s feelings.
3. During a group session, a member begins to cry and says, “I feel so alone.”
The nurse leader responds, “Would anyone else like to share when they felt this
way?” This intervention fosters which therapeutic factor?
A) Universality
B) Catharsis
C) Altruism
D) Cohesiveness
Correct Answer: Universality
Rationale: Universality helps members realize they are not unique in their
struggles. Inviting others to share similar experiences reduces isolation and
builds connection within the group.
4. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed paroxetine, an SSRI.
The nurse explains that this medication works by:
A) Blocking dopamine receptors
B) Enhancing GABA activity
C) Blocking the reuptake of serotonin
D) Increasing the destruction of norepinephrine
Correct Answer: Blocking the reuptake of serotonin
, Rationale: SSRIs selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake, increasing its availability
in the synaptic cleft. This improves mood and reduces anxiety. They are
first‑line agents for many anxiety disorders.
5. The nurse is leading a group in the planning phase. Which action is the
priority?
A) Establish group rules
B) Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes
C) Screen potential members
D) Determine the meeting location
Correct Answer: Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes
Rationale: In the planning phase, clearly defining the group’s purpose and goals
is essential. This guides all subsequent steps, including member selection and
format.
6. A client taking lithium reports severe diarrhea and vomiting for the past 48
hours. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B) Administer the next dose with food
C) Hold the lithium and notify the healthcare provider
D) Obtain a serum lithium level after the next dose
Correct Answer: Hold the lithium and notify the healthcare provider
Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. A client whose spouse died unexpectedly says, “I just can’t believe this is real.
I keep expecting them to walk through the door.” Which stage of grief is the
client most likely experiencing?
A) Bargaining
B) Denial
C) Anger
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Denial
Rationale: Denial is the first stage of grief, characterized by shock and refusal to
accept the loss. The client’s statements reflect disbelief and an inability to grasp
the reality of the death. This stage often serves as a buffer against
overwhelming emotions.
2. A family tells a client to “stop crying over a cat that died six months ago.” The
nurse recognizes that this type of grief is:
A) Anticipatory grief
B) Complicated grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Normal bereavement
Correct Answer: Disenfranchised grief
,Rationale: Disenfranchised grief occurs when the loss is not socially
acknowledged or validated. The family’s dismissal of the client’s attachment to
the pet illustrates this concept. The nurse should validate the client’s feelings.
3. During a group session, a member begins to cry and says, “I feel so alone.”
The nurse leader responds, “Would anyone else like to share when they felt this
way?” This intervention fosters which therapeutic factor?
A) Universality
B) Catharsis
C) Altruism
D) Cohesiveness
Correct Answer: Universality
Rationale: Universality helps members realize they are not unique in their
struggles. Inviting others to share similar experiences reduces isolation and
builds connection within the group.
4. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed paroxetine, an SSRI.
The nurse explains that this medication works by:
A) Blocking dopamine receptors
B) Enhancing GABA activity
C) Blocking the reuptake of serotonin
D) Increasing the destruction of norepinephrine
Correct Answer: Blocking the reuptake of serotonin
, Rationale: SSRIs selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake, increasing its availability
in the synaptic cleft. This improves mood and reduces anxiety. They are
first‑line agents for many anxiety disorders.
5. The nurse is leading a group in the planning phase. Which action is the
priority?
A) Establish group rules
B) Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes
C) Screen potential members
D) Determine the meeting location
Correct Answer: Identify the name, objectives, and desired outcomes
Rationale: In the planning phase, clearly defining the group’s purpose and goals
is essential. This guides all subsequent steps, including member selection and
format.
6. A client taking lithium reports severe diarrhea and vomiting for the past 48
hours. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B) Administer the next dose with food
C) Hold the lithium and notify the healthcare provider
D) Obtain a serum lithium level after the next dose
Correct Answer: Hold the lithium and notify the healthcare provider
