NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensi… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Study
Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensi… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following assessment findings
would the nurse prioritize as an early sign of alcohol withdrawal?
A. Visual hallucinations and seizures
B. Profound hypotension and hypothermia
C. Bradycardia and somnolence
D. Coarse tremors of the hands and tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of alcohol withdrawal (6-24 hours after the last drink) typically include anxiety,
coarse tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. This is important because the nurse must
choose the action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about
safety first when answering these questions. This is important because the nurse must choose the
action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first
when answering these questions.
2. When caring for a client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who performs
lengthy hand-washing rituals, which nursing intervention is most appropriate during the
initial phase of treatment?
A. Interrupt the ritual to explain why it is irrational
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual to decrease anxiety
C. Administer an immediate dose of a high-potency antipsychotic
D. who performs lengthy hand-washing rituals, which nursing intervention is most appropriate during
the initial phase of treatment?
Answer: B
Rationale: In the initial phase, preventing a ritual can cause panic-level anxiety. The nurse should
allow time for the ritual while gradually working on limiting it through behavioral therapy. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensi… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) tells a nurse, ‘You are the
only one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ The nurse recognizes this as
which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Sublimation
C. Reaction formation
D. tells a nurse, ‘You are the only one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ The
nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark of BPD where the individual views people or situations as either all
good or all bad, failing to integrate positive and negative qualities. This knowledge supports safe care
and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. A patient with Anorexia Nervosa has a BMI of 15 and is experiencing peripheral edema.
What is the nurse’s primary concern regarding the physiological state of this patient?
A. Hypoalbuminemia due to malnutrition
B. Excessive protein intake
C. Hyperkalemia from renal failure
D. Fluid volume excess related to water intoxication
Answer: A
Rationale: In severe malnutrition (Anorexia), low serum albumin levels lead to decreased oncotic
pressure, resulting in peripheral edema. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs
and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on
the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Study
Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensi… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following assessment findings
would the nurse prioritize as an early sign of alcohol withdrawal?
A. Visual hallucinations and seizures
B. Profound hypotension and hypothermia
C. Bradycardia and somnolence
D. Coarse tremors of the hands and tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of alcohol withdrawal (6-24 hours after the last drink) typically include anxiety,
coarse tremors, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. This is important because the nurse must
choose the action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about
safety first when answering these questions. This is important because the nurse must choose the
action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first
when answering these questions.
2. When caring for a client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who performs
lengthy hand-washing rituals, which nursing intervention is most appropriate during the
initial phase of treatment?
A. Interrupt the ritual to explain why it is irrational
B. Allow the client enough time to perform the ritual to decrease anxiety
C. Administer an immediate dose of a high-potency antipsychotic
D. who performs lengthy hand-washing rituals, which nursing intervention is most appropriate during
the initial phase of treatment?
Answer: B
Rationale: In the initial phase, preventing a ritual can cause panic-level anxiety. The nurse should
allow time for the ritual while gradually working on limiting it through behavioral therapy. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing Comprehensi… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) tells a nurse, ‘You are the
only one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ The nurse recognizes this as
which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Sublimation
C. Reaction formation
D. tells a nurse, ‘You are the only one who cares. The night nurse is mean and incompetent.’ The
nurse recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
Answer: A
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark of BPD where the individual views people or situations as either all
good or all bad, failing to integrate positive and negative qualities. This knowledge supports safe care
and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. A patient with Anorexia Nervosa has a BMI of 15 and is experiencing peripheral edema.
What is the nurse’s primary concern regarding the physiological state of this patient?
A. Hypoalbuminemia due to malnutrition
B. Excessive protein intake
C. Hyperkalemia from renal failure
D. Fluid volume excess related to water intoxication
Answer: A
Rationale: In severe malnutrition (Anorexia), low serum albumin levels lead to decreased oncotic
pressure, resulting in peripheral edema. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs
and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on
the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
