NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 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 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is admitted to the unit. The nurse
observes the patient telling one staff member they are ‘the only one who understands’ while
telling another staff member that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What defense mechanism
is the patient displaying?
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. is admitted to the unit. The nurse observes the patient telling one staff member they are ‘the only
one who understands’ while telling another staff member that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What
defense mechanism is the patient displaying?
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views others as
either all good or all bad, often playing staff members against each other. Exam questions often test
whether you can pick the most practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what
the nurse can actually do right now. 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.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of Anorexia Nervosa rather than Bulimia
Nervosa?
A. Presence of Lanugo
B. Hypokalemia due to vomiting
C. Erosion of tooth enamel
D. Parotid gland swelling
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a physiological response to extreme weight loss and starvation
seen in Anorexia Nervosa. The other options are more commonly associated with purging behaviors in
Bulimia. 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. 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 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient in alcohol withdrawal is experiencing hand tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Lorazepam
B. Naltrexone
C. Disulfiram
D. Acamprosate
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for treating acute alcohol
withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to seizures or delirium tremens. 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 knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. In the ‘Cycle of Violence,’ which stage is characterized by the abuser becoming extremely
apologetic and promising to change?
A. Honeymoon phase
B. Acute battering phase
C. Tension-building phase
D. Escalation phase
Answer: A
Rationale: The honeymoon phase follows the acute battering incident; the abuser shows remorse and
kindness, which often reinforces the victim’s hope that the abuse will stop. This knowledge supports
safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance
and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 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 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is admitted to the unit. The nurse
observes the patient telling one staff member they are ‘the only one who understands’ while
telling another staff member that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What defense mechanism
is the patient displaying?
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. is admitted to the unit. The nurse observes the patient telling one staff member they are ‘the only
one who understands’ while telling another staff member that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What
defense mechanism is the patient displaying?
Answer: C
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views others as
either all good or all bad, often playing staff members against each other. Exam questions often test
whether you can pick the most practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what
the nurse can actually do right now. 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.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of Anorexia Nervosa rather than Bulimia
Nervosa?
A. Presence of Lanugo
B. Hypokalemia due to vomiting
C. Erosion of tooth enamel
D. Parotid gland swelling
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a physiological response to extreme weight loss and starvation
seen in Anorexia Nervosa. The other options are more commonly associated with purging behaviors in
Bulimia. 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. 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 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient in alcohol withdrawal is experiencing hand tremors, tachycardia, and
hypertension. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Lorazepam
B. Naltrexone
C. Disulfiram
D. Acamprosate
Answer: A
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for treating acute alcohol
withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to seizures or delirium tremens. 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 knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. In the ‘Cycle of Violence,’ which stage is characterized by the abuser becoming extremely
apologetic and promising to change?
A. Honeymoon phase
B. Acute battering phase
C. Tension-building phase
D. Escalation phase
Answer: A
Rationale: The honeymoon phase follows the acute battering incident; the abuser shows remorse and
kindness, which often reinforces the victim’s hope that the abuse will stop. This knowledge supports
safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance
and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
