NUR 2459 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH NURSING EXAM 2 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends several hours a day
performing handwashing rituals. What is the primary purpose of these rituals?
A. To increase self-esteem through controlled behavior
B. To reduce the intense anxiety produced by obsessive thoughts
C. To manipulate the environment and staff expectations
D. To punish themselves for perceived wrongdoings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rituals in OCD are repetitive behaviors performed to neutralize
or decrease the anxiety associated with intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions).
2. Which physical symptom is a hallmark sign of a Panic Attack that often leads patients to
believe they are having a heart attack?
A. Severe abdominal cramping
B. Excessive lethargy and bradycardia
,C. Chest pain and palpitations
D. Localized muscle twitching in the lower extremities
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Panic attacks frequently involve symptoms like chest pain,
palpitations, and shortness of breath, which mimic the symptoms of a myocardial
infarction.
3. A client is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which medication is most
appropriate for long-term management due to its lack of addictive potential?
A. Alprazolam
B. Diazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Lorazepam
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used for long-term
GAD treatment. Unlike benzodiazepines (A, B, D), it does not cause physical dependence or
sedation.
4. During a panic-level anxiety attack, what is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stay with the client and provide a calm, brief, and directive presence
B. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down
, C. Teach the client deep breathing techniques for future use
D. Ask the client to explain the triggers for their anxiety
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During panic-level anxiety, the nurse must stay with the client to
ensure safety. Communication should be brief and simple because the client cannot process
complex information.
5. A patient experiencing a flashback related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is
shouting ‘Get down!’ and hiding under a table. What is the most appropriate nursing
intervention?
A. Touch the patient to reassure them they are safe
B. Speak in a calm voice and reorient the patient to the present environment
C. Call for a code green and prepare for restraints
D. Turn off the lights to reduce environmental stimuli
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Reorientation to time and place is vital during a flashback.
Touching a patient in this state may be perceived as a threat and could lead to aggression.
6. A client with Anorexia Nervosa has a BMI of 14 and is admitted to the inpatient unit. What
is the priority nursing diagnosis?
A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
HEALTH NURSING EXAM 2 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends several hours a day
performing handwashing rituals. What is the primary purpose of these rituals?
A. To increase self-esteem through controlled behavior
B. To reduce the intense anxiety produced by obsessive thoughts
C. To manipulate the environment and staff expectations
D. To punish themselves for perceived wrongdoings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rituals in OCD are repetitive behaviors performed to neutralize
or decrease the anxiety associated with intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions).
2. Which physical symptom is a hallmark sign of a Panic Attack that often leads patients to
believe they are having a heart attack?
A. Severe abdominal cramping
B. Excessive lethargy and bradycardia
,C. Chest pain and palpitations
D. Localized muscle twitching in the lower extremities
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Panic attacks frequently involve symptoms like chest pain,
palpitations, and shortness of breath, which mimic the symptoms of a myocardial
infarction.
3. A client is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which medication is most
appropriate for long-term management due to its lack of addictive potential?
A. Alprazolam
B. Diazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Lorazepam
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic used for long-term
GAD treatment. Unlike benzodiazepines (A, B, D), it does not cause physical dependence or
sedation.
4. During a panic-level anxiety attack, what is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stay with the client and provide a calm, brief, and directive presence
B. Leave the client alone to allow them space to calm down
, C. Teach the client deep breathing techniques for future use
D. Ask the client to explain the triggers for their anxiety
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During panic-level anxiety, the nurse must stay with the client to
ensure safety. Communication should be brief and simple because the client cannot process
complex information.
5. A patient experiencing a flashback related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is
shouting ‘Get down!’ and hiding under a table. What is the most appropriate nursing
intervention?
A. Touch the patient to reassure them they are safe
B. Speak in a calm voice and reorient the patient to the present environment
C. Call for a code green and prepare for restraints
D. Turn off the lights to reduce environmental stimuli
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Reorientation to time and place is vital during a flashback.
Touching a patient in this state may be perceived as a threat and could lead to aggression.
6. A client with Anorexia Nervosa has a BMI of 14 and is admitted to the inpatient unit. What
is the priority nursing diagnosis?
A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
