NUR 2459 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH NURSING EXAM 3
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing an elderly client who was recently admitted. The client shows sudden
onset of confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and is easily distracted. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Vascular Dementia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and impaired attention, whereas dementia has a gradual onset and stable
consciousness.
,2. The nurse is educating a family about the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. Which of
the following should the nurse include as a primary pathological feature?
A. Excessive production of dopamine in the basal ganglia
B. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
C. Atrophy of the cerebellum due to chronic alcohol use
D. Demyelination of the peripheral nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically defined by the buildup of
beta-amyloid plaques outside neurons and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles inside
neurons.
3. A client is prescribed Donepezil (Aricept) for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Which
side effect is the nurse most likely to monitor for?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Dry mouth and constipation
D. Gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor. By increasing
acetylcholine, it common causes parasympathetic effects like nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome related to chronic
alcohol use. Which nutritional deficiency is the primary cause of this condition?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
C. Vitamin C
D. Folic Acid
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a severe deficiency
of thiamine (B1), often due to chronic alcohol consumption and poor nutrition.
5. A client is brought to the emergency department with pinpoint pupils, respiratory
depression, and extreme drowsiness. The nurse suspects an overdose of which substance?
A. Cocaine
B. Heroin
C. Methamphetamine
D. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Answer: B
HEALTH NURSING EXAM 3
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is assessing an elderly client who was recently admitted. The client shows sudden
onset of confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and is easily distracted. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Depression
C. Delirium
D. Vascular Dementia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and impaired attention, whereas dementia has a gradual onset and stable
consciousness.
,2. The nurse is educating a family about the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. Which of
the following should the nurse include as a primary pathological feature?
A. Excessive production of dopamine in the basal ganglia
B. Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
C. Atrophy of the cerebellum due to chronic alcohol use
D. Demyelination of the peripheral nervous system
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alzheimer’s disease is pathologically defined by the buildup of
beta-amyloid plaques outside neurons and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles inside
neurons.
3. A client is prescribed Donepezil (Aricept) for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Which
side effect is the nurse most likely to monitor for?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Dry mouth and constipation
D. Gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor. By increasing
acetylcholine, it common causes parasympathetic effects like nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome related to chronic
alcohol use. Which nutritional deficiency is the primary cause of this condition?
A. Vitamin B12
B. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
C. Vitamin C
D. Folic Acid
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a severe deficiency
of thiamine (B1), often due to chronic alcohol consumption and poor nutrition.
5. A client is brought to the emergency department with pinpoint pupils, respiratory
depression, and extreme drowsiness. The nurse suspects an overdose of which substance?
A. Cocaine
B. Heroin
C. Methamphetamine
D. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Answer: B
