GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY NSG-
322 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Foundations
• Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
• Therapeutic Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship
• Mood Disorders: Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
• Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
• Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders
• Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatric Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive final examination is designed to evaluate the essential
nursing knowledge and clinical competencies required for success in
NSG-322. The assessment focuses on the foundational principles of
psychiatric-mental health nursing, including therapeutic communication,
psychopharmacology, and the management of patients across the lifespan
with various mental health disorders. Students will be expected to apply
theoretical concepts to clinical scenarios, demonstrating sound clinical
judgment, ethical decision-making, and an understanding of legal
,standards in psychiatric care. This resource serves as a definitive study tool
for exam preparation and self-assessment, ensuring readiness for the
rigors of Grand Canyon University's nursing curriculum and the NCLEX-RN
licensure examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I
don't see any point in going on." Which nursing response is most
therapeutic?
A. "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B. "What makes you feel that there is no point in going on?"
C. "Everyone feels this way sometimes. It will pass."
D. "I understand exactly how you feel. I've been there too."
B. "What makes you feel that there is no point in going on?"
RATIONALE: This response uses therapeutic communication by
exploring the patient's feelings and encouraging verbalization. It
demonstrates empathy and assesses for suicidal ideation without being
judgmental or dismissive.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Tell the patient that the voices are not real.
B. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
C. Ignore the patient's comments about the voices.
D. Distract the patient with a television program.
B. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
RATIONALE: Asking about the content of the hallucinations is
important to assess for command hallucinations that may indicate a risk
of harm to self or others. This approach validates the patient's
experience while maintaining safety.
,3. A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. Which
statement indicates the patient understands the medication
teaching?
A. "I should feel better within 24 hours of starting this medication."
B. "I can stop taking this medication when I feel better."
C. "I need to avoid foods high in tyramine while taking this medication."
D. "It may take 4 to 6 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
D. "It may take 4 to 6 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
RATIONALE: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) that requires 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use to achieve therapeutic
effects. Patients must understand this delayed onset to maintain
adherence.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate for managing the patient's
behavior?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately.
B. Encourage participation in competitive activities.
C. Provide a structured environment with low stimulation.
D. Allow the patient to make all decisions about their care.
C. Provide a structured environment with low stimulation.
RATIONALE: Patients in the manic phase require a calm, structured
environment with minimal stimuli to reduce agitation and prevent
overstimulation, which can exacerbate symptoms.
5. The nurse is assessing a patient with generalized anxiety
disorder. Which physical symptom is commonly associated with
this condition?
A. Bradycardia
B. Muscle tension
, C. Hypotension
D. Hypothermia
B. Muscle tension
RATIONALE: Muscle tension, along with restlessness, fatigue, and
sleep disturbances, is a common physical manifestation of generalized
anxiety disorder related to the sympathetic nervous system's chronic
activation.
6. A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted with
confusion, tachycardia, and hypertension. The nurse suspects
alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which medication is the priority for
this patient?
A. Naloxone
B. Lorazepam
C. Disulfiram
D. Haloperidol
B. Lorazepam
RATIONALE: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are the standard of
care for managing alcohol withdrawal and preventing progression to
delirium tremens. They reduce central nervous system excitability and
the risk of seizures.
7. A patient with borderline personality disorder frequently self-
harms. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to
implement?
A. Place the patient in seclusion for 2 hours.
B. Contract with the patient for safety and set boundaries.
C. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
D. Allow the patient to self-harm and then provide comfort.
B. Contract with the patient for safety and set boundaries.
RATIONALE: Establishing a safety contract with clear expectations
and boundaries, combined with consistent implementation, helps
322 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Foundations
• Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
• Therapeutic Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship
• Mood Disorders: Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Trauma-Related Disorders
• Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
• Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
• Personality Disorders and Eating Disorders
• Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychiatric Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive final examination is designed to evaluate the essential
nursing knowledge and clinical competencies required for success in
NSG-322. The assessment focuses on the foundational principles of
psychiatric-mental health nursing, including therapeutic communication,
psychopharmacology, and the management of patients across the lifespan
with various mental health disorders. Students will be expected to apply
theoretical concepts to clinical scenarios, demonstrating sound clinical
judgment, ethical decision-making, and an understanding of legal
,standards in psychiatric care. This resource serves as a definitive study tool
for exam preparation and self-assessment, ensuring readiness for the
rigors of Grand Canyon University's nursing curriculum and the NCLEX-RN
licensure examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I
don't see any point in going on." Which nursing response is most
therapeutic?
A. "You have so much to live for. Think about your family."
B. "What makes you feel that there is no point in going on?"
C. "Everyone feels this way sometimes. It will pass."
D. "I understand exactly how you feel. I've been there too."
B. "What makes you feel that there is no point in going on?"
RATIONALE: This response uses therapeutic communication by
exploring the patient's feelings and encouraging verbalization. It
demonstrates empathy and assesses for suicidal ideation without being
judgmental or dismissive.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Tell the patient that the voices are not real.
B. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
C. Ignore the patient's comments about the voices.
D. Distract the patient with a television program.
B. Ask the patient what the voices are saying.
RATIONALE: Asking about the content of the hallucinations is
important to assess for command hallucinations that may indicate a risk
of harm to self or others. This approach validates the patient's
experience while maintaining safety.
,3. A patient is prescribed fluoxetine for depression. Which
statement indicates the patient understands the medication
teaching?
A. "I should feel better within 24 hours of starting this medication."
B. "I can stop taking this medication when I feel better."
C. "I need to avoid foods high in tyramine while taking this medication."
D. "It may take 4 to 6 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
D. "It may take 4 to 6 weeks before I notice improvement in my
symptoms."
RATIONALE: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) that requires 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use to achieve therapeutic
effects. Patients must understand this delayed onset to maintain
adherence.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which
nursing intervention is most appropriate for managing the patient's
behavior?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately.
B. Encourage participation in competitive activities.
C. Provide a structured environment with low stimulation.
D. Allow the patient to make all decisions about their care.
C. Provide a structured environment with low stimulation.
RATIONALE: Patients in the manic phase require a calm, structured
environment with minimal stimuli to reduce agitation and prevent
overstimulation, which can exacerbate symptoms.
5. The nurse is assessing a patient with generalized anxiety
disorder. Which physical symptom is commonly associated with
this condition?
A. Bradycardia
B. Muscle tension
, C. Hypotension
D. Hypothermia
B. Muscle tension
RATIONALE: Muscle tension, along with restlessness, fatigue, and
sleep disturbances, is a common physical manifestation of generalized
anxiety disorder related to the sympathetic nervous system's chronic
activation.
6. A patient with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted with
confusion, tachycardia, and hypertension. The nurse suspects
alcohol withdrawal delirium. Which medication is the priority for
this patient?
A. Naloxone
B. Lorazepam
C. Disulfiram
D. Haloperidol
B. Lorazepam
RATIONALE: Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are the standard of
care for managing alcohol withdrawal and preventing progression to
delirium tremens. They reduce central nervous system excitability and
the risk of seizures.
7. A patient with borderline personality disorder frequently self-
harms. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to
implement?
A. Place the patient in seclusion for 2 hours.
B. Contract with the patient for safety and set boundaries.
C. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
D. Allow the patient to self-harm and then provide comfort.
B. Contract with the patient for safety and set boundaries.
RATIONALE: Establishing a safety contract with clear expectations
and boundaries, combined with consistent implementation, helps
