NUR 253
Exam 2 Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehensive
Study Guide
Exam 2 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 253
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehensive Study Guide UPDATE – Galen
1. A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which
information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It should be taken only as needed (PRN) for acute panic attacks.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur.
C. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
D. The medication has a high potential for addiction and withdrawal.
Answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects; it requires consistent dosing and takes weeks to reach full efficacy. Unlike
benzodiazepines, it is not for PRN use and has low abuse potential.
2. A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department who reports sudden
palpitations, chest pain, and a feeling of ‘impending doom.’ Which level of anxiety is the
client experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Panic level anxiety
D. Severe anxiety
, Answer: C
Rationale: Panic level anxiety is characterized by a complete loss of control, feelings of
dread or doom, and physical symptoms like chest pain and palpitations that may mimic a
myocardial infarction.
3. Which nursing intervention is a priority for a client admitted with a severe depressive
episode and a history of suicidal ideation who suddenly appears happy and energetic?
A. Decrease the frequency of observation to encourage independence.
B. Document the improvement in mood and prepare for discharge.
C. Increase the frequency of suicide checks and one-to-one observation.
D. Encourage the client to lead a group therapy session.
Answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in energy or improvement in mood in a depressed, suicidal
client often indicates the client has finalized a suicide plan and now has the energy to carry
it out.
4. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours each morning
washing their hands. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Lock the bathroom door to prevent the ritual.
B. Explain to the client that their hands are clean and the behavior is irrational.
C. Administer an immediate dose of lorazepam.
Exam 2 Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehensive
Study Guide
Exam 2 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 253
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 253 Exam 2: Mental Health Nursing (2026) Comprehensive Study Guide UPDATE – Galen
1. A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which
information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It should be taken only as needed (PRN) for acute panic attacks.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur.
C. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
D. The medication has a high potential for addiction and withdrawal.
Answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects; it requires consistent dosing and takes weeks to reach full efficacy. Unlike
benzodiazepines, it is not for PRN use and has low abuse potential.
2. A nurse is assessing a client in the emergency department who reports sudden
palpitations, chest pain, and a feeling of ‘impending doom.’ Which level of anxiety is the
client experiencing?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Panic level anxiety
D. Severe anxiety
, Answer: C
Rationale: Panic level anxiety is characterized by a complete loss of control, feelings of
dread or doom, and physical symptoms like chest pain and palpitations that may mimic a
myocardial infarction.
3. Which nursing intervention is a priority for a client admitted with a severe depressive
episode and a history of suicidal ideation who suddenly appears happy and energetic?
A. Decrease the frequency of observation to encourage independence.
B. Document the improvement in mood and prepare for discharge.
C. Increase the frequency of suicide checks and one-to-one observation.
D. Encourage the client to lead a group therapy session.
Answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in energy or improvement in mood in a depressed, suicidal
client often indicates the client has finalized a suicide plan and now has the energy to carry
it out.
4. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours each morning
washing their hands. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Lock the bathroom door to prevent the ritual.
B. Explain to the client that their hands are clean and the behavior is irrational.
C. Administer an immediate dose of lorazepam.
