NUR 253
Exam 4 Study Guide Mental Health Nursing
Exam 4 • 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 4 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is alternating between praising and
devaluing the nursing staff. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Splitting
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Answer: B
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views
people or situations as either all good or all bad, unable to integrate positive and negative
qualities.
2. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Delirium rather than Dementia?
A. Gradual onset of memory loss over several years
B. Intact consciousness and alertness
C. Irreversible progressive cognitive decline
D. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Answer: D
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is gradual and progressive.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is most likely
related to the body’s attempt to provide insulation due to lack of body fat?
A. Lanugo
B. Hypertension
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo is the growth of fine, downy hair on the face and back, which is a
physiological response to extreme weight loss and loss of subcutaneous fat to help
maintain body heat.
4. Which medication is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for a child
diagnosed with ADHD?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Methylphenidate
D. Haloperidol
Answer: C
Exam 4 Study Guide Mental Health Nursing
Exam 4 • 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 4 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is alternating between praising and
devaluing the nursing staff. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Splitting
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Answer: B
Rationale: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the individual views
people or situations as either all good or all bad, unable to integrate positive and negative
qualities.
2. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Delirium rather than Dementia?
A. Gradual onset of memory loss over several years
B. Intact consciousness and alertness
C. Irreversible progressive cognitive decline
D. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Answer: D
, Rationale: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course, and
disturbances in consciousness and attention, whereas dementia is gradual and progressive.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is most likely
related to the body’s attempt to provide insulation due to lack of body fat?
A. Lanugo
B. Hypertension
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo is the growth of fine, downy hair on the face and back, which is a
physiological response to extreme weight loss and loss of subcutaneous fat to help
maintain body heat.
4. Which medication is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for a child
diagnosed with ADHD?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Methylphenidate
D. Haloperidol
Answer: C
