NUR 253
Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. What
information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for full therapeutic effects to occur.
B. It carries a high risk for physical dependence.
C. It has a rapid onset and works within 30 minutes.
D. It should be taken only as needed for acute panic attacks.
Answer: A
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects; it requires consistent dosing for 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic levels, unlike
benzodiazepines.
2. A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing techniques.
B. Exploring the underlying cause of the panic.
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences.
D. Administering a dose of oral Buspirone.
Answer: C
, Rationale: During severe anxiety or panic, the client’s ability to process information is
limited. The nurse should stay with the client to ensure safety and communicate using
brief, clear instructions.
3. A patient diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily
arranging objects. What is the initial nursing action?
A. Interrupt the ritual to explain its irrationality.
B. Physically prevent the patient from performing the ritual.
C. Allow the patient time for the ritual initially while setting limits.
D. Increase the patient’s workload to distract from the ritual.
Answer: C
Rationale: In the early stages of treatment for OCD, it is important to allow the ritual to
prevent overwhelming anxiety while gradually implementing a schedule to limit the time
spent on it.
4. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. Recurrent, intrusive recollections or flashbacks of the event.
B. Persistent feeling of euphoria and high energy.
C. Excessive worry about everyday health and finances.
D. A sense of pride regarding the traumatic event.
Answer: A
Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. What
information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for full therapeutic effects to occur.
B. It carries a high risk for physical dependence.
C. It has a rapid onset and works within 30 minutes.
D. It should be taken only as needed for acute panic attacks.
Answer: A
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects; it requires consistent dosing for 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic levels, unlike
benzodiazepines.
2. A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing techniques.
B. Exploring the underlying cause of the panic.
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences.
D. Administering a dose of oral Buspirone.
Answer: C
, Rationale: During severe anxiety or panic, the client’s ability to process information is
limited. The nurse should stay with the client to ensure safety and communicate using
brief, clear instructions.
3. A patient diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily
arranging objects. What is the initial nursing action?
A. Interrupt the ritual to explain its irrationality.
B. Physically prevent the patient from performing the ritual.
C. Allow the patient time for the ritual initially while setting limits.
D. Increase the patient’s workload to distract from the ritual.
Answer: C
Rationale: In the early stages of treatment for OCD, it is important to allow the ritual to
prevent overwhelming anxiety while gradually implementing a schedule to limit the time
spent on it.
4. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. Recurrent, intrusive recollections or flashbacks of the event.
B. Persistent feeling of euphoria and high energy.
C. Excessive worry about everyday health and finances.
D. A sense of pride regarding the traumatic event.
Answer: A
