NSG 3450 MENTAL HEALTH 2026/2027 | PSYCHIATRIC NURSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | C…
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NSG 3450 Mental Health
2026/2027 | Psychiatric
Nursing Questions &
Answers | Comprehensive
Course Review (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 92 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document for NSG 3450 Mental Health offers 92 questions with
pre-provided correct answers and detailed rationales. It serves as an invaluable study aid
for psychiatric nursing, directly aligning with course material. Students can effectively
utilize this resource for thorough exam preparation and knowledge reinforcement.
TOPICS
Eating Disorders Q1–Q19
Substance Use Disorders Q20–Q49
Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Q50–Q67
Psychopharmacology Q68–Q76
Suicide and End-of-Life Q77–Q92
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 92
Anorexia nervosa
RESPONSE
Pt. refused to maintain a minimally normal weight for height and expresses an intense fear of
gaining weight. It is a chronic illness that waxes and wanes. The patient will require long term
treatment.
RATIONALE
The core diagnostic features of this eating disorder include a refusal to maintain minimally normal
body weight and an intense fear of weight gain. This chronic condition is characterized by periods
of exacerbation and remission, necessitating prolonged, comprehensive therapeutic interventions
for recovery.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 92
Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa
RESPONSE
Restricting and binge-eating/purging type
RATIONALE
The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa delineate two primary subtypes based on behavioral
patterns. These subtypes are characterized by either a consistent pattern of restricting food intake
or episodes of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, such as purging. This classification
guides treatment interventions.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 92
Characteristics of of anorexia nervosa
Page 2
, RESPONSE
Extreme weight loss
Intense fear of loss of control and weight gain
Involves a strong denial of the problem
Typically well educated and economically secure
Distorted body image
Restricted calories with significantly low BMI
More common in females
Perfectionist, competitive personality
Dysfunctional family dynamics - overbearing mom
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe caloric restriction leading to a significantly low body
mass index, coupled with an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted perception of body image.
Individuals often exhibit denial of the illness, perfectionistic traits, and may come from financially
stable backgrounds, with a predisposition towards females.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 92
Clinical Presentation of anorexia nervosa
RESPONSE
Low weight
Amenorrhea
Yellow skin
Lanugo
Cold extremities
Peripheral edema
Muscle weakness
Very reluctant to get help
Perfectionistic tendencies
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by significant energy restriction leading to abnormally low body
weight, often accompanied by endocrine disturbances like amenorrhea and physiological
adaptations such as lanugo and yellow skin due to carotene accumulation. Behavioral
manifestations include a profound reluctance to accept treatment and perfectionistic traits.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 92
Abnormal lab values of anorexia nervosa
Page 3
, RESPONSE
Hypokalemia <3.5 mEq/L
Anemia pancytopenia
Decreased bone density
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa frequently leads to electrolyte imbalances, most notably hypokalemia, indicating
a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L due to malnutrition and purging behaviors. Hematological
abnormalities, such as pancytopenia causing anemia, and diminished bone density are also
common consequences of severe nutritional deficiencies and hormonal dysregulation seen in this
disorder.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 92
Areas to cover when assessing anorexia patient (psychological)
RESPONSE
Perception of the problem
Eating habits
History of dieting
Methods to achieve weight control (restricting, extreme exercise, purging,)
Value attached to a specific size and weight
Interpersonal and social functioning
Mental status and physiological parameters
RATIONALE
Assessing psychological factors in anorexia nervosa requires exploring the patient's self-
perception, including their understanding of their illness and the value placed on specific body
size. Evaluation must also encompass disordered eating behaviors, weight control methods, and
their impact on interpersonal and mental status. This comprehensive approach addresses the core
cognitive and behavioral distortions characteristic of the disorder.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 92
Refeeding syndrome
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
NSG 3450 Mental Health
2026/2027 | Psychiatric
Nursing Questions &
Answers | Comprehensive
Course Review (Rationales)
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 92 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This comprehensive review document for NSG 3450 Mental Health offers 92 questions with
pre-provided correct answers and detailed rationales. It serves as an invaluable study aid
for psychiatric nursing, directly aligning with course material. Students can effectively
utilize this resource for thorough exam preparation and knowledge reinforcement.
TOPICS
Eating Disorders Q1–Q19
Substance Use Disorders Q20–Q49
Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Q50–Q67
Psychopharmacology Q68–Q76
Suicide and End-of-Life Q77–Q92
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 92
Anorexia nervosa
RESPONSE
Pt. refused to maintain a minimally normal weight for height and expresses an intense fear of
gaining weight. It is a chronic illness that waxes and wanes. The patient will require long term
treatment.
RATIONALE
The core diagnostic features of this eating disorder include a refusal to maintain minimally normal
body weight and an intense fear of weight gain. This chronic condition is characterized by periods
of exacerbation and remission, necessitating prolonged, comprehensive therapeutic interventions
for recovery.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 92
Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa
RESPONSE
Restricting and binge-eating/purging type
RATIONALE
The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa delineate two primary subtypes based on behavioral
patterns. These subtypes are characterized by either a consistent pattern of restricting food intake
or episodes of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, such as purging. This classification
guides treatment interventions.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 92
Characteristics of of anorexia nervosa
Page 2
, RESPONSE
Extreme weight loss
Intense fear of loss of control and weight gain
Involves a strong denial of the problem
Typically well educated and economically secure
Distorted body image
Restricted calories with significantly low BMI
More common in females
Perfectionist, competitive personality
Dysfunctional family dynamics - overbearing mom
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe caloric restriction leading to a significantly low body
mass index, coupled with an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted perception of body image.
Individuals often exhibit denial of the illness, perfectionistic traits, and may come from financially
stable backgrounds, with a predisposition towards females.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 92
Clinical Presentation of anorexia nervosa
RESPONSE
Low weight
Amenorrhea
Yellow skin
Lanugo
Cold extremities
Peripheral edema
Muscle weakness
Very reluctant to get help
Perfectionistic tendencies
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by significant energy restriction leading to abnormally low body
weight, often accompanied by endocrine disturbances like amenorrhea and physiological
adaptations such as lanugo and yellow skin due to carotene accumulation. Behavioral
manifestations include a profound reluctance to accept treatment and perfectionistic traits.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 92
Abnormal lab values of anorexia nervosa
Page 3
, RESPONSE
Hypokalemia <3.5 mEq/L
Anemia pancytopenia
Decreased bone density
RATIONALE
Anorexia nervosa frequently leads to electrolyte imbalances, most notably hypokalemia, indicating
a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L due to malnutrition and purging behaviors. Hematological
abnormalities, such as pancytopenia causing anemia, and diminished bone density are also
common consequences of severe nutritional deficiencies and hormonal dysregulation seen in this
disorder.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 92
Areas to cover when assessing anorexia patient (psychological)
RESPONSE
Perception of the problem
Eating habits
History of dieting
Methods to achieve weight control (restricting, extreme exercise, purging,)
Value attached to a specific size and weight
Interpersonal and social functioning
Mental status and physiological parameters
RATIONALE
Assessing psychological factors in anorexia nervosa requires exploring the patient's self-
perception, including their understanding of their illness and the value placed on specific body
size. Evaluation must also encompass disordered eating behaviors, weight control methods, and
their impact on interpersonal and mental status. This comprehensive approach addresses the core
cognitive and behavioral distortions characteristic of the disorder.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 92
Refeeding syndrome
Page 4
