NSG 322 Behavioral Health Nursing Exam 2 |
Questions and Correct Answers plus Rationales |
Latest Update 2026-2027 | Graded A+
1. Which of the following best characterizes personality disorders according to
the DSM-5-TR?
A) Acute episodes of psychosis that resolve with medication
B) Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate
from cultural expectations
C) Temporary changes in mood and behavior during times of stress
D) Developmental delays that improve with age and maturity
Correct Answer: Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience
that deviate from cultural expectations
Rationale: Personality disorders are defined by enduring, inflexible patterns of
behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural
expectations. These patterns are pervasive across contexts and lead to significant
distress or impairment. They are not acute episodes or temporary reactions to
stress.
2. What is the primary function of the Big Five personality traits in behavioral
health?
A) To diagnose specific personality disorders
B) To provide a reference framework for understanding personality dimensions
C) To replace the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria
D) To determine medication dosages for personality disorders
Correct Answer: To provide a reference framework for understanding personality
dimensions
,Rationale: The Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness,
extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—are used as a reference for many
clinicians in behavioral health to understand personality dimensions. They do not
replace DSM-5-TR criteria or determine medication dosages.
3. According to the NSG-322 Exam 2 blueprint, which topic area carries the
highest percentage of exam questions?
A) Stress Management and Stress Disorders
B) Depressive Mood Disorders
C) Impulse Control Disorders
D) Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Correct Answer: Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Rationale: The Exam 2 blueprint specifies that Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders comprises 40% of the exam (20 questions). Topic
3: Personality Disorders accounts for 26% (13 questions), and Topic 5:
Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders accounts for 28% (14
questions).
4. Which personality disorders belong to Cluster A according to the DSM-5-
TR?
A) Antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic
B) Paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal
C) Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive
D) Borderline, dependent, and paranoid
Correct Answer: Paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal
Rationale: Cluster A disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior and
include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. Cluster B
includes dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders. Cluster C includes anxious or
fearful disorders.
, 5. What is the most likely outcome if a nurse uses a warm, friendly approach
with a patient who has paranoid personality disorder?
A) The patient will develop trust quickly
B) The patient may misinterpret the approach as insincere or manipulative
C) The patient will become less suspicious over time
D) The patient will openly share their delusional beliefs
Correct Answer: The patient may misinterpret the approach as insincere or
manipulative
Rationale: Patients with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious and
mistrustful. A straightforward, honest approach with clear boundaries is essential.
Overly friendly approaches may be misinterpreted as insincere or manipulative,
increasing suspicion.
6. Which behavior is characteristic of schizoid personality disorder?
A) Extreme fear of abandonment
B) Limited interest in close relationships and emotional detachment
C) Persistent need for admiration
D) Recurrent violation of others' rights
Correct Answer: Limited interest in close relationships and emotional detachment
Rationale: Schizoid personality disorder involves detachment from social
relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Individuals with this
disorder prefer solitary activities and appear indifferent to praise or criticism.
7. What is the primary characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder?
A) Odd beliefs or magical thinking
B) Excessive need for reassurance
C) Recurrent suicidal behavior
D) Persistent need for admiration
, Correct Answer: Odd beliefs or magical thinking
Rationale: Schizotypal personality disorder involves eccentric behavior, unusual
beliefs, magical thinking, and interpersonal discomfort. It is considered part of the
schizophrenia spectrum and may include odd beliefs and unusual perceptual
experiences.
8. Which finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of antisocial personality
disorder?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
B) Grandiose sense of self-importance and need for admiration
C) Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
D) Submissive and clinging behavior with a need to be taken care of
Correct Answer: Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive disregard
for and violation of the rights of others, including deceitfulness, impulsivity,
irritability, aggressiveness, and lack of remorse. This pattern typically begins in
childhood or adolescence.
9. Which behavior would a nurse observe in a patient with borderline
personality disorder who is using splitting as a defense mechanism?
A) Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
B) Attributing their own feelings to the nurse
C) Creating logical explanations for unacceptable behaviors
D) Returning to childlike behaviors when stressed
Correct Answer: Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline personality
disorder where the patient cannot integrate positive and negative qualities of
others, viewing them as all good or all bad. This can lead to staff splitting and
manipulative behavior.
Questions and Correct Answers plus Rationales |
Latest Update 2026-2027 | Graded A+
1. Which of the following best characterizes personality disorders according to
the DSM-5-TR?
A) Acute episodes of psychosis that resolve with medication
B) Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate
from cultural expectations
C) Temporary changes in mood and behavior during times of stress
D) Developmental delays that improve with age and maturity
Correct Answer: Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience
that deviate from cultural expectations
Rationale: Personality disorders are defined by enduring, inflexible patterns of
behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural
expectations. These patterns are pervasive across contexts and lead to significant
distress or impairment. They are not acute episodes or temporary reactions to
stress.
2. What is the primary function of the Big Five personality traits in behavioral
health?
A) To diagnose specific personality disorders
B) To provide a reference framework for understanding personality dimensions
C) To replace the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria
D) To determine medication dosages for personality disorders
Correct Answer: To provide a reference framework for understanding personality
dimensions
,Rationale: The Big Five personality traits—openness, conscientiousness,
extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism—are used as a reference for many
clinicians in behavioral health to understand personality dimensions. They do not
replace DSM-5-TR criteria or determine medication dosages.
3. According to the NSG-322 Exam 2 blueprint, which topic area carries the
highest percentage of exam questions?
A) Stress Management and Stress Disorders
B) Depressive Mood Disorders
C) Impulse Control Disorders
D) Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Correct Answer: Anxiety, Somatic, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Rationale: The Exam 2 blueprint specifies that Topic 4: Anxiety, Somatic, and
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders comprises 40% of the exam (20 questions). Topic
3: Personality Disorders accounts for 26% (13 questions), and Topic 5:
Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders accounts for 28% (14
questions).
4. Which personality disorders belong to Cluster A according to the DSM-5-
TR?
A) Antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic
B) Paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal
C) Avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive
D) Borderline, dependent, and paranoid
Correct Answer: Paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal
Rationale: Cluster A disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior and
include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. Cluster B
includes dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders. Cluster C includes anxious or
fearful disorders.
, 5. What is the most likely outcome if a nurse uses a warm, friendly approach
with a patient who has paranoid personality disorder?
A) The patient will develop trust quickly
B) The patient may misinterpret the approach as insincere or manipulative
C) The patient will become less suspicious over time
D) The patient will openly share their delusional beliefs
Correct Answer: The patient may misinterpret the approach as insincere or
manipulative
Rationale: Patients with paranoid personality disorder are suspicious and
mistrustful. A straightforward, honest approach with clear boundaries is essential.
Overly friendly approaches may be misinterpreted as insincere or manipulative,
increasing suspicion.
6. Which behavior is characteristic of schizoid personality disorder?
A) Extreme fear of abandonment
B) Limited interest in close relationships and emotional detachment
C) Persistent need for admiration
D) Recurrent violation of others' rights
Correct Answer: Limited interest in close relationships and emotional detachment
Rationale: Schizoid personality disorder involves detachment from social
relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression. Individuals with this
disorder prefer solitary activities and appear indifferent to praise or criticism.
7. What is the primary characteristic of schizotypal personality disorder?
A) Odd beliefs or magical thinking
B) Excessive need for reassurance
C) Recurrent suicidal behavior
D) Persistent need for admiration
, Correct Answer: Odd beliefs or magical thinking
Rationale: Schizotypal personality disorder involves eccentric behavior, unusual
beliefs, magical thinking, and interpersonal discomfort. It is considered part of the
schizophrenia spectrum and may include odd beliefs and unusual perceptual
experiences.
8. Which finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of antisocial personality
disorder?
A) Excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior
B) Grandiose sense of self-importance and need for admiration
C) Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
D) Submissive and clinging behavior with a need to be taken care of
Correct Answer: Disregard for and violation of the rights of others
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive disregard
for and violation of the rights of others, including deceitfulness, impulsivity,
irritability, aggressiveness, and lack of remorse. This pattern typically begins in
childhood or adolescence.
9. Which behavior would a nurse observe in a patient with borderline
personality disorder who is using splitting as a defense mechanism?
A) Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
B) Attributing their own feelings to the nurse
C) Creating logical explanations for unacceptable behaviors
D) Returning to childlike behaviors when stressed
Correct Answer: Viewing staff members as either all good or all bad
Rationale: Splitting is a defense mechanism common in borderline personality
disorder where the patient cannot integrate positive and negative qualities of
others, viewing them as all good or all bad. This can lead to staff splitting and
manipulative behavior.
