,NUR 253 Exam 1 | Mental Health Concepts (2026/2027)
PDF | Nursing | Galen College
1. Which of the following best describes the diathesis-stress model of mental
illness?
A) Mental illness results solely from genetic predisposition
B) Mental illness develops from a combination of biological predisposition and
environmental stress
C) Mental illness is caused exclusively by childhood trauma
D) Mental illness occurs when defense mechanisms become maladaptive
Correct Answer: Mental illness develops from a combination of biological
predisposition and environmental stress
Rationale: The diathesis-stress model is the most widely accepted explanation
for mental illness. It proposes that mental disorders result from a combination
of a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stress or
trauma. Neither factor alone is sufficient to cause mental illness. This model
helps nurses understand why some individuals develop psychiatric disorders
while others with similar genetics do not.
2. What is the primary purpose of the mental status examination (MSE) in
psychiatric nursing?
A) To diagnose specific psychiatric disorders based on DSM-5 criteria
B) To systematically assess a client's cognitive and emotional functioning
C) To determine the client's need for involuntary commitment
,D) To evaluate the effectiveness of psychotropic medications
Correct Answer: To systematically assess a client's cognitive and emotional
functioning
Rationale: The MSE is a structured assessment tool used to evaluate
appearance, behavior, mood, affect, thought process, thought content,
cognition, and insight. It provides a snapshot of the client's current mental state
but does not diagnose disorders or determine commitment needs, though
findings may inform those decisions. It is a foundational assessment skill in
mental health nursing.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the fight-or-flight
response and is often elevated in anxiety disorders?
A) GABA
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) Dopamine
Correct Answer: Norepinephrine
Rationale: Norepinephrine is involved in the fight-or-flight response. Excess
levels are associated with anxiety, while low levels are seen in depression.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. Serotonin
regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Dopamine is associated with psychosis and
reward pathways.
, 4. According to Erikson's stages of development, what is the primary task for an
individual in late adulthood (65+ years)?
A) Identity vs. Role Confusion
B) Generativity vs. Stagnation
C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Late adulthood is characterized by the struggle between Ego Integrity
(feeling satisfied with one's life) and Despair (regret over the past). Identity vs.
Role Confusion occurs in adolescence. Generativity vs. Stagnation occurs in
middle adulthood. Intimacy vs. Isolation occurs in young adulthood.
Understanding these stages helps nurses assess developmental tasks and
provide age-appropriate care.
5. A nurse tells a patient, "I will be back in 15 minutes to check on you," and
returns exactly 15 minutes later. Which ethical principle is being demonstrated?
A) Veracity
B) Justice
C) Autonomy
D) Fidelity
Correct Answer: Fidelity
PDF | Nursing | Galen College
1. Which of the following best describes the diathesis-stress model of mental
illness?
A) Mental illness results solely from genetic predisposition
B) Mental illness develops from a combination of biological predisposition and
environmental stress
C) Mental illness is caused exclusively by childhood trauma
D) Mental illness occurs when defense mechanisms become maladaptive
Correct Answer: Mental illness develops from a combination of biological
predisposition and environmental stress
Rationale: The diathesis-stress model is the most widely accepted explanation
for mental illness. It proposes that mental disorders result from a combination
of a biological or genetic predisposition (diathesis) and environmental stress or
trauma. Neither factor alone is sufficient to cause mental illness. This model
helps nurses understand why some individuals develop psychiatric disorders
while others with similar genetics do not.
2. What is the primary purpose of the mental status examination (MSE) in
psychiatric nursing?
A) To diagnose specific psychiatric disorders based on DSM-5 criteria
B) To systematically assess a client's cognitive and emotional functioning
C) To determine the client's need for involuntary commitment
,D) To evaluate the effectiveness of psychotropic medications
Correct Answer: To systematically assess a client's cognitive and emotional
functioning
Rationale: The MSE is a structured assessment tool used to evaluate
appearance, behavior, mood, affect, thought process, thought content,
cognition, and insight. It provides a snapshot of the client's current mental state
but does not diagnose disorders or determine commitment needs, though
findings may inform those decisions. It is a foundational assessment skill in
mental health nursing.
3. Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the fight-or-flight
response and is often elevated in anxiety disorders?
A) GABA
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) Dopamine
Correct Answer: Norepinephrine
Rationale: Norepinephrine is involved in the fight-or-flight response. Excess
levels are associated with anxiety, while low levels are seen in depression.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety. Serotonin
regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Dopamine is associated with psychosis and
reward pathways.
, 4. According to Erikson's stages of development, what is the primary task for an
individual in late adulthood (65+ years)?
A) Identity vs. Role Confusion
B) Generativity vs. Stagnation
C) Ego Integrity vs. Despair
D) Intimacy vs. Isolation
Correct Answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Rationale: Late adulthood is characterized by the struggle between Ego Integrity
(feeling satisfied with one's life) and Despair (regret over the past). Identity vs.
Role Confusion occurs in adolescence. Generativity vs. Stagnation occurs in
middle adulthood. Intimacy vs. Isolation occurs in young adulthood.
Understanding these stages helps nurses assess developmental tasks and
provide age-appropriate care.
5. A nurse tells a patient, "I will be back in 15 minutes to check on you," and
returns exactly 15 minutes later. Which ethical principle is being demonstrated?
A) Veracity
B) Justice
C) Autonomy
D) Fidelity
Correct Answer: Fidelity
