NUR 3270 EXAM 4: MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
1. A patient admitted for alcohol detoxification begins to experience increased heart rate,
diaphoresis, and hand tremors 48 hours after the last drink. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
A. Korsakoff Psychosis
B. Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
C. Wernicke Encephalopathy
D. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium (Delirium Tremens) typically
occurs 48-72 hours after cessation and is characterized by autonomic hyperactivity and
tremors.
2. Which medication is most commonly prescribed to assist a patient in maintaining
abstinence from alcohol by causing a severe physical reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Naloxone
,B. Diazepam
C. Disulfiram
D. Methadone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an aversion therapy that causes nausea,
vomiting, and tachycardia if the patient consumes even small amounts of alcohol.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently pits staff members against each
other by praising one and criticizing another. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Denial
C. Reaction Formation
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view people as either all good or all bad.
4. An elderly patient is brought to the ER with sudden onset confusion, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and visual hallucinations. The nurse should prioritize assessing for:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
, C. Schizophrenia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often caused by an underlying medical condition or infection.
5. What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient diagnosed with Antisocial Personality
Disorder?
A. Encourage the patient to express deep emotions
B. Set clear, consistent limits on manipulative behavior
C. Provide a warm, nurturing environment to build trust
D. Administer high doses of antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Patients with Antisocial Personality Disorder are often
manipulative and lack remorse; firm, consistent limit-setting is the priority intervention.
6. A child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Weight gain and sedation
B. Insomnia and decreased appetite
C. Hypotension and bradycardia
NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS
1. A patient admitted for alcohol detoxification begins to experience increased heart rate,
diaphoresis, and hand tremors 48 hours after the last drink. Which condition should the nurse
suspect?
A. Korsakoff Psychosis
B. Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium
C. Wernicke Encephalopathy
D. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium (Delirium Tremens) typically
occurs 48-72 hours after cessation and is characterized by autonomic hyperactivity and
tremors.
2. Which medication is most commonly prescribed to assist a patient in maintaining
abstinence from alcohol by causing a severe physical reaction if alcohol is consumed?
A. Naloxone
,B. Diazepam
C. Disulfiram
D. Methadone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an aversion therapy that causes nausea,
vomiting, and tachycardia if the patient consumes even small amounts of alcohol.
3. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently pits staff members against each
other by praising one and criticizing another. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Projection
B. Denial
C. Reaction Formation
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view people as either all good or all bad.
4. An elderly patient is brought to the ER with sudden onset confusion, fluctuating levels of
consciousness, and visual hallucinations. The nurse should prioritize assessing for:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
, C. Schizophrenia
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating
levels of consciousness, often caused by an underlying medical condition or infection.
5. What is the primary goal of nursing care for a patient diagnosed with Antisocial Personality
Disorder?
A. Encourage the patient to express deep emotions
B. Set clear, consistent limits on manipulative behavior
C. Provide a warm, nurturing environment to build trust
D. Administer high doses of antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Patients with Antisocial Personality Disorder are often
manipulative and lack remorse; firm, consistent limit-setting is the priority intervention.
6. A child with ADHD is prescribed Methylphenidate. Which side effect should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Weight gain and sedation
B. Insomnia and decreased appetite
C. Hypotension and bradycardia
