NR 326 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
EXAM 4 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being treated on an inpatient unit. The
nurse notes the client is praising one nurse while demeaning another to the staff. Which
defense mechanism is the client utilizing?
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. Undoing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primary defense mechanism used by individuals
with Borderline Personality Disorder, where they view individuals as all good or all bad,
unable to integrate positive and negative qualities.
,2. Which assessment finding is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient diagnosed
with Anorexia Nervosa who has just started a refeeding program?
A. Serum potassium 3.6 mEq/L
B. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
C. Serum phosphorus 2.1 mg/dL
D. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal complication. A drop in
serum phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) is a hallmark sign and can lead to cardiac failure
and seizures.
3. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication should the nurse expect
to administer to prevent the occurrence of Delirium Tremens?
A. Disulfiram
B. Naltrexone
C. Lorazepam
D. Methadone
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for
managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to Delirium Tremens
by stabilizing vital signs and preventing seizures.
4. The nurse is assessing a child with suspected Conduct Disorder. Which behavior would
most likely support this diagnosis?
A. Occasional temper tantrums when told to go to bed
B. Persistent irritability and arguing with authority figures
C. Difficulty following instructions and losing school supplies
D. History of cruelty to animals and fire-setting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of
behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are
violated, such as aggression toward people or animals.
5. An elderly client is brought to the ER with sudden onset confusion and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. The family reports the symptoms started yesterday after the client began an
antibiotic for a UTI. This most likely represents:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Depression
EXAM 4 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being treated on an inpatient unit. The
nurse notes the client is praising one nurse while demeaning another to the staff. Which
defense mechanism is the client utilizing?
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. Undoing
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primary defense mechanism used by individuals
with Borderline Personality Disorder, where they view individuals as all good or all bad,
unable to integrate positive and negative qualities.
,2. Which assessment finding is the most critical for a nurse to monitor in a patient diagnosed
with Anorexia Nervosa who has just started a refeeding program?
A. Serum potassium 3.6 mEq/L
B. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute
C. Serum phosphorus 2.1 mg/dL
D. Body Mass Index (BMI) of 16
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Refeeding syndrome is a potentially fatal complication. A drop in
serum phosphorus (hypophosphatemia) is a hallmark sign and can lead to cardiac failure
and seizures.
3. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication should the nurse expect
to administer to prevent the occurrence of Delirium Tremens?
A. Disulfiram
B. Naltrexone
C. Lorazepam
D. Methadone
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for
managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and preventing progression to Delirium Tremens
by stabilizing vital signs and preventing seizures.
4. The nurse is assessing a child with suspected Conduct Disorder. Which behavior would
most likely support this diagnosis?
A. Occasional temper tantrums when told to go to bed
B. Persistent irritability and arguing with authority figures
C. Difficulty following instructions and losing school supplies
D. History of cruelty to animals and fire-setting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive and persistent pattern of
behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are
violated, such as aggression toward people or animals.
5. An elderly client is brought to the ER with sudden onset confusion and fluctuating levels of
consciousness. The family reports the symptoms started yesterday after the client began an
antibiotic for a UTI. This most likely represents:
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Depression
