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Mental Health Exam 3 Study Guide 2025: Advanced
Psychiatric Nursing, Crisis Intervention,
Psychopharmacology, Therapeutic Techniques & High-
Yield Practice Questions
Master Mental Health Exam 3 with this comprehensive 2025 study guide covering advanced psychiatric
nursing concepts, crisis intervention strategies, therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology,
mental health disorders, and patient safety. Includes high-yield practice questions, rationales, and
essential nursing interventions to help students excel on their third mental health nursing exam
Mental Health Exam 3
mental health nursing exam 3
psychiatric nursing exam 3 study guide
mental health nursing practice test
crisis intervention nursing exam
An 11-year-old child diagnosed with conduct disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit for treatment.
Which of the following behaviors would the nurse assess?
A. Restlessness, short attention span, hyperactivity
B. Physical aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance disregard for the rights of others
C. Deterioration in social functioning, excessive anxiety, and worry, bizarre behavior
D. Sadness, poor appetite and sleeplessness, loss of interest in activities - ANSWER-B. Physical
aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance disregard for the rights of others
Physical aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance, and a disregard for the rights of others are common
behaviors in clients with conduct disorders.
The nurse provides a referral to Alcoholics Anonymous to a client who describes a 20-year history of
alcohol abuse. The primary function of this group is to:
,2|Page
A. Encourage the use of a 12-step program.
B. Help members maintain sobriety.
C. Provide fellowship among members.
D. Teach positive coping mechanisms. - ANSWER-B. Help members maintain sobriety.
The primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous is to help members achieve and maintain sobriety.
Options A, C, and D: Although each of the remaining answer choices may be an outcome of attendance
at Alcoholics Anonymous, the primary purpose is directed toward sobriety of members.
The nurse observes a client pacing in the hall. Which statement by the nurse may help the client
recognize his anxiety?
A. "I guess you're worried about something, aren't you?
b. "Can I get you some medication to help calm you?"
c. "Have you been pacing for a long time?"
d. "I notice that you're pacing. How are you feeling?" - ANSWER-D. "I notice that you're pacing. How are
you feeling?"
By acknowledging the observed behavior and asking the client to express his feelings the nurse can best
assist the client to become aware of his anxiety.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder is hospitalized on an inpatient unit. Which nursing response
is most therapeutic?
A. Accepting the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
B. Challenging the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
C. Preventing the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
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D. Rejecting the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors - ANSWER-A. Accepting the client's obsessive-
compulsive behaviors
A client with obsessive-compulsive behavior uses this behavior to decrease anxiety. Accepting this
behavior as the client's attempt to feel secure is therapeutic. When a specific treatment plan is
developed, other nursing responses may also be acceptable.
Options B, C, and D: The remaining answer choices will increase the client's anxiety and therefore are
inappropriate.
A client who abuses alcohol and cocaine tells a nurse that he only uses substances because of his
stressful marriage and difficult job. Which defense mechanisms is this client using?
A. Displacement
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation - ANSWER-C. Rationalization
Rationalization is the defense mechanism that involves offering excuses for maladaptive behavior. The
client is defending his substance abuse by providing reasons related to life stressors. This is a common
defense mechanism used by clients with substance abuse problems.
A client with panic disorder experiences an acute attack while the nurse is completing an admission
assessment. List the following interventions according to their level of priority.
A. Remain with the client.
B. Encourage physical activity.
C. Encourage low, deep breathing.
D. Reduce external stimuli.
E. Teach coping measures. - ANSWER-A, D, C, B, then E.
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The nurse should remain with the client to provide support and promote safety. Reducing external
stimuli, including dimming lights and avoiding crowded areas, will help decrease anxiety. Encouraging
the client to use slow, deep breathing will help promote the body's relaxation response, thereby
interrupting stimulation from the autonomic nervous system. Encouraging physical activity will help him
to release energy resulting from the heightened anxiety state; this should be done only after the client
has brought his breathing under control. Teaching coping measures will help the client learn to handle
anxiety; however, this can only be accomplished when the client's panic has dissipated and he is better
able to focus.
A man is admitted to the nursing care unit with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. He has a long history of alcohol
dependence. During the late evening following his admission, he becomes increasingly disoriented and
agitated. Which of the following would the client be least likely to experience?
A. Diaphoresis and tremors.
B. Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
C. Illusions.
D. Delusions of grandeur. - ANSWER-D. Delusions of grandeur
Delusions of grandeur are symptomatic of manic clients, not clients withdrawing from alcohol. The
symptoms and history of alcohol abuse suggest this client is in alcohol withdrawal.
Option A: Diaphoresis and tremors occur in the first phase of alcohol withdrawal.
Option B: The blood pressure and heart rate increase in the first phase of alcohol withdrawal.
Option C: Illusions are common in persons withdrawing from alcohol. Illusions occur most often in dim
artificial lighting where the environment is not perceived accurately.
Marco approached Nurse Trisha asking for advice on how to deal with his alcohol addiction. Nurse Trisha
should tell the client that the only effective treatment for alcoholism is:
A. Psychotherapy
B. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
C. Total abstinence
D. Aversion Therapy - ANSWER-C. Total abstinence
Mental Health Exam 3 Study Guide 2025: Advanced
Psychiatric Nursing, Crisis Intervention,
Psychopharmacology, Therapeutic Techniques & High-
Yield Practice Questions
Master Mental Health Exam 3 with this comprehensive 2025 study guide covering advanced psychiatric
nursing concepts, crisis intervention strategies, therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology,
mental health disorders, and patient safety. Includes high-yield practice questions, rationales, and
essential nursing interventions to help students excel on their third mental health nursing exam
Mental Health Exam 3
mental health nursing exam 3
psychiatric nursing exam 3 study guide
mental health nursing practice test
crisis intervention nursing exam
An 11-year-old child diagnosed with conduct disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit for treatment.
Which of the following behaviors would the nurse assess?
A. Restlessness, short attention span, hyperactivity
B. Physical aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance disregard for the rights of others
C. Deterioration in social functioning, excessive anxiety, and worry, bizarre behavior
D. Sadness, poor appetite and sleeplessness, loss of interest in activities - ANSWER-B. Physical
aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance disregard for the rights of others
Physical aggressiveness, low-stress tolerance, and a disregard for the rights of others are common
behaviors in clients with conduct disorders.
The nurse provides a referral to Alcoholics Anonymous to a client who describes a 20-year history of
alcohol abuse. The primary function of this group is to:
,2|Page
A. Encourage the use of a 12-step program.
B. Help members maintain sobriety.
C. Provide fellowship among members.
D. Teach positive coping mechanisms. - ANSWER-B. Help members maintain sobriety.
The primary purpose of Alcoholics Anonymous is to help members achieve and maintain sobriety.
Options A, C, and D: Although each of the remaining answer choices may be an outcome of attendance
at Alcoholics Anonymous, the primary purpose is directed toward sobriety of members.
The nurse observes a client pacing in the hall. Which statement by the nurse may help the client
recognize his anxiety?
A. "I guess you're worried about something, aren't you?
b. "Can I get you some medication to help calm you?"
c. "Have you been pacing for a long time?"
d. "I notice that you're pacing. How are you feeling?" - ANSWER-D. "I notice that you're pacing. How are
you feeling?"
By acknowledging the observed behavior and asking the client to express his feelings the nurse can best
assist the client to become aware of his anxiety.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder is hospitalized on an inpatient unit. Which nursing response
is most therapeutic?
A. Accepting the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
B. Challenging the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
C. Preventing the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors
,3|Page
D. Rejecting the client's obsessive-compulsive behaviors - ANSWER-A. Accepting the client's obsessive-
compulsive behaviors
A client with obsessive-compulsive behavior uses this behavior to decrease anxiety. Accepting this
behavior as the client's attempt to feel secure is therapeutic. When a specific treatment plan is
developed, other nursing responses may also be acceptable.
Options B, C, and D: The remaining answer choices will increase the client's anxiety and therefore are
inappropriate.
A client who abuses alcohol and cocaine tells a nurse that he only uses substances because of his
stressful marriage and difficult job. Which defense mechanisms is this client using?
A. Displacement
B. Projection
C. Rationalization
D. Sublimation - ANSWER-C. Rationalization
Rationalization is the defense mechanism that involves offering excuses for maladaptive behavior. The
client is defending his substance abuse by providing reasons related to life stressors. This is a common
defense mechanism used by clients with substance abuse problems.
A client with panic disorder experiences an acute attack while the nurse is completing an admission
assessment. List the following interventions according to their level of priority.
A. Remain with the client.
B. Encourage physical activity.
C. Encourage low, deep breathing.
D. Reduce external stimuli.
E. Teach coping measures. - ANSWER-A, D, C, B, then E.
, 4|Page
The nurse should remain with the client to provide support and promote safety. Reducing external
stimuli, including dimming lights and avoiding crowded areas, will help decrease anxiety. Encouraging
the client to use slow, deep breathing will help promote the body's relaxation response, thereby
interrupting stimulation from the autonomic nervous system. Encouraging physical activity will help him
to release energy resulting from the heightened anxiety state; this should be done only after the client
has brought his breathing under control. Teaching coping measures will help the client learn to handle
anxiety; however, this can only be accomplished when the client's panic has dissipated and he is better
able to focus.
A man is admitted to the nursing care unit with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. He has a long history of alcohol
dependence. During the late evening following his admission, he becomes increasingly disoriented and
agitated. Which of the following would the client be least likely to experience?
A. Diaphoresis and tremors.
B. Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
C. Illusions.
D. Delusions of grandeur. - ANSWER-D. Delusions of grandeur
Delusions of grandeur are symptomatic of manic clients, not clients withdrawing from alcohol. The
symptoms and history of alcohol abuse suggest this client is in alcohol withdrawal.
Option A: Diaphoresis and tremors occur in the first phase of alcohol withdrawal.
Option B: The blood pressure and heart rate increase in the first phase of alcohol withdrawal.
Option C: Illusions are common in persons withdrawing from alcohol. Illusions occur most often in dim
artificial lighting where the environment is not perceived accurately.
Marco approached Nurse Trisha asking for advice on how to deal with his alcohol addiction. Nurse Trisha
should tell the client that the only effective treatment for alcoholism is:
A. Psychotherapy
B. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)
C. Total abstinence
D. Aversion Therapy - ANSWER-C. Total abstinence
