NURS 222 | MENTAL
HEALTH/PSYCHIATRIC NURSING:
WEEK 4 QUIZ 2026 | WCU
1. A patient experiencing moderate anxiety is most likely to exhibit which of the following
characteristics?
A. Extremely narrow perceptual field
B. Sharp senses and increased ability to problem solve
C. Hallucinations and complete loss of control
D. Reduced perceptual field and selective inattention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In moderate anxiety, the perceptual field narrows, and the
individual experiences selective inattention, though they can still process information with
assistance.
2. Which defense mechanism involves a person dealing with emotional conflict by
emphasizing the amusing or ironic aspects of the stressor?
A. Repression
B. Displacement
,C. Sublimation
D. Humor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Humor is a mature defense mechanism where the individual
deals with emotional conflict or stressors by emphasizing the amusing or ironic aspects of
the situation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which medication is
considered a long-term, non-addictive treatment for this condition?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Diazepam
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is effective for
long-term treatment of GAD and does not carry the risk of physical dependence or
tolerance.
4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Panic Disorder. During a panic attack, what is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing techniques
, B. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack
C. Stay with the client and maintain a calm, quiet environment
D. Administer a PRN dose of a stimulant medication
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities during a panic attack. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security and helps reduce the level of anxiety.
5. A client with OCD spends hours performing hand-washing rituals. Which nursing action is
most appropriate during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Allow the ritual but set limits on the frequency gradually
B. Prohibit the client from washing their hands
C. Explain the irrationality of the hand-washing
D. Increase the client’s involvement in group therapy immediately
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the ritual to prevent
overwhelming anxiety, while working toward gradually limiting the time spent on rituals
as coping skills improve.
6. Which level of anxiety is characterized by a ‘total inability to function’ and a feeling of
impending doom?
A. Panic
HEALTH/PSYCHIATRIC NURSING:
WEEK 4 QUIZ 2026 | WCU
1. A patient experiencing moderate anxiety is most likely to exhibit which of the following
characteristics?
A. Extremely narrow perceptual field
B. Sharp senses and increased ability to problem solve
C. Hallucinations and complete loss of control
D. Reduced perceptual field and selective inattention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In moderate anxiety, the perceptual field narrows, and the
individual experiences selective inattention, though they can still process information with
assistance.
2. Which defense mechanism involves a person dealing with emotional conflict by
emphasizing the amusing or ironic aspects of the stressor?
A. Repression
B. Displacement
,C. Sublimation
D. Humor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Humor is a mature defense mechanism where the individual
deals with emotional conflict or stressors by emphasizing the amusing or ironic aspects of
the situation.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which medication is
considered a long-term, non-addictive treatment for this condition?
A. Alprazolam
B. Lorazepam
C. Buspirone
D. Diazepam
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that is effective for
long-term treatment of GAD and does not carry the risk of physical dependence or
tolerance.
4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Panic Disorder. During a panic attack, what is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing techniques
, B. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack
C. Stay with the client and maintain a calm, quiet environment
D. Administer a PRN dose of a stimulant medication
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities during a panic attack. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security and helps reduce the level of anxiety.
5. A client with OCD spends hours performing hand-washing rituals. Which nursing action is
most appropriate during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Allow the ritual but set limits on the frequency gradually
B. Prohibit the client from washing their hands
C. Explain the irrationality of the hand-washing
D. Increase the client’s involvement in group therapy immediately
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the ritual to prevent
overwhelming anxiety, while working toward gradually limiting the time spent on rituals
as coping skills improve.
6. Which level of anxiety is characterized by a ‘total inability to function’ and a feeling of
impending doom?
A. Panic
