NUR2459 Exam 4 V2 | NUR 2459 Mental and
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
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This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of advanced
psychiatric nursing care, community behavioral health interventions, and specialized
mental healthcare services. The content reflects practical psychiatric nursing concepts
frequently tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing psychiatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Detailed
expert explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
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The Exam Covers:
• Pediatric behavioral disorders
• Geriatric depression and dementia
• Family dynamics in mental healthcare
• Community crisis resources
• Psychiatric advocacy and patient rights
• Mental health nursing ethics
• Therapeutic family interventions
• Long-term psychiatric management
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1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old client for signs of depression. Which symptom is often
more prominent in geriatric depression than in younger adults?
A. Excessive crying and emotional outbursts
B. Hyperactivity and manic episodes
,C. Increased appetite and weight gain
D. Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In older adults, depression often presents as ‘pseudodementia’ with
symptoms of forgetfulness, confusion, and various physical complaints rather than the
typical dysphoria seen in younger populations.
2. Which pediatric disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior that violates
the basic rights of others and major age-appropriate societal norms?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
D. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves more severe behaviors like aggression,
destruction of property, and theft, whereas ODD is primarily characterized by defiance and
irritability without violating rights.
3. An adolescent is prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD. Which side effect should the nurse
prioritize during teaching?
A. Excessive weight gain
, B. Appetite suppression and growth delay
C. Increased sleepiness
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Stimulants like methylphenidate frequently cause appetite
suppression and can impact growth; monitoring weight and height is crucial in pediatric
patients.
4. In family therapy, ‘triangulation’ is defined as:
A. A healthy way to resolve conflict between two siblings.
B. The process of a third person being brought into a two-person relationship to reduce
anxiety.
C. The use of three different therapists to treat one family.
D. A stage of child development where the child identifies with both parents.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Triangulation occurs when tension between two people leads them
to involve a third person to stabilize the relationship, which usually prevents direct conflict
resolution.
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of advanced
psychiatric nursing care, community behavioral health interventions, and specialized
mental healthcare services. The content reflects practical psychiatric nursing concepts
frequently tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing psychiatric
prioritization, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Detailed
expert explanations are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Pediatric behavioral disorders
• Geriatric depression and dementia
• Family dynamics in mental healthcare
• Community crisis resources
• Psychiatric advocacy and patient rights
• Mental health nursing ethics
• Therapeutic family interventions
• Long-term psychiatric management
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing an 80-year-old client for signs of depression. Which symptom is often
more prominent in geriatric depression than in younger adults?
A. Excessive crying and emotional outbursts
B. Hyperactivity and manic episodes
,C. Increased appetite and weight gain
D. Cognitive impairment and somatic complaints
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In older adults, depression often presents as ‘pseudodementia’ with
symptoms of forgetfulness, confusion, and various physical complaints rather than the
typical dysphoria seen in younger populations.
2. Which pediatric disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of behavior that violates
the basic rights of others and major age-appropriate societal norms?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
D. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves more severe behaviors like aggression,
destruction of property, and theft, whereas ODD is primarily characterized by defiance and
irritability without violating rights.
3. An adolescent is prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD. Which side effect should the nurse
prioritize during teaching?
A. Excessive weight gain
, B. Appetite suppression and growth delay
C. Increased sleepiness
D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Stimulants like methylphenidate frequently cause appetite
suppression and can impact growth; monitoring weight and height is crucial in pediatric
patients.
4. In family therapy, ‘triangulation’ is defined as:
A. A healthy way to resolve conflict between two siblings.
B. The process of a third person being brought into a two-person relationship to reduce
anxiety.
C. The use of three different therapists to treat one family.
D. A stage of child development where the child identifies with both parents.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Triangulation occurs when tension between two people leads them
to involve a third person to stabilize the relationship, which usually prevents direct conflict
resolution.
