NUR2459 Exam 3 V1 | NUR 2459 Mental and
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
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This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
substance use disorders, behavioral crisis intervention, and personality disorders in
psychiatric nursing care. The material emphasizes therapeutic communication, patient safety, and
evidence-based behavioral health interventions.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve psychiatric
nursing judgment and intervention planning skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Substance use disorder assessment
• Alcohol withdrawal management
• Personality disorders
• Crisis intervention nursing
• Anger and aggression management
• Suicide and self-harm precautions
• Behavioral therapy concepts
• Psychiatric rehabilitation strategies
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1. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Excessive hunger and hypersomnia
,C. Somnolence and constricted pupils
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Alcohol withdrawal typically manifests as autonomic hyperactivity.
Common symptoms include tachycardia, tremors, diaphoresis, and hypertension. This
occurs because the central nervous system becomes overactive once the depressant effect
of alcohol is removed.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being manipulative and attempting to pit
staff members against one another. Which term describes this behavior?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Splitting
D. Intellectualization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality
Disorder where the individual views people as all good or all bad. This behavior often leads
to conflicts among the nursing staff as the client idealizes some and devalues others. Nurses
must maintain consistent communication and boundaries to manage this behavior
effectively.
, 3. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse when caring for a client experiencing an acute
crisis?
A. Ensuring the safety of the client and others
B. Exploring the root cause of childhood trauma
C. Teaching long-term coping mechanisms
D. Promoting independent living skills
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing,
especially during a crisis. During an acute crisis, the client’s ability to problem-solve is
impaired, increasing the risk of impulsive or harmful actions. Once safety is established, the
nurse can then focus on stabilization and psychological support.
4. A client is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. Which information
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. You can still use alcohol-based mouthwash
B. Take this medication only when you feel an urge to drink
C. Do not consume alcohol for at least 14 days after stopping the medication
D. The medication will prevent withdrawal symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
substance use disorders, behavioral crisis intervention, and personality disorders in
psychiatric nursing care. The material emphasizes therapeutic communication, patient safety, and
evidence-based behavioral health interventions.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve psychiatric
nursing judgment and intervention planning skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Substance use disorder assessment
• Alcohol withdrawal management
• Personality disorders
• Crisis intervention nursing
• Anger and aggression management
• Suicide and self-harm precautions
• Behavioral therapy concepts
• Psychiatric rehabilitation strategies
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing a client for alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Excessive hunger and hypersomnia
,C. Somnolence and constricted pupils
D. Tachycardia and tremors
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Alcohol withdrawal typically manifests as autonomic hyperactivity.
Common symptoms include tachycardia, tremors, diaphoresis, and hypertension. This
occurs because the central nervous system becomes overactive once the depressant effect
of alcohol is removed.
2. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is being manipulative and attempting to pit
staff members against one another. Which term describes this behavior?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Splitting
D. Intellectualization
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality
Disorder where the individual views people as all good or all bad. This behavior often leads
to conflicts among the nursing staff as the client idealizes some and devalues others. Nurses
must maintain consistent communication and boundaries to manage this behavior
effectively.
, 3. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse when caring for a client experiencing an acute
crisis?
A. Ensuring the safety of the client and others
B. Exploring the root cause of childhood trauma
C. Teaching long-term coping mechanisms
D. Promoting independent living skills
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Safety is always the primary concern in psychiatric nursing,
especially during a crisis. During an acute crisis, the client’s ability to problem-solve is
impaired, increasing the risk of impulsive or harmful actions. Once safety is established, the
nurse can then focus on stabilization and psychological support.
4. A client is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. Which information
should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. You can still use alcohol-based mouthwash
B. Take this medication only when you feel an urge to drink
C. Do not consume alcohol for at least 14 days after stopping the medication
D. The medication will prevent withdrawal symptoms
Correct Answer: C
