NUR2459 Exam 4 V1 | NUR 2459 Mental
and Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A
| Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). Which of the following findings is a core clinical manifestation of this disorder?
A. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
B. Persistent pattern of aggression toward peers
C. Repetitive motor movements and restricted interests
D. Severe anxiety when separated from primary caregivers
Answer: A
Rationale: Inattention is one of the three core symptom domains of ADHD, along with
hyperactivity and impulsivity. The child often fails to give close attention to details and has
trouble remaining focused during schoolwork. This behavior must be persistent and occur
in at least two different settings, such as home and school.
2. An older adult patient is admitted with suspected delirium. Which characteristic most
distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. Impairment of long-term memory
B. Gradual and progressive cognitive decline
C. Permanent and irreversible brain damage
,D. Sudden onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset, typically over hours or days, and
symptoms that fluctuate throughout the day. Unlike dementia, which is chronic and
progressive, delirium is often acute and reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
Patients with delirium frequently experience altered levels of consciousness and impaired
attention.
3. A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to promote a safe environment?
A. Introducing the child to a large group of new people immediately
B. Providing a highly structured routine and consistent environment
C. Encouraging high-stimulation sensory activities throughout the day
D. Changing the room layout daily to promote adaptation
Answer: B
Rationale: Children with ASD often struggle with changes in routine and can become
highly distressed by transitions. Providing a predictable, structured environment helps
reduce anxiety and behavioral outbursts. Consistency in caregivers and daily schedules is a
cornerstone of effective nursing management for ASD.
, 4. A nurse is educating the parents of a child newly prescribed Methylphenidate for ADHD.
Which side effect should the nurse emphasize monitoring for at home?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Growth suppression and decreased appetite
C. Excessive sleepiness and sedation
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that commonly causes appetite
suppression, which can lead to weight loss and growth delays in children. Nurses should
instruct parents to monitor the child’s height and weight regularly. Administering the
medication after meals can sometimes help mitigate the impact on appetite.
5. An 82-year-old patient with Alzheimer’s disease is experiencing ‘sundowning.’ Which
nursing action is most appropriate to manage this behavior?
A. Turn on bright lights and increase noise levels in the evening
B. Administer a PRN sedative as soon as the sun begins to set
C. Restrict the patient to their room starting at noon
D. Provide a quiet, calm environment with adequate lighting during the late afternoon
Answer: D
and Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A
| Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is assessing a 10-year-old child for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD). Which of the following findings is a core clinical manifestation of this disorder?
A. Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
B. Persistent pattern of aggression toward peers
C. Repetitive motor movements and restricted interests
D. Severe anxiety when separated from primary caregivers
Answer: A
Rationale: Inattention is one of the three core symptom domains of ADHD, along with
hyperactivity and impulsivity. The child often fails to give close attention to details and has
trouble remaining focused during schoolwork. This behavior must be persistent and occur
in at least two different settings, such as home and school.
2. An older adult patient is admitted with suspected delirium. Which characteristic most
distinguishes delirium from dementia?
A. Impairment of long-term memory
B. Gradual and progressive cognitive decline
C. Permanent and irreversible brain damage
,D. Sudden onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
Answer: D
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset, typically over hours or days, and
symptoms that fluctuate throughout the day. Unlike dementia, which is chronic and
progressive, delirium is often acute and reversible if the underlying cause is treated.
Patients with delirium frequently experience altered levels of consciousness and impaired
attention.
3. A nurse is caring for a 6-year-old child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to promote a safe environment?
A. Introducing the child to a large group of new people immediately
B. Providing a highly structured routine and consistent environment
C. Encouraging high-stimulation sensory activities throughout the day
D. Changing the room layout daily to promote adaptation
Answer: B
Rationale: Children with ASD often struggle with changes in routine and can become
highly distressed by transitions. Providing a predictable, structured environment helps
reduce anxiety and behavioral outbursts. Consistency in caregivers and daily schedules is a
cornerstone of effective nursing management for ASD.
, 4. A nurse is educating the parents of a child newly prescribed Methylphenidate for ADHD.
Which side effect should the nurse emphasize monitoring for at home?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Growth suppression and decreased appetite
C. Excessive sleepiness and sedation
D. Bradycardia and hypotension
Answer: B
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a CNS stimulant that commonly causes appetite
suppression, which can lead to weight loss and growth delays in children. Nurses should
instruct parents to monitor the child’s height and weight regularly. Administering the
medication after meals can sometimes help mitigate the impact on appetite.
5. An 82-year-old patient with Alzheimer’s disease is experiencing ‘sundowning.’ Which
nursing action is most appropriate to manage this behavior?
A. Turn on bright lights and increase noise levels in the evening
B. Administer a PRN sedative as soon as the sun begins to set
C. Restrict the patient to their room starting at noon
D. Provide a quiet, calm environment with adequate lighting during the late afternoon
Answer: D
