NSRG 126 Exam 4 V2 | NSRG 126 Mental
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 4) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with a urinary tract infection and
is now demonstrating sudden confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Vascular Dementia
Correct Answer: A
Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of cognitive impairment and fluctuating levels
of consciousness, often triggered by a medical condition like an infection. In contrast,
dementia follows a slow, progressive decline without the acute changes in awareness seen
here. The nurse must prioritize identifying and treating the underlying cause, such as the
UTI, to resolve the symptoms.
2. A patient with moderate Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed Donepezil. Which statement by
the family indicates an understanding of the medication’s purpose?
A. My mother will regain her lost memories once the drug reaches a therapeutic level.
,B. This medication will stop the disease from getting any worse.
C. This medication may help slow the progression of memory loss for a period of time.
D. This drug is used to treat the underlying cause of the brain damage.
Correct Answer: C
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the availability of
acetylcholine at the synapses. While it can improve or stabilize cognitive function
temporarily, it does not cure or halt the underlying neurodegenerative process. The family
must have realistic expectations that the drug serves to manage symptoms rather than
provide a cure.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following
symptoms would indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention?
A. Mild tremors of the hands
B. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
C. Insomnia and anxiety
D. Heart rate of 92 beats per minute
Correct Answer: B
Withdrawal seizures can occur within 6 to 48 hours after the last drink and represent a
significant escalation in the severity of alcohol withdrawal. These seizures can lead to
status epilepticus or indicate an impending progression to delirium tremens. The nurse
,must implement seizure precautions and notify the provider for benzodiazepine
administration immediately.
4. A patient admitted for chronic alcohol use disorder presents with ataxia, confusion, and
nystagmus. The nurse expects to administer which of the following?
A. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
B. Haloperidol
C. Naloxone
D. Methadone
Correct Answer: A
The triad of ataxia, confusion, and nystagmus is indicative of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy,
which is caused by a severe thiamine deficiency common in chronic alcoholism. If left
untreated, this condition can progress to Korsakoff’s Psychosis, which involves irreversible
memory loss and confabulation. Prompt administration of intravenous or intramuscular
thiamine is the standard of care to prevent permanent brain damage.
5. A patient who has been using heroin for several years is admitted for detoxification. Which
medication is commonly used to suppress symptoms during opioid withdrawal?
A. Bupropion
B. Disulfiram
C. Lorazepam
, D. Clonidine
Correct Answer: D
Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that helps reduce the autonomic hyperactivity associated
with opioid withdrawal, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and sweating. It does not
reduce drug craving but makes the physical process of withdrawal more tolerable for the
patient. Nurses must monitor blood pressure closely as hypotension is a common side
effect of this treatment.
6. A patient is being discharged with a prescription for Disulfiram. Which instruction is most
important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. You should take this medication only when you feel an urge to drink.
B. Avoid foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
C. You must strictly avoid all sources of alcohol, including mouthwash and cough syrups.
D. This medication will reduce your cravings for alcohol over time.
Correct Answer: C
Disulfiram works through aversion therapy by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down
acetaldehyde, leading to a toxic reaction if any alcohol is consumed. Even small amounts of
alcohol found in topical products, hand sanitizers, or certain foods can trigger severe
nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. The patient must be educated to read labels
meticulously to avoid an accidental reaction.
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 4) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with a urinary tract infection and
is now demonstrating sudden confusion, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and visual
hallucinations. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Delirium
B. Alzheimer’s Disease
C. Depression
D. Vascular Dementia
Correct Answer: A
Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of cognitive impairment and fluctuating levels
of consciousness, often triggered by a medical condition like an infection. In contrast,
dementia follows a slow, progressive decline without the acute changes in awareness seen
here. The nurse must prioritize identifying and treating the underlying cause, such as the
UTI, to resolve the symptoms.
2. A patient with moderate Alzheimer’s disease is prescribed Donepezil. Which statement by
the family indicates an understanding of the medication’s purpose?
A. My mother will regain her lost memories once the drug reaches a therapeutic level.
,B. This medication will stop the disease from getting any worse.
C. This medication may help slow the progression of memory loss for a period of time.
D. This drug is used to treat the underlying cause of the brain damage.
Correct Answer: C
Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing the availability of
acetylcholine at the synapses. While it can improve or stabilize cognitive function
temporarily, it does not cure or halt the underlying neurodegenerative process. The family
must have realistic expectations that the drug serves to manage symptoms rather than
provide a cure.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following
symptoms would indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention?
A. Mild tremors of the hands
B. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
C. Insomnia and anxiety
D. Heart rate of 92 beats per minute
Correct Answer: B
Withdrawal seizures can occur within 6 to 48 hours after the last drink and represent a
significant escalation in the severity of alcohol withdrawal. These seizures can lead to
status epilepticus or indicate an impending progression to delirium tremens. The nurse
,must implement seizure precautions and notify the provider for benzodiazepine
administration immediately.
4. A patient admitted for chronic alcohol use disorder presents with ataxia, confusion, and
nystagmus. The nurse expects to administer which of the following?
A. Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
B. Haloperidol
C. Naloxone
D. Methadone
Correct Answer: A
The triad of ataxia, confusion, and nystagmus is indicative of Wernicke’s Encephalopathy,
which is caused by a severe thiamine deficiency common in chronic alcoholism. If left
untreated, this condition can progress to Korsakoff’s Psychosis, which involves irreversible
memory loss and confabulation. Prompt administration of intravenous or intramuscular
thiamine is the standard of care to prevent permanent brain damage.
5. A patient who has been using heroin for several years is admitted for detoxification. Which
medication is commonly used to suppress symptoms during opioid withdrawal?
A. Bupropion
B. Disulfiram
C. Lorazepam
, D. Clonidine
Correct Answer: D
Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that helps reduce the autonomic hyperactivity associated
with opioid withdrawal, such as tachycardia, hypertension, and sweating. It does not
reduce drug craving but makes the physical process of withdrawal more tolerable for the
patient. Nurses must monitor blood pressure closely as hypotension is a common side
effect of this treatment.
6. A patient is being discharged with a prescription for Disulfiram. Which instruction is most
important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. You should take this medication only when you feel an urge to drink.
B. Avoid foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheese and red wine.
C. You must strictly avoid all sources of alcohol, including mouthwash and cough syrups.
D. This medication will reduce your cravings for alcohol over time.
Correct Answer: C
Disulfiram works through aversion therapy by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down
acetaldehyde, leading to a toxic reaction if any alcohol is consumed. Even small amounts of
alcohol found in topical products, hand sanitizers, or certain foods can trigger severe
nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia. The patient must be educated to read labels
meticulously to avoid an accidental reaction.
