,NURS 222 Exam 2 Mental Health Nursing Questions And Answers
2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. A client is experiencing a panic attack and is hyperventilating. Which
nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Ask the client to identify the cause of the panic.
B. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements.
C. Teach several relaxation techniques immediately.
D. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During panic, the client's ability to process complex information
is impaired. A calm presence and short, simple communication promote
safety and reduce stimulation.
Q2. Which behavior is most characteristic of panic-level anxiety?
A. Broad attention span and effective problem solving
B. Ability to learn new information easily
C. Severe loss of control and inability to process environmental stimuli
effectively
D. Mild increased alertness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Panic produces extreme anxiety that greatly narrows perception
and can severely impair thinking, communication, judgment, and
functioning.
Q3. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client experiencing
severe anxiety?
A. Use lengthy explanations.
B. Encourage independent problem solving immediately.
C. Provide brief, simple directions and remain with the client.
D. Ask the client to participate in a complex group discussion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe anxiety reduces the ability to process complex
information. Simple communication and a calm presence are most effective.
Q4. Which symptom is commonly associated with generalized anxiety
disorder?
, A. Persistent excessive worry accompanied by muscle tension and
restlessness
B. Complete absence of anxiety
C. Fixed delusions as the primary feature
D. Progressive muscle paralysis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, difficult-to-
control worry accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, muscle
tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
Q5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports being unable to relax,
feeling constantly "on edge," and having persistent muscle tension. How
should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. They are consistent with generalized anxiety disorder.
B. They indicate catatonia.
C. They are classic symptoms of delirium tremens.
D. They indicate negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Persistent worry, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, and muscle
tension are common manifestations of generalized anxiety disorder.
Q6. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with anxiety after the acute
episode has subsided?
A. Teach relaxation and stress-management techniques.
B. Encourage avoidance of all social situations.
C. Reinforce dependence on staff.
D. Discourage discussion of anxiety triggers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Once acute anxiety has decreased, the client can learn coping
skills such as relaxation, breathing, problem solving, and stress
management.
Q7. A client in a panic state repeatedly asks, "Am I going to die?" Which
response is most therapeutic?
A. "There is nothing to worry about."
B. "You are safe. Stay with me and take slow breaths."
2026/2027 West Coast University
Q1. A client is experiencing a panic attack and is hyperventilating. Which
nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Ask the client to identify the cause of the panic.
B. Stay with the client and use short, simple statements.
C. Teach several relaxation techniques immediately.
D. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During panic, the client's ability to process complex information
is impaired. A calm presence and short, simple communication promote
safety and reduce stimulation.
Q2. Which behavior is most characteristic of panic-level anxiety?
A. Broad attention span and effective problem solving
B. Ability to learn new information easily
C. Severe loss of control and inability to process environmental stimuli
effectively
D. Mild increased alertness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Panic produces extreme anxiety that greatly narrows perception
and can severely impair thinking, communication, judgment, and
functioning.
Q3. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client experiencing
severe anxiety?
A. Use lengthy explanations.
B. Encourage independent problem solving immediately.
C. Provide brief, simple directions and remain with the client.
D. Ask the client to participate in a complex group discussion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Severe anxiety reduces the ability to process complex
information. Simple communication and a calm presence are most effective.
Q4. Which symptom is commonly associated with generalized anxiety
disorder?
, A. Persistent excessive worry accompanied by muscle tension and
restlessness
B. Complete absence of anxiety
C. Fixed delusions as the primary feature
D. Progressive muscle paralysis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, difficult-to-
control worry accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, muscle
tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbance.
Q5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder reports being unable to relax,
feeling constantly "on edge," and having persistent muscle tension. How
should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. They are consistent with generalized anxiety disorder.
B. They indicate catatonia.
C. They are classic symptoms of delirium tremens.
D. They indicate negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Persistent worry, restlessness, difficulty relaxing, and muscle
tension are common manifestations of generalized anxiety disorder.
Q6. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with anxiety after the acute
episode has subsided?
A. Teach relaxation and stress-management techniques.
B. Encourage avoidance of all social situations.
C. Reinforce dependence on staff.
D. Discourage discussion of anxiety triggers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Once acute anxiety has decreased, the client can learn coping
skills such as relaxation, breathing, problem solving, and stress
management.
Q7. A client in a panic state repeatedly asks, "Am I going to die?" Which
response is most therapeutic?
A. "There is nothing to worry about."
B. "You are safe. Stay with me and take slow breaths."
