NUR 253 EXAM 3 VERIFIED WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES 2026/2027 VERSION
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I can't take it anymore." What is the
nurse's priority action?
• A) Document the statement and continue with the assessment
• B) Ask the client if they have been thinking about death or suicide
• C) Reassure the client that things will get better
• D) Notify the healthcare provider after the assessment is complete
Answer: B
Rationale: When a client expresses hopelessness or feeling unable to cope, the nurse must
directly assess for suicidal ideation. Asking about thoughts of death or suicide is a priority
safety intervention.
2. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prescribed clonidine. What
is the purpose of this medication?
• A) Antipsychotic effect
• B) Antidepressant effect
• C) Anxiolytic effect
• D) Reduce hyperarousal symptoms
Answer: D
Rationale: Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist used to reduce hyperarousal, hypervigilance,
and exaggerated startle responses in PTSD. It is not an antipsychotic or primary
antidepressant.
3. A client with acute stress disorder is being evaluated. How long must symptoms
persist before a diagnosis of PTSD is considered?
, • A) 1 day
• B) 3 days
• C) 1 month
• D) 3 months
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute stress disorder lasts from 3 days up to 1 month following a traumatic
event. If symptoms persist beyond 1 month, the diagnosis becomes PTSD.
4. A child is brought to the clinic with repetitive motor movements and
vocalizations that change location over time. The parent states, "I think my child is
faking these tics." What is the nurse's best response?
• A) "Do you think you are in denial?"
• B) "Tics often change location over time."
• C) "Has your child faked previous medical issues?"
• D) "Your observation indicates medications are effective."
Answer: B
Rationale: Tic disorders, including Tourette's syndrome, are characterized by sudden,
nonrhythmic, rapid motor movements or vocalizations that can change in location and
severity over time. This information helps parents understand the nature of the disorder.
5. A client is prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD. The parent asks about side
effects. Which statement should the nurse include?
• A) "Weight gain is common with this medication."
• B) "Headache is a possible side effect."
• C) "This medication causes drowsiness."
• D) "There are no significant side effects."
Answer: B
Rationale: Common side effects of amphetamines and methylphenidate include headache,
insomnia, and decreased appetite. Weight gain is not expected.
,6. A child is exhibiting hyperactivity, running up and down the hall. What is the
most appropriate nursing intervention?
• A) Administer a sedative medication
• B) Place the child in physical restraints
• C) Ask the child to come and sit in a quiet space with less stimuli
• D) Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it
Answer: C
Rationale: Reducing stimuli and providing a calm, quiet environment helps children with
hyperactivity to self-regulate. This is a de-escalation strategy before considering other
interventions.
7. A nurse is teaching parents about oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Which
statement is correct regarding medication treatment?
• A) "There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for ODD."
• B) "Stimulant medications are FDA-approved for ODD."
• C) "Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for ODD."
• D) "Antipsychotics are routinely prescribed for ODD."
Answer: A
Rationale: There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for oppositional defiant
disorder. Treatment focuses on behavioral therapy and parent training. Medications may
be used for comorbid conditions.
8. The nurse is distinguishing between conduct disorder and oppositional defiant
disorder. What is a primary difference?
• A) ODD clients lack empathy; conduct disorder clients are spiteful
• B) ODD clients are angry and irritable; conduct disorder clients persistently violate
the rights of others
• C) Both disorders are the same condition at different stages
, • D) Conduct disorder is only diagnosed in children under 10
Answer: B
Rationale: ODD is characterized by angry, irritable mood and argumentative behavior,
while conduct disorder involves more severe behaviors including persistent violation of
others' rights, aggression, and lack of empathy.
9. A 12-year-old child with oppositional defiant disorder is being discharged.
Which statement by the newly hired nurse requires the preceptor to intervene?
• A) "A combination of medication and therapy has been prescribed for your child."
• B) "There is parent training available to help if your child has this disorder."
• C) "Medication will cure your child's ODD."
• D) "Behavioral therapy is an important part of treatment."
Answer: C
Rationale: There are no medications that cure ODD. The nurse should not imply that
medication will cure the disorder. Medications may be used for comorbid conditions, but
therapy and parent training are primary.
10. A nurse is assessing a child for autism spectrum disorder. Which finding is
most characteristic?
• A) Strong social interest in others
• B) Lack of social interest in others
• C) Advanced language skills
• D) Excellent eye contact
Answer: B
Rationale: Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate impaired development in
social interactions and communication skills. Lack of social interest in others is a key
feature.
PLUS RATIONALES 2026/2027 VERSION
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I can't take it anymore." What is the
nurse's priority action?
• A) Document the statement and continue with the assessment
• B) Ask the client if they have been thinking about death or suicide
• C) Reassure the client that things will get better
• D) Notify the healthcare provider after the assessment is complete
Answer: B
Rationale: When a client expresses hopelessness or feeling unable to cope, the nurse must
directly assess for suicidal ideation. Asking about thoughts of death or suicide is a priority
safety intervention.
2. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prescribed clonidine. What
is the purpose of this medication?
• A) Antipsychotic effect
• B) Antidepressant effect
• C) Anxiolytic effect
• D) Reduce hyperarousal symptoms
Answer: D
Rationale: Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist used to reduce hyperarousal, hypervigilance,
and exaggerated startle responses in PTSD. It is not an antipsychotic or primary
antidepressant.
3. A client with acute stress disorder is being evaluated. How long must symptoms
persist before a diagnosis of PTSD is considered?
, • A) 1 day
• B) 3 days
• C) 1 month
• D) 3 months
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute stress disorder lasts from 3 days up to 1 month following a traumatic
event. If symptoms persist beyond 1 month, the diagnosis becomes PTSD.
4. A child is brought to the clinic with repetitive motor movements and
vocalizations that change location over time. The parent states, "I think my child is
faking these tics." What is the nurse's best response?
• A) "Do you think you are in denial?"
• B) "Tics often change location over time."
• C) "Has your child faked previous medical issues?"
• D) "Your observation indicates medications are effective."
Answer: B
Rationale: Tic disorders, including Tourette's syndrome, are characterized by sudden,
nonrhythmic, rapid motor movements or vocalizations that can change in location and
severity over time. This information helps parents understand the nature of the disorder.
5. A client is prescribed methylphenidate for ADHD. The parent asks about side
effects. Which statement should the nurse include?
• A) "Weight gain is common with this medication."
• B) "Headache is a possible side effect."
• C) "This medication causes drowsiness."
• D) "There are no significant side effects."
Answer: B
Rationale: Common side effects of amphetamines and methylphenidate include headache,
insomnia, and decreased appetite. Weight gain is not expected.
,6. A child is exhibiting hyperactivity, running up and down the hall. What is the
most appropriate nursing intervention?
• A) Administer a sedative medication
• B) Place the child in physical restraints
• C) Ask the child to come and sit in a quiet space with less stimuli
• D) Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it
Answer: C
Rationale: Reducing stimuli and providing a calm, quiet environment helps children with
hyperactivity to self-regulate. This is a de-escalation strategy before considering other
interventions.
7. A nurse is teaching parents about oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Which
statement is correct regarding medication treatment?
• A) "There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for ODD."
• B) "Stimulant medications are FDA-approved for ODD."
• C) "Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for ODD."
• D) "Antipsychotics are routinely prescribed for ODD."
Answer: A
Rationale: There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for oppositional defiant
disorder. Treatment focuses on behavioral therapy and parent training. Medications may
be used for comorbid conditions.
8. The nurse is distinguishing between conduct disorder and oppositional defiant
disorder. What is a primary difference?
• A) ODD clients lack empathy; conduct disorder clients are spiteful
• B) ODD clients are angry and irritable; conduct disorder clients persistently violate
the rights of others
• C) Both disorders are the same condition at different stages
, • D) Conduct disorder is only diagnosed in children under 10
Answer: B
Rationale: ODD is characterized by angry, irritable mood and argumentative behavior,
while conduct disorder involves more severe behaviors including persistent violation of
others' rights, aggression, and lack of empathy.
9. A 12-year-old child with oppositional defiant disorder is being discharged.
Which statement by the newly hired nurse requires the preceptor to intervene?
• A) "A combination of medication and therapy has been prescribed for your child."
• B) "There is parent training available to help if your child has this disorder."
• C) "Medication will cure your child's ODD."
• D) "Behavioral therapy is an important part of treatment."
Answer: C
Rationale: There are no medications that cure ODD. The nurse should not imply that
medication will cure the disorder. Medications may be used for comorbid conditions, but
therapy and parent training are primary.
10. A nurse is assessing a child for autism spectrum disorder. Which finding is
most characteristic?
• A) Strong social interest in others
• B) Lack of social interest in others
• C) Advanced language skills
• D) Excellent eye contact
Answer: B
Rationale: Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate impaired development in
social interactions and communication skills. Lack of social interest in others is a key
feature.
