NSG322 Exam 4: Behavioral Health Nursing Questions with Detailed
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version Grand Canyon
University
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently praises one nurse
while demeaning another. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Sublimation
B. Reaction formation
C. Projection
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where the individual views people or situations as either all good or all bad, unable to
integrate positive and negative qualities.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Delirium rather than
Dementia?
A. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
B. Slow, progressive memory loss
C. Irreversible cognitive decline
D. Difficulty finding words (aphasia)
Answer: A
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset and a fluctuating level of
consciousness, whereas dementia is typically slow, progressive, and irreversible.
,3. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication is the nurse
most likely to administer to manage withdrawal symptoms?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naloxone
D. Lorazepam
Answer: D
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for managing alcohol
withdrawal symptoms and preventing seizures or delirium tremens.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is
most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Hypertension
B. Lanugo
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Explanation: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a physical adaptation to extreme weight loss
and malnutrition in Anorexia Nervosa to help retain body heat.
5. The primary difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder
is:
A. The amount of food consumed during a binge
B. The presence of compensatory behaviors like purging
C. The age of onset
D. The gender of the client
Answer: B
Explanation: Bulimia Nervosa involves compensatory behaviors (purging, excessive
exercise, laxatives) after a binge, whereas Binge Eating Disorder does not.
, 6. A client with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being treated in a mental
health unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide a warm, nurturing environment with few rules
B. Set clear, consistent limits and consequences for behavior
C. Encourage the client to lead group therapy sessions
D. Avoid direct eye contact to prevent agitation
Answer: B
Explanation: Clients with Antisocial Personality Disorder often attempt to manipulate
others and disregard rules; setting firm, consistent limits is essential for safety and
structure.
7. A child is diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Which
behavior is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Physical cruelty to animals
B. Inability to focus on tasks for more than 5 minutes
C. Persistent pattern of irritability and defiance toward authority figures
D. Repeatedly running away from home
Answer: C
Explanation: ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures, but it lacks the
severe aggression seen in Conduct Disorder.
8. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is experiencing ‘sundowning.’ What is the
best nursing intervention?
A. Keep the room dark and quiet during the day
B. Provide maximum stimulation in the evening
C. Administer a sedative at noon to ensure sleep at night
D. Ensure the room is well-lit and maintain a predictable routine
Answer: D
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version Grand Canyon
University
1. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently praises one nurse
while demeaning another. This defense mechanism is known as:
A. Sublimation
B. Reaction formation
C. Projection
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline Personality Disorder
where the individual views people or situations as either all good or all bad, unable to
integrate positive and negative qualities.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Delirium rather than
Dementia?
A. Acute onset with fluctuating levels of consciousness
B. Slow, progressive memory loss
C. Irreversible cognitive decline
D. Difficulty finding words (aphasia)
Answer: A
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid, acute onset and a fluctuating level of
consciousness, whereas dementia is typically slow, progressive, and irreversible.
,3. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication is the nurse
most likely to administer to manage withdrawal symptoms?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naloxone
D. Lorazepam
Answer: D
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam are the gold standard for managing alcohol
withdrawal symptoms and preventing seizures or delirium tremens.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is
most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Hypertension
B. Lanugo
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: B
Explanation: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a physical adaptation to extreme weight loss
and malnutrition in Anorexia Nervosa to help retain body heat.
5. The primary difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder
is:
A. The amount of food consumed during a binge
B. The presence of compensatory behaviors like purging
C. The age of onset
D. The gender of the client
Answer: B
Explanation: Bulimia Nervosa involves compensatory behaviors (purging, excessive
exercise, laxatives) after a binge, whereas Binge Eating Disorder does not.
, 6. A client with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being treated in a mental
health unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Provide a warm, nurturing environment with few rules
B. Set clear, consistent limits and consequences for behavior
C. Encourage the client to lead group therapy sessions
D. Avoid direct eye contact to prevent agitation
Answer: B
Explanation: Clients with Antisocial Personality Disorder often attempt to manipulate
others and disregard rules; setting firm, consistent limits is essential for safety and
structure.
7. A child is diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Which
behavior is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Physical cruelty to animals
B. Inability to focus on tasks for more than 5 minutes
C. Persistent pattern of irritability and defiance toward authority figures
D. Repeatedly running away from home
Answer: C
Explanation: ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures, but it lacks the
severe aggression seen in Conduct Disorder.
8. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is experiencing ‘sundowning.’ What is the
best nursing intervention?
A. Keep the room dark and quiet during the day
B. Provide maximum stimulation in the evening
C. Administer a sedative at noon to ensure sleep at night
D. Ensure the room is well-lit and maintain a predictable routine
Answer: D
