NUR 256 Exam 2 Mental Health Nursing
(2026) PDF | Galen College of Nursing
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Questions and Ansẉers
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1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states,
“Nothing matters anymore.” What is the most therapeutic response?
A. “You have so much to live for.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Can you tell me more about what you mean by ‘nothing matters’?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes.”
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: This open-ended response encourages the client to
explore their feelings without judgment. “Why” questions (B) can seem
accusatory. Giving advice (A) or minimizing feelings (D) dismisses the client’s
experience.
2. A client with bipolar disorder, manic episode, is pacing rapidly and talking
loudly. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client to sit down and be quiet.
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
C. Place the client in seclusion.
D. Challenge the client’s grandiose beliefs.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Manic clients expend high energy and may forget to
eat/drink, leading to dehydration and malnutrition. Finger foods allow
movement. Seclusion is a last resort; challenging delusions increases agitation.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which symptom is
characteristic of a panic attack?
A. Gradual onset of worry over 6 months.
B. Depersonalization and fear of dying.
, C. Avoidance of all social situations.
D. Persistent intrusive thoughts.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Panic attacks involve sudden, intense fear with
symptoms like depersonalization, chest pain, choking, and fear of dying. A is
generalized anxiety disorder; C is agoraphobia; D is OCD.
4. A client with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat, stating, “I feel fat.” What is the
best response?
A. “You are underweight and need to eat.”
B. “I understand you feel fat, but your weight is dangerously low.”
C. “Let’s talk about why you feel fat.”
D. “If you don’t eat, you’ll get a feeding tube.”
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Validates the client’s feeling (not the delusion) while
presenting reality. A and D are confrontational/threatening; C may reinforce the
irrational belief by over-discussing.
5. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm after a staff
change. What is the priority?
A. Ignore the threat to avoid reinforcement.
B. Place the client in restraints.
C. Assess for suicidal intent and means.
D. Tell the client to use a coping skill.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Always assess suicide risk first. Threats must be taken
seriously. Restraints require criteria; ignoring is unsafe; teaching coping comes
after safety.
6. Which medication is most commonly prescribed for alcohol use disorder to
reduce cravings?
A. Naltrexone
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Lorazepam
(2026) PDF | Galen College of Nursing
Questions and Ansẉers with
Expert-Verified Expert Expert
Explanation 2026\2027 update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
, Expert-Verified Expert Expert Explanation
Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
1. A nurse is caring for a client with major depressive disorder who states,
“Nothing matters anymore.” What is the most therapeutic response?
A. “You have so much to live for.”
B. “Why do you feel that way?”
C. “Can you tell me more about what you mean by ‘nothing matters’?”
D. “Everyone feels sad sometimes.”
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: This open-ended response encourages the client to
explore their feelings without judgment. “Why” questions (B) can seem
accusatory. Giving advice (A) or minimizing feelings (D) dismisses the client’s
experience.
2. A client with bipolar disorder, manic episode, is pacing rapidly and talking
loudly. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client to sit down and be quiet.
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
C. Place the client in seclusion.
D. Challenge the client’s grandiose beliefs.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Manic clients expend high energy and may forget to
eat/drink, leading to dehydration and malnutrition. Finger foods allow
movement. Seclusion is a last resort; challenging delusions increases agitation.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which symptom is
characteristic of a panic attack?
A. Gradual onset of worry over 6 months.
B. Depersonalization and fear of dying.
, C. Avoidance of all social situations.
D. Persistent intrusive thoughts.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Panic attacks involve sudden, intense fear with
symptoms like depersonalization, chest pain, choking, and fear of dying. A is
generalized anxiety disorder; C is agoraphobia; D is OCD.
4. A client with anorexia nervosa refuses to eat, stating, “I feel fat.” What is the
best response?
A. “You are underweight and need to eat.”
B. “I understand you feel fat, but your weight is dangerously low.”
C. “Let’s talk about why you feel fat.”
D. “If you don’t eat, you’ll get a feeding tube.”
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Validates the client’s feeling (not the delusion) while
presenting reality. A and D are confrontational/threatening; C may reinforce the
irrational belief by over-discussing.
5. A client with borderline personality disorder threatens self-harm after a staff
change. What is the priority?
A. Ignore the threat to avoid reinforcement.
B. Place the client in restraints.
C. Assess for suicidal intent and means.
D. Tell the client to use a coping skill.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Always assess suicide risk first. Threats must be taken
seriously. Restraints require criteria; ignoring is unsafe; teaching coping comes
after safety.
6. Which medication is most commonly prescribed for alcohol use disorder to
reduce cravings?
A. Naltrexone
B. Disulfiram
C. Methadone
D. Lorazepam
