NUR 253 Exam 2: (Latest 2026/2027) Psychiatric‑Mental Health
Nursing | Stress, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Group
Therapy, Defense Mechanisms | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: GAS, Relaxation Techniques, Levels of Anxiety, OCD, Bipolar I/II, Lithium, Antipsychotics, CBT, Group
Leadership, Defense Mechanisms & Crisis Intervention
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Nursing Research / NUR 253 Galen Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Alarm (fight or flight), Resistance (adaptation), Exhaustion (resources depleted).
RATIONALE
• Alarm: sympathetic nervous system activation, cortisol and epinephrine release.
• Resistance: body attempts to return to homeostasis.
• Exhaustion: prolonged stress leads to illness, burnout, or death.
Q2
What are examples of cognitive reframing as a stress management technique?
CORRECT ANSWER
Changing one's perception of stress by reassessing the situation and replacing irrational beliefs.
RATIONALE
• Helps identify and modify negative thought patterns.
• Example: replacing "I can't do this" with "I will do my best."
• Key component of cognitive‑behavioral therapy.
, Q3
What is progressive relaxation?
CORRECT ANSWER
Focusing on eliminating muscle contraction caused by anxious feelings which produce tense muscles
(systematic tensing and relaxing of muscle groups).
RATIONALE
• Developed by Edmund Jacobson.
• Reduces physical tension and anxiety.
• Often combined with deep breathing.
Q4
A patient has difficulty concentrating, selective inattention, and sympathetic symptoms such as
tachycardia. Which level of anxiety is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Moderate anxiety (clear thinking hampered, problem solving not optimal).
RATIONALE
• Mild anxiety: sharpens senses, improves focus.
• Severe anxiety: perceptual field greatly reduced, confused behavior.
• Panic: most extreme, unable to process reality.
Q5
A patient experiences a school shooting. What type of crisis is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Adventitious crisis (caused by nature or humans – not a usual part of everyday life).
RATIONALE
• Maturational crisis: related to developmental stages (e.g., retirement).
• Situational crisis: external, unanticipated events (e.g., job loss, divorce).
• Adventitious crises: natural disasters, crimes of violence, wars.
Nursing | Stress, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Group
Therapy, Defense Mechanisms | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: GAS, Relaxation Techniques, Levels of Anxiety, OCD, Bipolar I/II, Lithium, Antipsychotics, CBT, Group
Leadership, Defense Mechanisms & Crisis Intervention
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Nursing Research / NUR 253 Galen Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
CORRECT ANSWER
Alarm (fight or flight), Resistance (adaptation), Exhaustion (resources depleted).
RATIONALE
• Alarm: sympathetic nervous system activation, cortisol and epinephrine release.
• Resistance: body attempts to return to homeostasis.
• Exhaustion: prolonged stress leads to illness, burnout, or death.
Q2
What are examples of cognitive reframing as a stress management technique?
CORRECT ANSWER
Changing one's perception of stress by reassessing the situation and replacing irrational beliefs.
RATIONALE
• Helps identify and modify negative thought patterns.
• Example: replacing "I can't do this" with "I will do my best."
• Key component of cognitive‑behavioral therapy.
, Q3
What is progressive relaxation?
CORRECT ANSWER
Focusing on eliminating muscle contraction caused by anxious feelings which produce tense muscles
(systematic tensing and relaxing of muscle groups).
RATIONALE
• Developed by Edmund Jacobson.
• Reduces physical tension and anxiety.
• Often combined with deep breathing.
Q4
A patient has difficulty concentrating, selective inattention, and sympathetic symptoms such as
tachycardia. Which level of anxiety is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Moderate anxiety (clear thinking hampered, problem solving not optimal).
RATIONALE
• Mild anxiety: sharpens senses, improves focus.
• Severe anxiety: perceptual field greatly reduced, confused behavior.
• Panic: most extreme, unable to process reality.
Q5
A patient experiences a school shooting. What type of crisis is this?
CORRECT ANSWER
Adventitious crisis (caused by nature or humans – not a usual part of everyday life).
RATIONALE
• Maturational crisis: related to developmental stages (e.g., retirement).
• Situational crisis: external, unanticipated events (e.g., job loss, divorce).
• Adventitious crises: natural disasters, crimes of violence, wars.
