Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Final
EXAM Questions with 100% Correct
Answers | Verified | Updated (Actual
Exam) LATEST VERSION!!|| LATEST
UPDATE 2026
Antisocial PD -CORRECTANSWER this disorder reflects constant disregard for others
through exploitation and repeated unlawful actions. No remorse for others, neglect
responsibilities, tell lies, and perform destructive or illegal acts w/o developing any
insight into consequences. *Psychopaths/Sociopaths*
Nursing Guidelines for Antisocial PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Try to prevent or reduce
untoward effects of manipulation (flattery, seductiveness, instilling of guilt):
• Set clear and realistic limits on specific behavior.
• Ensure that limits are adhered to by all staff.
• Carefully document signs of manipulation or aggression.
• Document behaviors (give times, dates, circumstances). Provide clear boundaries and
consequences.
2. Be aware that antisocial patients can instill guilt when they are not getting what they
want. Guard against being manipulated through feelings of guilt.
3. Substance abuse is best handled through a well-organized treatment program before
counseling and other forms of therapy are started.
Avoidant PD -CORRECTANSWER characteristics are an extreme sensitivity to
rejection and robust avoidance of interpersonal situations. These individuals
demonstrate poor self-confidence and are prone to misinterpreting others' feedback
because they are overly sensitive to rejection.
Nursing Guidelines for Avoidant PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. A friendly, accepting,
reassuring approach is the best way to treat patients.
2. Being pushed into social situations can cause extreme and severe anxiety.
Borderline PD -CORRECTANSWER most common and dramatic, is characterized by
severe impairments in functioning; instability in emotion regulation, interpersonal
relationships, impulsivity, identity or self-image distortions, and unstable mood.
Nursing Guidelines for Borderline PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Set realistic goals, use
clear action words.
2. Be aware of manipulative behaviors (flattery, seductiveness, instilling of guilt).
,3. Provide clear and consistent boundaries and limits.
4. Use clear and straightforward communication.
5. When behavioral problems emerge, calmly review the therapeutic goals and
boundaries of treatment.
6. Avoid rejecting or rescuing.
7. Assess for suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors, especially during times of stress.
Dependent PD -CORRECTANSWER establish relationships in which they are
submissive, self-doubting, and avoid self responsibility. find it difficult to sustain
autonomy and often seek out relationships in which they can be taken care of.
Nursing Guidelines for Dependent PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Identify and help
address current stresses.
2. Try to satisfy patient's needs at the same time that limits are set up in such a manner
that patient does not feel punished and withdraw.
3. Be aware that strong countertransference often develops in clinicians because of
patient's excessive clinging (demands of extra time, nighttime calls, crisis before
vacations); therefore, supervision is well advised.
4. Teach and role-model assertiveness.
dialectical behavior therapy -CORRECTANSWER evidence-based theory to
successfully treat chronically suicidal pts w/ borderline personality disorder. combines
cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness, which emphasizes being aware of
thoughts and actively shaping them.
histrionic PD -CORRECTANSWER marked by emotional attention-seeking behavior in
which the person needs to be the center of attention.
-impulsive,melodramatic, flirtatious and provocative.
Nursing Guidelines for histrionic PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Understand seductive
behavior as a response to distress.
2. Keep communication and interactions professional, despite temptation to collude with
the patient in a flirtatious and misleading manner.
3. Encourage and model the use of concrete and descriptive rather than vague and
impressionistic language.
4. Teach and role-model assertiveness.
Narcissistic PD -CORRECTANSWER arrogance w/ grandiose view of self-importance.
Has the need for constant admiration, along w/ a lack of empathy for others, which
strains relationships. results in exploitation of others. Underneath this personality is a
person w/ intense shame and fear of abandonment.
Nursing Guidelines for Narcissistic PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Remain neutral; avoid
engaging in power struggles or becoming defensive in response to the patient's
disparaging remarks.
2. Convey unassuming self-confidence.
,obsessive-compulsive PD -CORRECTANSWER characteristics of perfectionism w/ a
focus on orderliness and control. These people become so preoccupied w/ details and
rules that they may not be able to accomplish a given task.
Nursing Guidelines for Obsessive-Compulsive PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Guard
against power struggles with patient. Need for control is very high.
2. Intellectualization, rationalization, reaction formation, isolation, and undoing are the
most common defense mechanisms.
paranoid PD -CORRECTANSWER characterized by distrust and suspiciousness toward
others based on the belief that others want to exploit, harm, or deceive the person.
these people are hypervigilant, anticipate hostility, and may provoke hostile responses
by initiating a "counterattack." demonstrate jealousy, controlling behaviors, and
unwillingness to forgive
Nursing Guidelines for Paranoid PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Avoid being too "nice" or
"friendly."
2. Give clear and straightforward explanations of tests and procedures beforehand.
3. Use simple, clear language; avoid ambiguity.
4. Project a neutral but kind affect.
5. Warn about any changes, side effects of medication, and reasons for delay. Such
interventions may help allay anxiety and minimize suspiciousness. A written plan may
help encourage cooperation.
Schizoid PD -CORRECTANSWER Emotionally detached! Does not seek out or enjoy
close relationships. this individual may be able to function in a solitary occupation but
shows indifference to praise or criticism from others. Depersonalization may occur.
Nursing Guidelines for Schizoid PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Avoid being too "nice" or
"friendly."
2. Do not try to increase socialization.
3. Perform thorough diagnostic assessment as needed to identify symptoms or
disorders the patient is reluctant to discuss.
schizotypal PD -CORRECTANSWER expressed in strikingly odd characteristics,
including magical thinking, derealization, perceptual distortions, and rigid, peculiar
ideas. speech patterns may be distinctive and bizarre.
Nursing Guidelines for Schizotypal PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Respect patient's need
for social isolation.
2. Be aware of patient's suspiciousness, and employ appropriate interventions.
3. As with schizoid patient, perform careful diagnostic assessment as needed to
uncover any other medical or psychological symptoms that may need intervention (e.g.,
suicidal thoughts).
, personality disorder -CORRECTANSWER an enduring pattern of experience and
behavior that deviates significantly from the expectations w/in the individuals culture.
Cluster A personality disorders -CORRECTANSWER characteristics of eccentric and
odd behaviors, such as social isolation and detachment. may also be perception
distortions, unusual levels of suspiciousness, Paranoid PD, Schizoid OD, & Schizotypal
PD
Cluster B Personality Disorders -CORRECTANSWER Dramatic, emotional, erratic
behavior; problems with impulse control and emotional processing, and relationships;
manipulations and acting out; Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, and
Narcissistic PD
Cluster C Personality Disorders -CORRECTANSWER Anxious or fearful behavior; rigid
patterns of social shyness, hypersensitivity, need for orderliness, and relationship
dependency; Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-Compulsive PD
A nurse caring for a client who has been diagnosed with a personality disorder should
expect that the client *will* exhibit which of the following characteristics?
A. Frequent episodes of psychosis
B. Constant involvement with the needs of significant others
C. Inflexible and maladaptive responses to stress
D. Abnormal ego functioning -CORRECTANSWER Inflexible and maladaptive
responses to stress
Which statement is descriptive of clients with personality disorders?
A. They are resistant to behavioral change.
B. They have an ability to tolerate frustration and pain.
C. They usually seek help to change maladaptive behaviors.
D. They have little difficulty forming satisfying and intimate relationships. -
CORRECTANSWER They are resistant to behavioral change.
Research has indicated that antisocial personality may be characterized by:
A. social isolation.
B. lack of remorse.
C. learning difficulties.
D. difficulty with reality testing. -CORRECTANSWER lack of remorse.
The primary goal of milieu therapy for clients with personality disorders is
A. manage the affect behavior has on the entire group.
B. one-on-one therapy.
C. to help the client remain uninvolved with other patients.
D. a laissez faire attitude. -CORRECTANSWER manage the affect behavior has on the
entire group.
Characteristic behaviors the nurse will assess in the narcissistic client are
EXAM Questions with 100% Correct
Answers | Verified | Updated (Actual
Exam) LATEST VERSION!!|| LATEST
UPDATE 2026
Antisocial PD -CORRECTANSWER this disorder reflects constant disregard for others
through exploitation and repeated unlawful actions. No remorse for others, neglect
responsibilities, tell lies, and perform destructive or illegal acts w/o developing any
insight into consequences. *Psychopaths/Sociopaths*
Nursing Guidelines for Antisocial PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Try to prevent or reduce
untoward effects of manipulation (flattery, seductiveness, instilling of guilt):
• Set clear and realistic limits on specific behavior.
• Ensure that limits are adhered to by all staff.
• Carefully document signs of manipulation or aggression.
• Document behaviors (give times, dates, circumstances). Provide clear boundaries and
consequences.
2. Be aware that antisocial patients can instill guilt when they are not getting what they
want. Guard against being manipulated through feelings of guilt.
3. Substance abuse is best handled through a well-organized treatment program before
counseling and other forms of therapy are started.
Avoidant PD -CORRECTANSWER characteristics are an extreme sensitivity to
rejection and robust avoidance of interpersonal situations. These individuals
demonstrate poor self-confidence and are prone to misinterpreting others' feedback
because they are overly sensitive to rejection.
Nursing Guidelines for Avoidant PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. A friendly, accepting,
reassuring approach is the best way to treat patients.
2. Being pushed into social situations can cause extreme and severe anxiety.
Borderline PD -CORRECTANSWER most common and dramatic, is characterized by
severe impairments in functioning; instability in emotion regulation, interpersonal
relationships, impulsivity, identity or self-image distortions, and unstable mood.
Nursing Guidelines for Borderline PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Set realistic goals, use
clear action words.
2. Be aware of manipulative behaviors (flattery, seductiveness, instilling of guilt).
,3. Provide clear and consistent boundaries and limits.
4. Use clear and straightforward communication.
5. When behavioral problems emerge, calmly review the therapeutic goals and
boundaries of treatment.
6. Avoid rejecting or rescuing.
7. Assess for suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors, especially during times of stress.
Dependent PD -CORRECTANSWER establish relationships in which they are
submissive, self-doubting, and avoid self responsibility. find it difficult to sustain
autonomy and often seek out relationships in which they can be taken care of.
Nursing Guidelines for Dependent PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Identify and help
address current stresses.
2. Try to satisfy patient's needs at the same time that limits are set up in such a manner
that patient does not feel punished and withdraw.
3. Be aware that strong countertransference often develops in clinicians because of
patient's excessive clinging (demands of extra time, nighttime calls, crisis before
vacations); therefore, supervision is well advised.
4. Teach and role-model assertiveness.
dialectical behavior therapy -CORRECTANSWER evidence-based theory to
successfully treat chronically suicidal pts w/ borderline personality disorder. combines
cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness, which emphasizes being aware of
thoughts and actively shaping them.
histrionic PD -CORRECTANSWER marked by emotional attention-seeking behavior in
which the person needs to be the center of attention.
-impulsive,melodramatic, flirtatious and provocative.
Nursing Guidelines for histrionic PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Understand seductive
behavior as a response to distress.
2. Keep communication and interactions professional, despite temptation to collude with
the patient in a flirtatious and misleading manner.
3. Encourage and model the use of concrete and descriptive rather than vague and
impressionistic language.
4. Teach and role-model assertiveness.
Narcissistic PD -CORRECTANSWER arrogance w/ grandiose view of self-importance.
Has the need for constant admiration, along w/ a lack of empathy for others, which
strains relationships. results in exploitation of others. Underneath this personality is a
person w/ intense shame and fear of abandonment.
Nursing Guidelines for Narcissistic PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Remain neutral; avoid
engaging in power struggles or becoming defensive in response to the patient's
disparaging remarks.
2. Convey unassuming self-confidence.
,obsessive-compulsive PD -CORRECTANSWER characteristics of perfectionism w/ a
focus on orderliness and control. These people become so preoccupied w/ details and
rules that they may not be able to accomplish a given task.
Nursing Guidelines for Obsessive-Compulsive PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Guard
against power struggles with patient. Need for control is very high.
2. Intellectualization, rationalization, reaction formation, isolation, and undoing are the
most common defense mechanisms.
paranoid PD -CORRECTANSWER characterized by distrust and suspiciousness toward
others based on the belief that others want to exploit, harm, or deceive the person.
these people are hypervigilant, anticipate hostility, and may provoke hostile responses
by initiating a "counterattack." demonstrate jealousy, controlling behaviors, and
unwillingness to forgive
Nursing Guidelines for Paranoid PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Avoid being too "nice" or
"friendly."
2. Give clear and straightforward explanations of tests and procedures beforehand.
3. Use simple, clear language; avoid ambiguity.
4. Project a neutral but kind affect.
5. Warn about any changes, side effects of medication, and reasons for delay. Such
interventions may help allay anxiety and minimize suspiciousness. A written plan may
help encourage cooperation.
Schizoid PD -CORRECTANSWER Emotionally detached! Does not seek out or enjoy
close relationships. this individual may be able to function in a solitary occupation but
shows indifference to praise or criticism from others. Depersonalization may occur.
Nursing Guidelines for Schizoid PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Avoid being too "nice" or
"friendly."
2. Do not try to increase socialization.
3. Perform thorough diagnostic assessment as needed to identify symptoms or
disorders the patient is reluctant to discuss.
schizotypal PD -CORRECTANSWER expressed in strikingly odd characteristics,
including magical thinking, derealization, perceptual distortions, and rigid, peculiar
ideas. speech patterns may be distinctive and bizarre.
Nursing Guidelines for Schizotypal PD -CORRECTANSWER 1. Respect patient's need
for social isolation.
2. Be aware of patient's suspiciousness, and employ appropriate interventions.
3. As with schizoid patient, perform careful diagnostic assessment as needed to
uncover any other medical or psychological symptoms that may need intervention (e.g.,
suicidal thoughts).
, personality disorder -CORRECTANSWER an enduring pattern of experience and
behavior that deviates significantly from the expectations w/in the individuals culture.
Cluster A personality disorders -CORRECTANSWER characteristics of eccentric and
odd behaviors, such as social isolation and detachment. may also be perception
distortions, unusual levels of suspiciousness, Paranoid PD, Schizoid OD, & Schizotypal
PD
Cluster B Personality Disorders -CORRECTANSWER Dramatic, emotional, erratic
behavior; problems with impulse control and emotional processing, and relationships;
manipulations and acting out; Antisocial PD, Borderline PD, Histrionic PD, and
Narcissistic PD
Cluster C Personality Disorders -CORRECTANSWER Anxious or fearful behavior; rigid
patterns of social shyness, hypersensitivity, need for orderliness, and relationship
dependency; Avoidant PD, Dependent PD, Obsessive-Compulsive PD
A nurse caring for a client who has been diagnosed with a personality disorder should
expect that the client *will* exhibit which of the following characteristics?
A. Frequent episodes of psychosis
B. Constant involvement with the needs of significant others
C. Inflexible and maladaptive responses to stress
D. Abnormal ego functioning -CORRECTANSWER Inflexible and maladaptive
responses to stress
Which statement is descriptive of clients with personality disorders?
A. They are resistant to behavioral change.
B. They have an ability to tolerate frustration and pain.
C. They usually seek help to change maladaptive behaviors.
D. They have little difficulty forming satisfying and intimate relationships. -
CORRECTANSWER They are resistant to behavioral change.
Research has indicated that antisocial personality may be characterized by:
A. social isolation.
B. lack of remorse.
C. learning difficulties.
D. difficulty with reality testing. -CORRECTANSWER lack of remorse.
The primary goal of milieu therapy for clients with personality disorders is
A. manage the affect behavior has on the entire group.
B. one-on-one therapy.
C. to help the client remain uninvolved with other patients.
D. a laissez faire attitude. -CORRECTANSWER manage the affect behavior has on the
entire group.
Characteristic behaviors the nurse will assess in the narcissistic client are
