NSG 322/NSG322 Exam 3 V2 | Behavioral
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed telling one nurse that she
is ‘the best’ while telling another nurse that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What defense
mechanism is the patient using?
A. Rationalization
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Splitting
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual perceives others as entirely good or entirely bad. This behavior often results in
staff conflict and is a way for the patient to manage their internal chaos. The nurse should
address this by maintaining consistent communication among the treatment team to
prevent manipulation.
,2. A client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
A. Dietary intake for the last 24 hours
B. Sleep patterns over the last week
C. History of family substance use
D. Vital signs and level of consciousness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Alcohol withdrawal can progress to Delirium Tremens, which is a
life-threatening medical emergency. Monitoring vital signs and level of consciousness
allows the nurse to detect early signs of autonomic hyperactivity. Prompt intervention with
benzodiazepines is often required to stabilize the patient’s physiological state.
3. A patient with Anorexia Nervosa is being treated in an inpatient unit. Which physical
assessment finding is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Lanugo and bradycardia
B. Moist skin and hyperreflexia
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Increased muscle mass and hyperthermia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that grows on the body as a
compensatory mechanism to provide warmth when body fat is severely depleted.
Bradycardia occurs because the body slows the heart rate to conserve energy during
, starvation. These clinical indicators are vital for assessing the severity of malnutrition in
patients with Anorexia Nervosa.
4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease who is unable to
recognize family members. What is the correct term for this symptom?
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Agnosia
D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize familiar objects or people despite
intact sensory function. It is a common cognitive deficit in progressing dementia and can be
very distressing for family members. Nursing care involves providing a safe environment
and using simple communication strategies to reduce patient anxiety.
5. A teenager is diagnosed with Conduct Disorder after multiple school suspensions for
fighting and theft. Which behavior is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Extreme shyness in social situations
B. Occasional irritability and stubbornness
C. Difficulty paying attention in class
D. Violation of the basic rights of others
Correct Answer: D
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is observed telling one nurse that she
is ‘the best’ while telling another nurse that the first nurse is ‘incompetent.’ What defense
mechanism is the patient using?
A. Rationalization
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Splitting
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in BPD where the
individual perceives others as entirely good or entirely bad. This behavior often results in
staff conflict and is a way for the patient to manage their internal chaos. The nurse should
address this by maintaining consistent communication among the treatment team to
prevent manipulation.
,2. A client is admitted to the emergency department with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
A. Dietary intake for the last 24 hours
B. Sleep patterns over the last week
C. History of family substance use
D. Vital signs and level of consciousness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Alcohol withdrawal can progress to Delirium Tremens, which is a
life-threatening medical emergency. Monitoring vital signs and level of consciousness
allows the nurse to detect early signs of autonomic hyperactivity. Prompt intervention with
benzodiazepines is often required to stabilize the patient’s physiological state.
3. A patient with Anorexia Nervosa is being treated in an inpatient unit. Which physical
assessment finding is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Lanugo and bradycardia
B. Moist skin and hyperreflexia
C. Tachycardia and hypertension
D. Increased muscle mass and hyperthermia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that grows on the body as a
compensatory mechanism to provide warmth when body fat is severely depleted.
Bradycardia occurs because the body slows the heart rate to conserve energy during
, starvation. These clinical indicators are vital for assessing the severity of malnutrition in
patients with Anorexia Nervosa.
4. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease who is unable to
recognize family members. What is the correct term for this symptom?
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Agnosia
D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the inability to recognize familiar objects or people despite
intact sensory function. It is a common cognitive deficit in progressing dementia and can be
very distressing for family members. Nursing care involves providing a safe environment
and using simple communication strategies to reduce patient anxiety.
5. A teenager is diagnosed with Conduct Disorder after multiple school suspensions for
fighting and theft. Which behavior is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Extreme shyness in social situations
B. Occasional irritability and stubbornness
C. Difficulty paying attention in class
D. Violation of the basic rights of others
Correct Answer: D
