NSG 322/NSG322 Exam 3 V1 | Behavioral
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is assessing a client with delirium. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Slow, progressive decline in cognition
B. Stable level of consciousness throughout the day
C. Normal vital signs despite cognitive changes
D. Sudden onset of confusion and fluctuating awareness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms rather than a
slow decline. The client’s level of consciousness typically fluctuates throughout the day,
often worsening at night. This condition is usually secondary to an underlying medical
cause and is potentially reversible.
2. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this as:
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Agnosia
D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: C
,Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the loss of sensory ability to recognize objects even though
the sensory organs are intact. Aphasia refers to the loss of language ability, while apraxia is
the loss of purposeful movement. Recognizing these ’A’s of Alzheimer’s is vital for accurate
nursing assessment.
3. Which medication is a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly used to treat mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Memantine
B. Donepezil
C. Risperidone
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Donepezil works by increasing the amount of acetylcholine available
at the synapses. It is a first-line treatment for managing symptoms of mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bradycardia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is ‘splitting’ the staff.
What is the priority intervention?
A. Allow the client to choose their favorite nurse
B. Maintain consistent communication among all staff members
C. Assign a different nurse each shift to prevent attachment
D. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: Splitting is a defense mechanism where the client views others as all
good or all bad. To counteract this, the treatment team must maintain open communication
to ensure consistency in the care plan. This prevents the client from playing one staff
member against another.
5. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and
violation of the rights of others?
A. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Histrionic Personality Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Antisocial personality disorder involves a lack of remorse and
repeated violation of laws or social norms. These individuals are often manipulative and
may engage in deceitful behaviors for personal gain. Safety of others is a primary concern
when caring for these clients.
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is assessing a client with delirium. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Slow, progressive decline in cognition
B. Stable level of consciousness throughout the day
C. Normal vital signs despite cognitive changes
D. Sudden onset of confusion and fluctuating awareness
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms rather than a
slow decline. The client’s level of consciousness typically fluctuates throughout the day,
often worsening at night. This condition is usually secondary to an underlying medical
cause and is potentially reversible.
2. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is unable to recognize familiar objects like a hairbrush.
The nurse documents this as:
A. Aphasia
B. Apraxia
C. Agnosia
D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: C
,Expert Explanation: Agnosia is the loss of sensory ability to recognize objects even though
the sensory organs are intact. Aphasia refers to the loss of language ability, while apraxia is
the loss of purposeful movement. Recognizing these ’A’s of Alzheimer’s is vital for accurate
nursing assessment.
3. Which medication is a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly used to treat mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Memantine
B. Donepezil
C. Risperidone
D. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Donepezil works by increasing the amount of acetylcholine available
at the synapses. It is a first-line treatment for managing symptoms of mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s disease. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bradycardia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is ‘splitting’ the staff.
What is the priority intervention?
A. Allow the client to choose their favorite nurse
B. Maintain consistent communication among all staff members
C. Assign a different nurse each shift to prevent attachment
D. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: Splitting is a defense mechanism where the client views others as all
good or all bad. To counteract this, the treatment team must maintain open communication
to ensure consistency in the care plan. This prevents the client from playing one staff
member against another.
5. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and
violation of the rights of others?
A. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Histrionic Personality Disorder
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Antisocial personality disorder involves a lack of remorse and
repeated violation of laws or social norms. These individuals are often manipulative and
may engage in deceitful behaviors for personal gain. Safety of others is a primary concern
when caring for these clients.
