PNR 200/PNR200 Exam 3 V2 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). The nurse observes the client washing their hands repeatedly. What is the
primary purpose of this ritualistic behavior?
A. To gain attention from the nursing staff
B. To avoid participating in group therapy
C. To improve personal hygiene standards
D. To reduce anxiety levels temporarily
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Ritualistic behaviors in OCD are performed specifically to reduce the
intense anxiety generated by obsessive thoughts. While the relief is only temporary, the
client feels driven to perform the act to prevent a perceived disaster. The nurse should
allow time for these rituals initially while the client develops other coping strategies.
2. A client diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa is being assessed by the nurse. Which physical
finding is most common in a client with this disorder?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
,C. Amenorrhea and lanugo
D. Oily skin and increased muscle mass
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Amenorrhea is a common physiological response to the extreme
weight loss and hormonal changes in Anorexia Nervosa. Lanugo, which is fine, downy hair,
grows as the body attempts to insulate itself due to the loss of subcutaneous fat. These
findings are critical indicators of the severity of the patient’s nutritional deficit.
3. The nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which intervention should the
nurse prioritize during the acute phase?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises for future use
B. Encouraging the client to describe the trigger in detail
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences
D. Administering a long-acting antidepressant immediately
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is
severely limited due to overwhelming fear. Staying with the client provides a sense of
safety and security while they feel out of control. Simple, concise communication is
necessary because the client cannot focus on complex instructions during the height of the
attack.
, 4. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal and begins to exhibit tremors, diaphoresis, and
a heart rate of 110 bpm. Which medication should the nurse expect the provider to order?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naloxone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used for alcohol
withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. It works by providing cross-
tolerance with alcohol to stabilize the central nervous system. Monitoring vital signs is
essential during this period to ensure the dosage is effective.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Which symptom is
considered a hallmark of this condition?
A. Recurrent, intrusive flashbacks of the event
B. Flight of ideas and pressured speech
C. Consistent desire for social interaction
D. Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem
Correct Answer: A
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). The nurse observes the client washing their hands repeatedly. What is the
primary purpose of this ritualistic behavior?
A. To gain attention from the nursing staff
B. To avoid participating in group therapy
C. To improve personal hygiene standards
D. To reduce anxiety levels temporarily
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Ritualistic behaviors in OCD are performed specifically to reduce the
intense anxiety generated by obsessive thoughts. While the relief is only temporary, the
client feels driven to perform the act to prevent a perceived disaster. The nurse should
allow time for these rituals initially while the client develops other coping strategies.
2. A client diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa is being assessed by the nurse. Which physical
finding is most common in a client with this disorder?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
,C. Amenorrhea and lanugo
D. Oily skin and increased muscle mass
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Amenorrhea is a common physiological response to the extreme
weight loss and hormonal changes in Anorexia Nervosa. Lanugo, which is fine, downy hair,
grows as the body attempts to insulate itself due to the loss of subcutaneous fat. These
findings are critical indicators of the severity of the patient’s nutritional deficit.
3. The nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which intervention should the
nurse prioritize during the acute phase?
A. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises for future use
B. Encouraging the client to describe the trigger in detail
C. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences
D. Administering a long-acting antidepressant immediately
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is
severely limited due to overwhelming fear. Staying with the client provides a sense of
safety and security while they feel out of control. Simple, concise communication is
necessary because the client cannot focus on complex instructions during the height of the
attack.
, 4. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal and begins to exhibit tremors, diaphoresis, and
a heart rate of 110 bpm. Which medication should the nurse expect the provider to order?
A. Disulfiram
B. Methadone
C. Naloxone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used for alcohol
withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. It works by providing cross-
tolerance with alcohol to stabilize the central nervous system. Monitoring vital signs is
essential during this period to ensure the dosage is effective.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Which symptom is
considered a hallmark of this condition?
A. Recurrent, intrusive flashbacks of the event
B. Flight of ideas and pressured speech
C. Consistent desire for social interaction
D. Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem
Correct Answer: A
