NUR180/NUR 180 Exam 2 V3 | Concepts of
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone
(Buspar). Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It is used for the immediate relief of acute panic attacks.
B. The medication should be taken only as needed (PRN).
C. Alcohol consumption is safe while taking this medication.
D. The client should see improvements in symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects like benzodiazepines. It typically takes one to four weeks of consistent use to
achieve full therapeutic benefit. Clients should be educated that it is not intended for PRN
use or acute symptom management.
2. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state they failed a nursing exam
because the instructor ‘wrote bad questions’ rather than acknowledging they did not study?
A. Sublimation
B. Rationalization
,C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas or feelings by
developing acceptable explanations that satisfy the teller and the listener. In this scenario,
the student avoids the reality of poor study habits by blaming the test quality. This
mechanism helps the individual cope with disappointment while protecting self-esteem.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Severe Anxiety. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate during this stage?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises for future use.
B. Use short, simple, and concrete sentences when speaking.
C. Provide detailed explanations about the hospital routine.
D. Leave the client alone to allow for private reflection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During severe levels of anxiety, the client’s perceptual field is significantly
narrowed and they have difficulty focusing. The nurse should use clear, simple
communication to ensure the client understands necessary instructions. Leaving the client
alone is unsafe as they may become more distressed or experience panic.
, 4. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with Major Depressive Disorder. What is the
priority nursing assessment?
A. Assessing the client’s nutritional status.
B. Assessing for suicidal ideation or a plan.
C. Evaluating the client’s sleep patterns.
D. Reviewing the client’s history of past depressive episodes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern for a nurse caring for a client with Major
Depressive Disorder. Assessment of suicidal ideation, intent, and plan is crucial to
determine the level of observation required. While nutrition and sleep are important, they
are secondary to the risk of self-harm.
5. The nurse is reviewing the lab results for a client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar
Disorder. The serum lithium level is 1.8 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as prescribed.
B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately and hold the dose.
D. Reassure the client that this is within the therapeutic range.
Correct Answer: C
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A client diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone
(Buspar). Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. It is used for the immediate relief of acute panic attacks.
B. The medication should be taken only as needed (PRN).
C. Alcohol consumption is safe while taking this medication.
D. The client should see improvements in symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not have immediate
effects like benzodiazepines. It typically takes one to four weeks of consistent use to
achieve full therapeutic benefit. Clients should be educated that it is not intended for PRN
use or acute symptom management.
2. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state they failed a nursing exam
because the instructor ‘wrote bad questions’ rather than acknowledging they did not study?
A. Sublimation
B. Rationalization
,C. Projection
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas or feelings by
developing acceptable explanations that satisfy the teller and the listener. In this scenario,
the student avoids the reality of poor study habits by blaming the test quality. This
mechanism helps the individual cope with disappointment while protecting self-esteem.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with Severe Anxiety. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate during this stage?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises for future use.
B. Use short, simple, and concrete sentences when speaking.
C. Provide detailed explanations about the hospital routine.
D. Leave the client alone to allow for private reflection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During severe levels of anxiety, the client’s perceptual field is significantly
narrowed and they have difficulty focusing. The nurse should use clear, simple
communication to ensure the client understands necessary instructions. Leaving the client
alone is unsafe as they may become more distressed or experience panic.
, 4. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with Major Depressive Disorder. What is the
priority nursing assessment?
A. Assessing the client’s nutritional status.
B. Assessing for suicidal ideation or a plan.
C. Evaluating the client’s sleep patterns.
D. Reviewing the client’s history of past depressive episodes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is always the primary concern for a nurse caring for a client with Major
Depressive Disorder. Assessment of suicidal ideation, intent, and plan is crucial to
determine the level of observation required. While nutrition and sleep are important, they
are secondary to the risk of self-harm.
5. The nurse is reviewing the lab results for a client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar
Disorder. The serum lithium level is 1.8 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as prescribed.
B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately and hold the dose.
D. Reassure the client that this is within the therapeutic range.
Correct Answer: C
