NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral
Health Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide –
Rasmussen College – Latest 2025/2026
| Rated A
This exam for NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing at Rasmussen College includes
50 verified questions (multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply) aligned with the 2025/2026
curriculum, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (Videbeck, 9th ed., 2023), Rasmussen resources,
and HESI/ATI-style question banks. It covers mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,
suicide assessment, defense mechanisms, psychotropic medications, and therapeutic
communication. Each question is worth 2 points (total 100 points); aim for ≥90% (45/50 correct)
for Grade A. Answers are in blue, with concise rationales for clinical application.
Question 1: A client with depression says, "I have nothing to live for." The nurse’s priority
response is:
Answer: Assess for suicide plan and intent
Rationale: Safety is priority; use SAD PERSONS scale to evaluate risk.
Question 2: Which defense mechanism involves blaming others for one’s problems?
Answer: Projection
Rationale: Attributing own feelings to others; common in personality disorders.
Question 3: Interventions for a client in a manic episode include: (Select all that apply)
Answer: Structured environment; Limit stimuli; Encourage short naps
Rationale: Reduces agitation, prevents exhaustion; high-calorie snacks needed.
Question 4: A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices commanding self-harm. The
nurse should:
Answer: Assess content of hallucinations
Rationale: Determines risk; safety contract or 1:1 observation may be needed.
, Question 5: The therapeutic communication technique to use with a withdrawn client is:
Answer: Silence
Rationale: Allows client to process thoughts; avoids pressure.
Question 6: The primary symptom of major depressive disorder is:
Answer: Persistent low mood ≥2 weeks
Rationale: Includes anhedonia, fatigue; diagnosed via DSM-5 criteria.
Question 7: A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The therapeutic range is:
Answer: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Monitor for toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L); tremors, confusion.
Question 8: A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibits:
Answer: Excessive worry for ≥6 months
Rationale: Uncontrollable anxiety; physical symptoms like restlessness.
Question 9: The first-line treatment for GAD is:
Answer: SSRI (e.g., Sertraline)
Rationale: Effective, fewer side effects; CBT also recommended.
Question 10: A client with panic disorder experiences:
Answer: Sudden, intense fear with palpitations
Rationale: Attacks last minutes; teach diaphragmatic breathing.
Question 11: The nurse identifies a client using denial. This is:
Answer: Refusing to acknowledge reality
Rationale: E.g., denying substance abuse; common in early grief.
Question 12: A client with schizophrenia has negative symptoms. These include: (Select all that
apply)
Health Nursing Exam 2 Study Guide –
Rasmussen College – Latest 2025/2026
| Rated A
This exam for NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing at Rasmussen College includes
50 verified questions (multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply) aligned with the 2025/2026
curriculum, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (Videbeck, 9th ed., 2023), Rasmussen resources,
and HESI/ATI-style question banks. It covers mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,
suicide assessment, defense mechanisms, psychotropic medications, and therapeutic
communication. Each question is worth 2 points (total 100 points); aim for ≥90% (45/50 correct)
for Grade A. Answers are in blue, with concise rationales for clinical application.
Question 1: A client with depression says, "I have nothing to live for." The nurse’s priority
response is:
Answer: Assess for suicide plan and intent
Rationale: Safety is priority; use SAD PERSONS scale to evaluate risk.
Question 2: Which defense mechanism involves blaming others for one’s problems?
Answer: Projection
Rationale: Attributing own feelings to others; common in personality disorders.
Question 3: Interventions for a client in a manic episode include: (Select all that apply)
Answer: Structured environment; Limit stimuli; Encourage short naps
Rationale: Reduces agitation, prevents exhaustion; high-calorie snacks needed.
Question 4: A client with schizophrenia reports hearing voices commanding self-harm. The
nurse should:
Answer: Assess content of hallucinations
Rationale: Determines risk; safety contract or 1:1 observation may be needed.
, Question 5: The therapeutic communication technique to use with a withdrawn client is:
Answer: Silence
Rationale: Allows client to process thoughts; avoids pressure.
Question 6: The primary symptom of major depressive disorder is:
Answer: Persistent low mood ≥2 weeks
Rationale: Includes anhedonia, fatigue; diagnosed via DSM-5 criteria.
Question 7: A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The therapeutic range is:
Answer: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Monitor for toxicity (>1.5 mEq/L); tremors, confusion.
Question 8: A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) exhibits:
Answer: Excessive worry for ≥6 months
Rationale: Uncontrollable anxiety; physical symptoms like restlessness.
Question 9: The first-line treatment for GAD is:
Answer: SSRI (e.g., Sertraline)
Rationale: Effective, fewer side effects; CBT also recommended.
Question 10: A client with panic disorder experiences:
Answer: Sudden, intense fear with palpitations
Rationale: Attacks last minutes; teach diaphragmatic breathing.
Question 11: The nurse identifies a client using denial. This is:
Answer: Refusing to acknowledge reality
Rationale: E.g., denying substance abuse; common in early grief.
Question 12: A client with schizophrenia has negative symptoms. These include: (Select all that
apply)
