BSN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 2

Question 1

A patient with alcohol use disorder is admitted for detoxification. Which finding indicates the patient may be developing delirium tremens (DTs)?

Accepted Answer

Severe agitation, diaphoresis, and visual hallucinations 48–72 hours after last drink

Answer

Delirium tremens typically begins 48–72 hours after alcohol cessation and presents with autonomic instability, agitation, and hallucinations.

Question 2

A patient with anorexia nervosa is admitted for medical stabilization. Which laboratory finding is the most life-threatening concern during refeeding?

Accepted Answer

Severe hypophosphatemia (refeeding syndrome)

Answer

Refeeding syndrome causes a dangerous shift of phosphate into cells as metabolism resumes, leading to cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.

Question 3

A patient is admitted after a serious suicide attempt. After stabilization, the patient tells the nurse, 'I feel better now. I don't need to be here.' How should the nurse interpret this statement?

Accepted Answer

The statement may indicate the patient has made a decision to complete the act and feels relief

Answer

Sudden calm or resolution of distress after a serious attempt can indicate the patient has accepted a plan and feels relieved of their burden—not improvement.

Question 4

A patient with borderline personality disorder engages in 'splitting' on the inpatient unit, telling one nurse that they are the 'best nurse' while stating another nurse is 'terrible.' The appropriate nursing response is to:

Accepted Answer

Communicate consistently with the entire nursing team and maintain uniform boundaries

Answer

Splitting is managed by maintaining consistency across all staff through regular team communication and uniform limit-setting.

Question 5

A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing a flashback. Which nursing response is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Speak in a calm, steady voice and orient the patient to the present environment

Answer

Grounding techniques and calm reorientation bring the patient back to the present reality, reducing the intensity of the flashback.

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN - Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Practice Test

BSN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 2