NSG 221 Mental Health Nursing READINESS EXAM GUIDE Q & S 2025/2026

1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the
pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
 a) Serotonin
 b) Dopamine
 c) Norepinephrine
 d) GABA
 Correct Answer: b) Dopamine
 Rationale: Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine
dysregulation, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway.
2. What is the primary purpose of using cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with anxiety disorders?
 a) To prescribe medication
 b) To change maladaptive thought patterns
 c) To conduct psychoeducation
 d) To focus on childhood experiences
 Correct Answer: b) To change maladaptive thought
patterns
 Rationale: CBT is designed to identify and modify
negative thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety.
3. Which assessment tool is commonly used to gauge
suicide risk in patients?
 a) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
 b) Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale
 c) Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
 d) Beck Depression Inventory
 Correct Answer: c) Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating
Scale (C-SSRS)
 Rationale: C-SSRS is specifically designed to assess
suicide ideation and behaviors.