NUR208
Mental Health Nursing
Latest Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
,Multiple Choice (15 questions)
1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. What is the
primary laboratory test the nurse must monitor regularly?
a) Liver function tests
b) White blood cell count
c) Blood glucose levels
d) Serum creatinine
Answer: b) White blood cell count
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, so regular monitoring of
white blood cell count is crucial for early detection.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily linked to the pathophysiology of
major depressive disorder?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Glutamate
d) Acetylcholine
Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin imbalance is widely implicated in depression, and
many antidepressants target serotonin reuptake.
3. Which of the following communication techniques is most appropriate
when working with a patient experiencing paranoia?
a) Giving detailed explanations
b) Maintaining eye contact and speaking clearly
c) Encouraging rapid conversation
d) Minimizing non-verbal cues
Answer: b) Maintaining eye contact and speaking clearly
Rationale: Clear communication with direct but calm eye contact helps
build trust for paranoid patients.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. What is the
priority nursing action?
2
, a) Encourage participation in group activities
b) Provide a low-stimulation environment
c) Increase caloric intake with sugary snacks
d) Promote discussion about feelings
Answer: b) Provide a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Low stimulation reduces risk of exacerbating mania and
prevents overstimulation.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with PTSD. Which symptom is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
a) Auditory hallucinations
b) Flashbacks to the trauma
c) Confusion and memory loss
d) Social withdrawal due to depression
Answer: b) Flashbacks to the trauma
Rationale: Flashbacks are hallmark symptoms of PTSD related to re-
experiencing the traumatic event.
6. Which of the following is a key feature that differentiates delirium
from dementia?
a) Memory impairment
b) Rapid onset and fluctuating course
c) Progressive decline
d) Personality changes
Answer: b) Rapid onset and fluctuating course
Rationale: Delirium presents suddenly with fluctuating consciousness,
unlike the gradual decline of dementia.
7. When administering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), what is the
primary nursing concern immediately post-treatment?
a) Monitoring cardiac status
b) Assessing for memory loss
c) Observing airway patency and recovery from anesthesia
d) Administering psychotropic medication
Answer: c) Observing airway patency and recovery from anesthesia
3
Mental Health Nursing
Latest Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
,Multiple Choice (15 questions)
1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. What is the
primary laboratory test the nurse must monitor regularly?
a) Liver function tests
b) White blood cell count
c) Blood glucose levels
d) Serum creatinine
Answer: b) White blood cell count
Rationale: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, so regular monitoring of
white blood cell count is crucial for early detection.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily linked to the pathophysiology of
major depressive disorder?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) Glutamate
d) Acetylcholine
Answer: b) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin imbalance is widely implicated in depression, and
many antidepressants target serotonin reuptake.
3. Which of the following communication techniques is most appropriate
when working with a patient experiencing paranoia?
a) Giving detailed explanations
b) Maintaining eye contact and speaking clearly
c) Encouraging rapid conversation
d) Minimizing non-verbal cues
Answer: b) Maintaining eye contact and speaking clearly
Rationale: Clear communication with direct but calm eye contact helps
build trust for paranoid patients.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder is in a manic episode. What is the
priority nursing action?
2
, a) Encourage participation in group activities
b) Provide a low-stimulation environment
c) Increase caloric intake with sugary snacks
d) Promote discussion about feelings
Answer: b) Provide a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Low stimulation reduces risk of exacerbating mania and
prevents overstimulation.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with PTSD. Which symptom is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
a) Auditory hallucinations
b) Flashbacks to the trauma
c) Confusion and memory loss
d) Social withdrawal due to depression
Answer: b) Flashbacks to the trauma
Rationale: Flashbacks are hallmark symptoms of PTSD related to re-
experiencing the traumatic event.
6. Which of the following is a key feature that differentiates delirium
from dementia?
a) Memory impairment
b) Rapid onset and fluctuating course
c) Progressive decline
d) Personality changes
Answer: b) Rapid onset and fluctuating course
Rationale: Delirium presents suddenly with fluctuating consciousness,
unlike the gradual decline of dementia.
7. When administering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), what is the
primary nursing concern immediately post-treatment?
a) Monitoring cardiac status
b) Assessing for memory loss
c) Observing airway patency and recovery from anesthesia
d) Administering psychotropic medication
Answer: c) Observing airway patency and recovery from anesthesia
3
