CMN 350 Exam 2 2026 – 240 Questions & Answers on Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Psychopharmacology and Mood Stabilizers

This document contains approximately 240 structured exam questions and answers for CMN 350 Exam 2 (2026), covering major depressive disorder, bipolar spectrum disorders, suicide risk assessment, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and psychiatric nursing interventions. The material thoroughly reviews diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (five symptoms within two weeks, no history of mania), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (symptoms before age 10), Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia), postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depression in older adults including pseudodementia and nihilistic delusions. It also includes detailed suicide assessment components such as plan, method, rehearsal, prevention of rescue, and risk versus protective factors. The content provides in-depth pharmacology coverage including SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs, with mechanisms of action (reuptake inhibition vs enzyme inhibition), black box warnings, serotonin syndrome, hypertensive crisis, wash-out periods, tyramine restrictions, and common side effects such as hyponatremia and anticholinergic effects. Bipolar disorder content includes Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder, hypomania criteria (minimum 4 days), mania symptoms, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), and acute mania management strategies. Medication management sections cover lithium (therapeutic levels 0.6–1.2 mEq/L; toxicity 1.5 mEq/L; renal elimination), valproic acid, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and nursing interventions for manic and depressive episodes. Additional topics include ECT indications, the HOPE and FICA spiritual assessment models, RELAPSE triggers, and safety-focused inpatient care strategies. This document is particularly suitable for: Nursing students enrolled in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing or Advanced Medical-Surgical courses Students preparing for Exam 2 in CMN 350 or related mental health nursing courses RN and BSN students reviewing mood disorders and psychopharmacology Learners preparing for NCLEX-style questions on depression, bipolar disorder, and psychiatric medications It serves as a comprehensive and exam-focused review guide designed to reinforce diagnostic criteria, medication mechanisms, side effect management, therapeutic ranges, suicide risk assessment, and evidence-based nursing interventions required for high academic and clinical performance. Keywords: major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, hypomania, mania, cyclothymic disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, postpartum depression, pseudodementia, suicide risk assessment, ECT, SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, TCAs, MAOIs, serotonin syndrome, lithium levels, valproic acid, mood stabilizers, psychopharmacology, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, YMRS, MDQ, psychiatric nursing interventions