BIOS252 EXAM 3 Actual Exam 2026/2027
Complete Questions and Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Anatomy and
Physiology II Grade A 100% Correct Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS (Questions 1-15)
Q1: A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure. Nothing I do ever
works out." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have many accomplishments."
B. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way before."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a failure." [CORRECT]
D. "Let's focus on the positive things in your life instead."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore their feelings by asking for more information is
therapeutic (C). It validates the client's experience and opens communication without being
dismissive. Telling the client they shouldn't feel that way (A) dismisses their feelings. Sharing
personal experiences (B) shifts focus to the nurse. Redirecting to positive things (D) may be
perceived as minimizing their distress.
Q2: A client with bipolar I disorder is in a manic phase and has been sleeping 2 hours per night
for the past week. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
B. Provide a quiet environment and administer prescribed mood stabilizer [CORRECT]
C. Allow the client to continue with reduced sleep to burn off energy
D. Confront the client about their inappropriate behavior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During mania, sleep deprivation worsens symptoms and can lead to psychosis. The
priority is to promote rest and administer mood-stabilizing medication (B). Group therapy (A)
,may overstimulate the client. Allowing reduced sleep (C) is dangerous. Confrontation (D) is
nontherapeutic and may escalate agitation.
Q3: Which symptom is included in the SIGECAPS mnemonic for major depressive disorder?
A. Increased self-esteem
B. Sleep changes [CORRECT]
C. Hyperactivity
D. Euphoria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SIGECAPS is a mnemonic for depressive symptoms: Sleep changes, Interest loss,
Guilt, Energy loss, Concentration problems, Appetite changes, Psychomotor changes, Suicidal
ideation. Sleep changes (B) are a core criterion. Increased self-esteem (A), hyperactivity (C), and
euphoria (D) are symptoms of mania, not depression.
Q4: A client taking lithium carbonate reports nausea, diarrhea, and mild ataxia. The lithium level
is 1.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Hold the next dose and notify the prescriber [CORRECT]
C. Administer the next dose as scheduled
D. Suggest taking lithium with food
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates
toxicity, evidenced by GI symptoms and ataxia. The nurse must hold the dose and notify the
prescriber immediately (B). While fluids (A) and food (D) are appropriate for mild side effects,
they are insufficient for toxicity. Giving the next dose (C) would worsen toxicity.
Q5: Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?
A. Haloperidol
B. Fluoxetine [CORRECT]
C. Lorazepam
D. Lithium carbonate
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Fluoxetine (B), an SSRI, is a first-line pharmacological treatment for MDD due to
favorable side effect profile and efficacy. Haloperidol (A) is an antipsychotic for psychotic
disorders. Lorazepam (C) is a benzodiazepine for anxiety (not depression). Lithium (D) is a
mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
Q6: A client with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) has been treated with psychotherapy
for 6 months with minimal improvement. Which addition to the treatment plan is most
appropriate?
A. Increase psychotherapy frequency only
B. Initiate antidepressant medication [CORRECT]
C. Discontinue all treatment
D. Recommend hospitalization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For persistent depressive disorder with inadequate response to psychotherapy alone,
adding antidepressant medication (B) is appropriate per evidence-based guidelines. Increasing
frequency alone (A) may not address biological factors. Discontinuation (C) is inappropriate.
Hospitalization (D) is unnecessary unless severe symptoms or safety concerns emerge.
Q7: A nurse is teaching a client about bupropion (Wellbutrin). Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "I should avoid foods high in tyramine."
B. "This medication may help with my depression and smoking cessation." [CORRECT]
C. "I need to have regular blood tests to monitor levels."
D. "I should expect significant weight gain."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bupropion is unique among antidepressants as it is also FDA-approved for smoking
cessation (B). Tyramine restriction (A) applies to MAOIs, not bupropion. Blood monitoring (C)
is required for lithium, not bupropion. Bupropion is weight-neutral or may cause weight loss, not
gain (D).
Q8: During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which nursing intervention is essential?
A. Keep the client NPO for 12 hours post-procedure
B. Monitor vital signs and airway during recovery [CORRECT]
C. Administer stimulant medications immediately after
Complete Questions and Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Anatomy and
Physiology II Grade A 100% Correct Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS (Questions 1-15)
Q1: A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure. Nothing I do ever
works out." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have many accomplishments."
B. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way before."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a failure." [CORRECT]
D. "Let's focus on the positive things in your life instead."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore their feelings by asking for more information is
therapeutic (C). It validates the client's experience and opens communication without being
dismissive. Telling the client they shouldn't feel that way (A) dismisses their feelings. Sharing
personal experiences (B) shifts focus to the nurse. Redirecting to positive things (D) may be
perceived as minimizing their distress.
Q2: A client with bipolar I disorder is in a manic phase and has been sleeping 2 hours per night
for the past week. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
B. Provide a quiet environment and administer prescribed mood stabilizer [CORRECT]
C. Allow the client to continue with reduced sleep to burn off energy
D. Confront the client about their inappropriate behavior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During mania, sleep deprivation worsens symptoms and can lead to psychosis. The
priority is to promote rest and administer mood-stabilizing medication (B). Group therapy (A)
,may overstimulate the client. Allowing reduced sleep (C) is dangerous. Confrontation (D) is
nontherapeutic and may escalate agitation.
Q3: Which symptom is included in the SIGECAPS mnemonic for major depressive disorder?
A. Increased self-esteem
B. Sleep changes [CORRECT]
C. Hyperactivity
D. Euphoria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SIGECAPS is a mnemonic for depressive symptoms: Sleep changes, Interest loss,
Guilt, Energy loss, Concentration problems, Appetite changes, Psychomotor changes, Suicidal
ideation. Sleep changes (B) are a core criterion. Increased self-esteem (A), hyperactivity (C), and
euphoria (D) are symptoms of mania, not depression.
Q4: A client taking lithium carbonate reports nausea, diarrhea, and mild ataxia. The lithium level
is 1.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Hold the next dose and notify the prescriber [CORRECT]
C. Administer the next dose as scheduled
D. Suggest taking lithium with food
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates
toxicity, evidenced by GI symptoms and ataxia. The nurse must hold the dose and notify the
prescriber immediately (B). While fluids (A) and food (D) are appropriate for mild side effects,
they are insufficient for toxicity. Giving the next dose (C) would worsen toxicity.
Q5: Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?
A. Haloperidol
B. Fluoxetine [CORRECT]
C. Lorazepam
D. Lithium carbonate
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Fluoxetine (B), an SSRI, is a first-line pharmacological treatment for MDD due to
favorable side effect profile and efficacy. Haloperidol (A) is an antipsychotic for psychotic
disorders. Lorazepam (C) is a benzodiazepine for anxiety (not depression). Lithium (D) is a
mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
Q6: A client with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) has been treated with psychotherapy
for 6 months with minimal improvement. Which addition to the treatment plan is most
appropriate?
A. Increase psychotherapy frequency only
B. Initiate antidepressant medication [CORRECT]
C. Discontinue all treatment
D. Recommend hospitalization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For persistent depressive disorder with inadequate response to psychotherapy alone,
adding antidepressant medication (B) is appropriate per evidence-based guidelines. Increasing
frequency alone (A) may not address biological factors. Discontinuation (C) is inappropriate.
Hospitalization (D) is unnecessary unless severe symptoms or safety concerns emerge.
Q7: A nurse is teaching a client about bupropion (Wellbutrin). Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "I should avoid foods high in tyramine."
B. "This medication may help with my depression and smoking cessation." [CORRECT]
C. "I need to have regular blood tests to monitor levels."
D. "I should expect significant weight gain."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bupropion is unique among antidepressants as it is also FDA-approved for smoking
cessation (B). Tyramine restriction (A) applies to MAOIs, not bupropion. Blood monitoring (C)
is required for lithium, not bupropion. Bupropion is weight-neutral or may cause weight loss, not
gain (D).
Q8: During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which nursing intervention is essential?
A. Keep the client NPO for 12 hours post-procedure
B. Monitor vital signs and airway during recovery [CORRECT]
C. Administer stimulant medications immediately after
