SAUNDERS MENTAL HEALTH EXAM PRACTICE
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ MAOI names & nursing considerations. Answer: 1. Isocarboxazid
(marplan)
2. phenelzine (nardil)
3. tranylcypromine (parnate)
-assist client to rise slowly: most common side effect is orthostatic
hypotension
-*administer in AM with food*
-ensure adequate fluids
-*perform essential teaching on importance of low tyramine diet*
◉ Serotonin syndrome Answer: Occurs when there is an
*inadequate washout period between taking MAOIs & SSRIs or when
MAOIs are combined with meperidine*
Symptoms:
1. *change in mental state*: confusion & agitation
,2. *neuromuscular excitement*: muscle rigidity, weakness, sluggish
pupils, shivering, tremors, myoclonic jerks, collapse, & muscle
paralysis
3. *autonomic abnormalities*: hyperthermia, tachycardia,
tachypnea, hypersalivation, & diaphoresis
◉ Overdose of MAOI & cyclic antidepressants Answer: Both the
cyclic compounds & MAOIs are *potentially lethal when taken in
overdose.* To decrease this risk, depressed or impulsive clients may
need to have *prescriptions & refills in limited amounts*
◉ 6 Anticonvulsants names & nursing considerations Answer: 1.
carbamazepine (tegretol)
-*causes agranulocytosis* (failure of the bone marrow to produce
adequate WBCs)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, sedation, blurred vision,
*leukopenia*, rashes
-*need levels checked regularly to monitor for toxicity*
-*monitor gait & assist*
-report rashes
2. divalproex (depakote)
-ataxia, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, *menstrual changes*,
*dyspepsia (indigestion)*, NV, weight gain, *hair loss*
,-*provide rest periods*
-*monitor gait & assist*
3. gabapentin (neurontin)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, coordination, sedation, HA, fatigue,
*nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements)*, NV
-*provide rest periods*
4. lamotrigine (lamictal)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, coordination, sedation, HA,
weakness, fatigue, *menstrual changes*, sore throat, *flu-like
symptoms*, blurred or double vision, NV, rashes
-*monitor physical health*
-*provide rest periods*
-*monitor gait & assist*
-report rashes
5. topiramate (topamax)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, *incoordination*, *confusion*,
sedation, *slurred speech*, tremor, weakness, blurred/double vision,
*anorexia*, NV
-*monitor gait & assist*
-*orient client*
, 6. oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
-dizziness, fatigue, ataxia, confusion, NV, *anorexia*, HA, tremor,
*confusion*, rashes
-*orient client & protect from injury*
-report rashes
*Must give all with food except tegretol!!!*
◉ What is considered the most effective treatment for depressive
disorders? Answer: A combination of psychotherapy & medications
◉ Major depressive disorder assessment Answer: 1. feel exhausted
& overwhelmed
-important to determine previous episodes of depression
2. look sad or ill; posture often slouched & make minimal eye contact
-*psychomotor retardation: slow body movements, thinking, &
verbal interaction*
-*latency of response (up to 30 sec to respond)*
-*psychomotor agitation: increased body movements & thoughts*
3. may describe themselves as hopeless, helpless
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◉ MAOI names & nursing considerations. Answer: 1. Isocarboxazid
(marplan)
2. phenelzine (nardil)
3. tranylcypromine (parnate)
-assist client to rise slowly: most common side effect is orthostatic
hypotension
-*administer in AM with food*
-ensure adequate fluids
-*perform essential teaching on importance of low tyramine diet*
◉ Serotonin syndrome Answer: Occurs when there is an
*inadequate washout period between taking MAOIs & SSRIs or when
MAOIs are combined with meperidine*
Symptoms:
1. *change in mental state*: confusion & agitation
,2. *neuromuscular excitement*: muscle rigidity, weakness, sluggish
pupils, shivering, tremors, myoclonic jerks, collapse, & muscle
paralysis
3. *autonomic abnormalities*: hyperthermia, tachycardia,
tachypnea, hypersalivation, & diaphoresis
◉ Overdose of MAOI & cyclic antidepressants Answer: Both the
cyclic compounds & MAOIs are *potentially lethal when taken in
overdose.* To decrease this risk, depressed or impulsive clients may
need to have *prescriptions & refills in limited amounts*
◉ 6 Anticonvulsants names & nursing considerations Answer: 1.
carbamazepine (tegretol)
-*causes agranulocytosis* (failure of the bone marrow to produce
adequate WBCs)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, sedation, blurred vision,
*leukopenia*, rashes
-*need levels checked regularly to monitor for toxicity*
-*monitor gait & assist*
-report rashes
2. divalproex (depakote)
-ataxia, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, *menstrual changes*,
*dyspepsia (indigestion)*, NV, weight gain, *hair loss*
,-*provide rest periods*
-*monitor gait & assist*
3. gabapentin (neurontin)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, coordination, sedation, HA, fatigue,
*nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements)*, NV
-*provide rest periods*
4. lamotrigine (lamictal)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, coordination, sedation, HA,
weakness, fatigue, *menstrual changes*, sore throat, *flu-like
symptoms*, blurred or double vision, NV, rashes
-*monitor physical health*
-*provide rest periods*
-*monitor gait & assist*
-report rashes
5. topiramate (topamax)
-dizziness, hypotension, ataxia, *incoordination*, *confusion*,
sedation, *slurred speech*, tremor, weakness, blurred/double vision,
*anorexia*, NV
-*monitor gait & assist*
-*orient client*
, 6. oxcarbazepine (trileptal)
-dizziness, fatigue, ataxia, confusion, NV, *anorexia*, HA, tremor,
*confusion*, rashes
-*orient client & protect from injury*
-report rashes
*Must give all with food except tegretol!!!*
◉ What is considered the most effective treatment for depressive
disorders? Answer: A combination of psychotherapy & medications
◉ Major depressive disorder assessment Answer: 1. feel exhausted
& overwhelmed
-important to determine previous episodes of depression
2. look sad or ill; posture often slouched & make minimal eye contact
-*psychomotor retardation: slow body movements, thinking, &
verbal interaction*
-*latency of response (up to 30 sec to respond)*
-*psychomotor agitation: increased body movements & thoughts*
3. may describe themselves as hopeless, helpless
