NUR 356 Exam 2: Mental Health Theory & Application V2 -
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing mild anxiety. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Increased motivation and sharpened senses.
B. A significantly narrowed perceptual field.
C. Inability to follow simple commands.
D. Hallucinations or delusions.
Ans: A
Explanation: Mild anxiety is a normal part of daily life and can actually be beneficial. It helps the
individual focus on the task at hand and increases alertness. During this stage, the perceptual field
remains open and the individual can learn effectively. The nurse should recognize that this level of
anxiety does not usually require medication. This state is often characterized by restlessness or
irritability but remains manageable.
2. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed Lithium. What is the therapeutic blood level range for
maintenance?
A. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 2.0 to 3.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
Ans: D
,Explanation: The maintenance therapeutic range for Lithium is narrow, making regular blood draws
essential. Levels between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L are considered effective for mood stabilization. Toxicity can
occur once the level exceeds 1.5 mEq/L, leading to severe side effects. The nurse must educate the patient
on maintaining consistent salt and fluid intake. Monitoring these levels ensures the patient is receiving a
dose that is both safe and therapeutic.
3. A client is experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Ask the client why they are feeling anxious.
C. Stay with the client and remain calm.
D. Explore the client’s past trauma.
Ans: C
Explanation: Safety is the absolute priority when a patient is in the midst of a panic attack. Staying with
the patient provides a sense of security and prevents injury. The nurse should use short, simple sentences
because the patient’s cognitive processing is impaired. Trying to teach new skills or explore deep feelings
is ineffective during the acute phase. A calm presence helps the patient feel supported until the
physiological symptoms subside.
4. Which antidepressant medication belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class?
A. Amitriptyline
B. Phenelzine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Bupropion
Ans: C
, Explanation: Fluoxetine is a common SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by
increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. They are often preferred as first-line
treatment due to their relatively mild side effect profile. Patients should be monitored for common side
effects like insomnia or sexual dysfunction. It is critical to instruct patients not to stop the medication
abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
5. A patient displays repetitive hand-washing rituals for two hours daily. What is the primary purpose of this
behavior?
A. To improve personal hygiene.
B. To reduce overwhelming anxiety.
C. To gain attention from the staff.
D. To express anger toward others.
Ans: B
Explanation: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves rituals known as compulsions that are used to
manage anxiety. These behaviors are performed in response to intrusive, distressing thoughts called
obsessions. While the patient may realize the behavior is excessive, they feel powerless to stop. The ritual
provides temporary relief from the intense psychological discomfort the patient feels. The nurse should
avoid preventing the ritual initially to prevent a spike in panic.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder. Which assessment finding is most
concerning?
A. The client reports sleeping 10 hours a night.
B. The client states they have no energy for hobbies.
C. The client gives away their favorite personal belongings.
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A nurse is assessing a client experiencing mild anxiety. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Increased motivation and sharpened senses.
B. A significantly narrowed perceptual field.
C. Inability to follow simple commands.
D. Hallucinations or delusions.
Ans: A
Explanation: Mild anxiety is a normal part of daily life and can actually be beneficial. It helps the
individual focus on the task at hand and increases alertness. During this stage, the perceptual field
remains open and the individual can learn effectively. The nurse should recognize that this level of
anxiety does not usually require medication. This state is often characterized by restlessness or
irritability but remains manageable.
2. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed Lithium. What is the therapeutic blood level range for
maintenance?
A. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 2.0 to 3.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
Ans: D
,Explanation: The maintenance therapeutic range for Lithium is narrow, making regular blood draws
essential. Levels between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L are considered effective for mood stabilization. Toxicity can
occur once the level exceeds 1.5 mEq/L, leading to severe side effects. The nurse must educate the patient
on maintaining consistent salt and fluid intake. Monitoring these levels ensures the patient is receiving a
dose that is both safe and therapeutic.
3. A client is experiencing a panic attack. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
B. Ask the client why they are feeling anxious.
C. Stay with the client and remain calm.
D. Explore the client’s past trauma.
Ans: C
Explanation: Safety is the absolute priority when a patient is in the midst of a panic attack. Staying with
the patient provides a sense of security and prevents injury. The nurse should use short, simple sentences
because the patient’s cognitive processing is impaired. Trying to teach new skills or explore deep feelings
is ineffective during the acute phase. A calm presence helps the patient feel supported until the
physiological symptoms subside.
4. Which antidepressant medication belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class?
A. Amitriptyline
B. Phenelzine
C. Fluoxetine
D. Bupropion
Ans: C
, Explanation: Fluoxetine is a common SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by
increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. They are often preferred as first-line
treatment due to their relatively mild side effect profile. Patients should be monitored for common side
effects like insomnia or sexual dysfunction. It is critical to instruct patients not to stop the medication
abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
5. A patient displays repetitive hand-washing rituals for two hours daily. What is the primary purpose of this
behavior?
A. To improve personal hygiene.
B. To reduce overwhelming anxiety.
C. To gain attention from the staff.
D. To express anger toward others.
Ans: B
Explanation: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves rituals known as compulsions that are used to
manage anxiety. These behaviors are performed in response to intrusive, distressing thoughts called
obsessions. While the patient may realize the behavior is excessive, they feel powerless to stop. The ritual
provides temporary relief from the intense psychological discomfort the patient feels. The nurse should
avoid preventing the ritual initially to prevent a spike in panic.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder. Which assessment finding is most
concerning?
A. The client reports sleeping 10 hours a night.
B. The client states they have no energy for hobbies.
C. The client gives away their favorite personal belongings.
