NURS 222 | Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in
the Mentally Ill 2026 |WCU
1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed Olanzapine. Which metabolic
parameter should the nurse prioritize for monitoring to promote long-term
physical wellness?
A. Fasten blood glucose and lipid profile
B. Complete blood count for agranulocytosis
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Liver function tests every six months
Answer: A
Rationale: Second-generation antipsychotics like Olanzapine are strongly associated with
metabolic syndrome, including weight gain, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, which are
major barriers to physical wellness.
2. When applying the Recovery Model to a patient with a chronic mental illness,
which principle is the nurse most likely to emphasize?
A. Compliance with a physician-directed treatment plan
B. The permanent elimination of all psychiatric symptoms
C. Stabilization of symptoms through involuntary commitment
D. Empowerment and self-direction in the healing process
Answer: D
Rationale: The Recovery Model focuses on person-centered care, emphasizing that the
individual directs their own journey toward wellness and a meaningful life despite the
presence of symptoms.
,3. A patient with bipolar disorder taking Lithium Carbonate mentions starting a
low-sodium diet to lose weight. Why is this a concern for the nurse?
A. Lithium causes severe salt cravings that result in non-compliance
B. Lithium requires high sodium levels to be metabolized by the liver
C. Sodium restricted diets cause therapeutic Lithium levels to drop
D. Low sodium increases the risk of Lithium toxicity
Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium is a salt; if sodium intake is restricted, the kidneys conserve lithium in
place of sodium, leading to toxic levels in the blood.
4. Which intervention is most effective for a nurse promoting wellness in a
patient experiencing ‘negative symptoms’ of schizophrenia?
A. Administering PRN Haloperidol for hallucinations
B. Isolating the patient to reduce environmental stimuli
C. Engaging the patient in social skills training and a routine
D. Using complex abstract reasoning in therapeutic talk
Answer: C
Rationale: Negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal) are best managed through
psychosocial interventions like social skills training and structured routines rather than
just medication.
5. A patient with an anxiety disorder is taught ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction.’ What is the primary physiological goal of this wellness strategy?
A. To stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
B. To promote a relaxation response via the parasympathetic system
C. To increase cortisol production for alertness
D. To suppress the prefrontal cortex activity
Answer: B
, Rationale: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques aim to counteract the ‘fight or flight’
response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood
pressure.
6. A nurse is assessing a patient for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
Which triad of symptoms would confirm this medical emergency?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and skin rash
B. Hypothermia, flaccid muscles, and polyuria
C. Diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and agitation
D. Hyperpyrexia, severe muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability
Answer: D
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by lead-pipe
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and unstable vital signs.
7. In promoting wellness for a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder,
which nursing action is most critical for maintaining the therapeutic milieu?
A. Maintaining consistent and firm professional boundaries
B. Allowing the patient to negotiate all unit rules
C. Encouraging the patient to form an exclusive bond with one nurse
D. Avoiding any discussion of self-harming behaviors
Answer: A
Rationale: Consistency and boundaries are vital for patients with BPD to prevent ‘splitting’
and to help them develop healthier interpersonal patterns.
the Mentally Ill 2026 |WCU
1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed Olanzapine. Which metabolic
parameter should the nurse prioritize for monitoring to promote long-term
physical wellness?
A. Fasten blood glucose and lipid profile
B. Complete blood count for agranulocytosis
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Liver function tests every six months
Answer: A
Rationale: Second-generation antipsychotics like Olanzapine are strongly associated with
metabolic syndrome, including weight gain, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, which are
major barriers to physical wellness.
2. When applying the Recovery Model to a patient with a chronic mental illness,
which principle is the nurse most likely to emphasize?
A. Compliance with a physician-directed treatment plan
B. The permanent elimination of all psychiatric symptoms
C. Stabilization of symptoms through involuntary commitment
D. Empowerment and self-direction in the healing process
Answer: D
Rationale: The Recovery Model focuses on person-centered care, emphasizing that the
individual directs their own journey toward wellness and a meaningful life despite the
presence of symptoms.
,3. A patient with bipolar disorder taking Lithium Carbonate mentions starting a
low-sodium diet to lose weight. Why is this a concern for the nurse?
A. Lithium causes severe salt cravings that result in non-compliance
B. Lithium requires high sodium levels to be metabolized by the liver
C. Sodium restricted diets cause therapeutic Lithium levels to drop
D. Low sodium increases the risk of Lithium toxicity
Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium is a salt; if sodium intake is restricted, the kidneys conserve lithium in
place of sodium, leading to toxic levels in the blood.
4. Which intervention is most effective for a nurse promoting wellness in a
patient experiencing ‘negative symptoms’ of schizophrenia?
A. Administering PRN Haloperidol for hallucinations
B. Isolating the patient to reduce environmental stimuli
C. Engaging the patient in social skills training and a routine
D. Using complex abstract reasoning in therapeutic talk
Answer: C
Rationale: Negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal) are best managed through
psychosocial interventions like social skills training and structured routines rather than
just medication.
5. A patient with an anxiety disorder is taught ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress
Reduction.’ What is the primary physiological goal of this wellness strategy?
A. To stimulate the sympathetic nervous system
B. To promote a relaxation response via the parasympathetic system
C. To increase cortisol production for alertness
D. To suppress the prefrontal cortex activity
Answer: B
, Rationale: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques aim to counteract the ‘fight or flight’
response by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood
pressure.
6. A nurse is assessing a patient for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
Which triad of symptoms would confirm this medical emergency?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and skin rash
B. Hypothermia, flaccid muscles, and polyuria
C. Diarrhea, hyperreflexia, and agitation
D. Hyperpyrexia, severe muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability
Answer: D
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by lead-pipe
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and unstable vital signs.
7. In promoting wellness for a patient with Borderline Personality Disorder,
which nursing action is most critical for maintaining the therapeutic milieu?
A. Maintaining consistent and firm professional boundaries
B. Allowing the patient to negotiate all unit rules
C. Encouraging the patient to form an exclusive bond with one nurse
D. Avoiding any discussion of self-harming behaviors
Answer: A
Rationale: Consistency and boundaries are vital for patients with BPD to prevent ‘splitting’
and to help them develop healthier interpersonal patterns.
