WGU D449 Psych & Mental Health Nursing
Exam 2026/2027 Questions And Correct Answers
Graded A+
When administering lorazepam (Ativan) to a patient withdrawing from alcohol,
which interventions should the nurse prioritize? (Select all that
apply)SN:(Benzo)Benzodiazepines: Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax),
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Monitor the patient for signs of respiratory depression.Assess vital signs
frequently, especially blood pressure and heart rate.Monitor for signs of delirium
tremens.
A patient on lithium carbonate (Lithium) presents with nausea, vomiting, and
tremors. What are the priority actions the nurse should take?
Assess lithium levels to check for toxicity.
Notify the healthcare provider immediately if lithium levels exceed the therapeutic
range.
Monitor hydration status and encourage the patient to maintain adequate fluid
intake.
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). What is the nurse's
priority assessment when starting this medication?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
,A first-generation antipsychotic, is known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms
(EPS), such as tremors, rigidity, and akathisia.
Haloperidol
Which of the following are important nursing considerations when administering
benztropine (Cogentin) to a patient with Parkinson's disease or drug-induced
parkinsonism? (Select all that apply)
Monitor for dry mouth and constipation.Assess for urinary retention.Monitor for
signs of hyperthermia.
Which of the following are priority nursing interventions when administering a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine (Nardil)? (Select all that
apply)SN:MAOIs - Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline
(Emsam), Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Monitor for signs of hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache or chest
pain.Instruct the patient to avoid foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheese
and cured meats.Monitor liver function tests regularly.
Which of the following is the most common side effect of selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac)?rationale:SSRIs:
Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sexual dysfunction
,Which of the following is the hallmark sign of delirium tremens in a patient
undergoing alcohol withdrawal?
Hallucinations and confusion
Hallucinations, with severe confusion, tremors, and seizures, usually within 48-72
hours of the last alcohol intake.
Delirium tremens (DTs)
Which of the following are key patient education points when administering
disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol dependence? (Select all that apply)
Avoid all forms of alcohol, including in medications, mouthwash, and food.Report
any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or palpitations immediately.Alcohol
consumption while on Antabuse can result in severe hangover symptoms.
Disulfiram(Antabuse)causes severe reactions?
Nausea, vomiting, palpitations when alcohol is consumed, so avoiding alcohol in
all forms is critical.
Which of the following is the most important intervention for a nurse to prioritize
when treating depression in adolescents?
Encourage open discussion about self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Medications:
, Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Selegiline (Emsam)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Signs/Symptoms of Concern:
SX:Risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods (aged
cheese, cured meats, etc.).
Potential for serotonin syndrome if combined with other serotonergic drugs.
S:Dizziness, headache, insomnia, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and dry mouth.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Nursing Interventions/Priorities:
Educate patients on avoiding tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome (e.g., agitation, increased temperature,
muscle rigidity).Blood pressure monitoring is crucial, especially when starting
therapy.Patient Teaching: Advise against combining MAOIs with other
antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.), alcohol, or certain medications like
sympathomimetics.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Goal/Outcome:
Improved mood and reduction in depressive symptoms.Prevention of hypertensive
crisis through dietary modifications.
Exam 2026/2027 Questions And Correct Answers
Graded A+
When administering lorazepam (Ativan) to a patient withdrawing from alcohol,
which interventions should the nurse prioritize? (Select all that
apply)SN:(Benzo)Benzodiazepines: Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax),
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Monitor the patient for signs of respiratory depression.Assess vital signs
frequently, especially blood pressure and heart rate.Monitor for signs of delirium
tremens.
A patient on lithium carbonate (Lithium) presents with nausea, vomiting, and
tremors. What are the priority actions the nurse should take?
Assess lithium levels to check for toxicity.
Notify the healthcare provider immediately if lithium levels exceed the therapeutic
range.
Monitor hydration status and encourage the patient to maintain adequate fluid
intake.
A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed haloperidol (Haldol). What is the nurse's
priority assessment when starting this medication?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
,A first-generation antipsychotic, is known to cause extrapyramidal symptoms
(EPS), such as tremors, rigidity, and akathisia.
Haloperidol
Which of the following are important nursing considerations when administering
benztropine (Cogentin) to a patient with Parkinson's disease or drug-induced
parkinsonism? (Select all that apply)
Monitor for dry mouth and constipation.Assess for urinary retention.Monitor for
signs of hyperthermia.
Which of the following are priority nursing interventions when administering a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like phenelzine (Nardil)? (Select all that
apply)SN:MAOIs - Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), Selegiline
(Emsam), Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Monitor for signs of hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache or chest
pain.Instruct the patient to avoid foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheese
and cured meats.Monitor liver function tests regularly.
Which of the following is the most common side effect of selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac)?rationale:SSRIs:
Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sexual dysfunction
,Which of the following is the hallmark sign of delirium tremens in a patient
undergoing alcohol withdrawal?
Hallucinations and confusion
Hallucinations, with severe confusion, tremors, and seizures, usually within 48-72
hours of the last alcohol intake.
Delirium tremens (DTs)
Which of the following are key patient education points when administering
disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol dependence? (Select all that apply)
Avoid all forms of alcohol, including in medications, mouthwash, and food.Report
any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or palpitations immediately.Alcohol
consumption while on Antabuse can result in severe hangover symptoms.
Disulfiram(Antabuse)causes severe reactions?
Nausea, vomiting, palpitations when alcohol is consumed, so avoiding alcohol in
all forms is critical.
Which of the following is the most important intervention for a nurse to prioritize
when treating depression in adolescents?
Encourage open discussion about self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Medications:
, Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Selegiline (Emsam)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Signs/Symptoms of Concern:
SX:Risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods (aged
cheese, cured meats, etc.).
Potential for serotonin syndrome if combined with other serotonergic drugs.
S:Dizziness, headache, insomnia, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and dry mouth.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Nursing Interventions/Priorities:
Educate patients on avoiding tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome (e.g., agitation, increased temperature,
muscle rigidity).Blood pressure monitoring is crucial, especially when starting
therapy.Patient Teaching: Advise against combining MAOIs with other
antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.), alcohol, or certain medications like
sympathomimetics.
MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)Goal/Outcome:
Improved mood and reduction in depressive symptoms.Prevention of hypertensive
crisis through dietary modifications.
