NUR 256 Exam 3 V3 | NUR 256 Concepts of Mental
Health Nursing | Q&A with Rationale (NUR256
Exam 3) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I disorder who is experiencing a manic episode.
Which of the following items should the nurse provide for the client’s lunch?
A. Beef stew with a side of mashed potatoes
B. A bowl of vegetable soup and crackers
C. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad
D. A chicken wrap and an apple
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: During a manic episode, clients are often hyperactive and unable to sit down
for a full meal. Providing ‘finger foods’ allows the client to eat while moving, ensuring they
receive necessary calories. A chicken wrap and an apple are portable and high-energy
options that meet this clinical need.
2. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following medications should
the nurse expect to administer to manage acute withdrawal symptoms?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Naltrexone
C. Disulfiram
,D. Methadone
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for managing
acute alcohol withdrawal. They help prevent seizures and delirium tremens by providing
cross-tolerance to alcohol. The other medications listed are used for long-term
maintenance or opioid addiction rather than acute alcohol withdrawal.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which of the following physical
findings is expected?
A. Tachycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Lanugo
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Lanugo, which is fine, downy hair, grows on the body as a physiological
response to insulate the skin due to a lack of subcutaneous fat. Clients with anorexia
typically exhibit bradycardia and hypotension rather than tachycardia and hypertension.
Electrolyte imbalances in these clients usually manifest as hypokalemia rather than
hyperkalemia.
, 4. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar disorder reports a new onset of coarse hand
tremors and vomiting. The nurse should identify these as signs of:
A. Expected side effects
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Extrapyramidal symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Coarse tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea are classic signs of advanced lithium
toxicity. The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow, typically 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. The nurse
must hold the medication and obtain a serum lithium level immediately to prevent
permanent neurological damage.
5. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse when caring for a client experiencing a panic
attack?
A. Teach the client relaxation techniques
B. Leave the client alone to allow them space
C. Ask the client to describe their feelings in detail
D. Stay with the client and remain calm
Correct Answer: D
Health Nursing | Q&A with Rationale (NUR256
Exam 3) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I disorder who is experiencing a manic episode.
Which of the following items should the nurse provide for the client’s lunch?
A. Beef stew with a side of mashed potatoes
B. A bowl of vegetable soup and crackers
C. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad
D. A chicken wrap and an apple
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: During a manic episode, clients are often hyperactive and unable to sit down
for a full meal. Providing ‘finger foods’ allows the client to eat while moving, ensuring they
receive necessary calories. A chicken wrap and an apple are portable and high-energy
options that meet this clinical need.
2. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following medications should
the nurse expect to administer to manage acute withdrawal symptoms?
A. Chlordiazepoxide
B. Naltrexone
C. Disulfiram
,D. Methadone
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for managing
acute alcohol withdrawal. They help prevent seizures and delirium tremens by providing
cross-tolerance to alcohol. The other medications listed are used for long-term
maintenance or opioid addiction rather than acute alcohol withdrawal.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which of the following physical
findings is expected?
A. Tachycardia
B. Hypertension
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Lanugo
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Lanugo, which is fine, downy hair, grows on the body as a physiological
response to insulate the skin due to a lack of subcutaneous fat. Clients with anorexia
typically exhibit bradycardia and hypotension rather than tachycardia and hypertension.
Electrolyte imbalances in these clients usually manifest as hypokalemia rather than
hyperkalemia.
, 4. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar disorder reports a new onset of coarse hand
tremors and vomiting. The nurse should identify these as signs of:
A. Expected side effects
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Lithium toxicity
D. Extrapyramidal symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Coarse tremors, vomiting, and diarrhea are classic signs of advanced lithium
toxicity. The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow, typically 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. The nurse
must hold the medication and obtain a serum lithium level immediately to prevent
permanent neurological damage.
5. Which intervention is the priority for a nurse when caring for a client experiencing a panic
attack?
A. Teach the client relaxation techniques
B. Leave the client alone to allow them space
C. Ask the client to describe their feelings in detail
D. Stay with the client and remain calm
Correct Answer: D
