NURS 201 MENTAL HEALTH AND
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: WEEK 3 QUIZ
2026 | WCU
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which neurobiological theory best explains the etiology of these symptoms?
A. Deficiency of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the limbic system
B. Excessive dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway
C. Reduced serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex
D. Decreased acetylcholine activity in the hippocampus
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that an
overabundance of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway is responsible for positive
symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value must the nurse monitor most closely to prevent life-threatening complications?
A. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
,B. Platelet count
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in
white blood cells. Strict monitoring of the ANC is required by the FDA to ensure patient
safety.
3. A nurse observes a patient who has been taking Haloperidol for two weeks. The patient is
pacing the hallway and complains of an ‘inner restlessness.’ How should the nurse document
this extrapyramidal symptom (EPS)?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Oculogyric crisis
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Akathisia is characterized by physical restlessness and an urgent
need to move, often manifesting as pacing or inability to sit still.
, 4. Which ethical principle is prioritized when a nurse allows a patient to choose which
medications to take from their prescribed list, even if the nurse disagrees with the patient’s
choices?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Veracity
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own
decisions regarding their healthcare and treatment plan.
5. A patient who was involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit remains dangerous to
themselves. The patient refuses their daily antidepressant. What is the nurse’s most
appropriate legal action?
A. Force the medication as the patient is involuntarily committed
B. Tell the patient they will be put in restraints if they do not comply
C. Disguise the medication in the patient’s food
D. Respect the refusal unless an emergency court order or immediate danger exists
Answer: D
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: WEEK 3 QUIZ
2026 | WCU
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which neurobiological theory best explains the etiology of these symptoms?
A. Deficiency of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the limbic system
B. Excessive dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway
C. Reduced serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex
D. Decreased acetylcholine activity in the hippocampus
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that an
overabundance of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway is responsible for positive
symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value must the nurse monitor most closely to prevent life-threatening complications?
A. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
,B. Platelet count
C. Serum creatinine and BUN
D. Liver function tests (ALT/AST)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a severe reduction in
white blood cells. Strict monitoring of the ANC is required by the FDA to ensure patient
safety.
3. A nurse observes a patient who has been taking Haloperidol for two weeks. The patient is
pacing the hallway and complains of an ‘inner restlessness.’ How should the nurse document
this extrapyramidal symptom (EPS)?
A. Akathisia
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
C. Oculogyric crisis
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Akathisia is characterized by physical restlessness and an urgent
need to move, often manifesting as pacing or inability to sit still.
, 4. Which ethical principle is prioritized when a nurse allows a patient to choose which
medications to take from their prescribed list, even if the nurse disagrees with the patient’s
choices?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Veracity
D. Autonomy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own
decisions regarding their healthcare and treatment plan.
5. A patient who was involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit remains dangerous to
themselves. The patient refuses their daily antidepressant. What is the nurse’s most
appropriate legal action?
A. Force the medication as the patient is involuntarily committed
B. Tell the patient they will be put in restraints if they do not comply
C. Disguise the medication in the patient’s food
D. Respect the refusal unless an emergency court order or immediate danger exists
Answer: D
