NURS 201 MENTAL HEALTH AND
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: EXAM 2
COMPREHENSIVE QUIZ
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who is being
manipulative and asking for special privileges. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Allow the client one privilege to build rapport.
B. Inform the client that rules apply to all clients and must be followed.
C. Discuss the client’s behavior during a group therapy session.
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing the manipulation.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Consistent limit setting is the primary intervention for
manipulative behavior in BPD to maintain professional boundaries and unit structure.
2. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in the manic phase. Which meal option is most
appropriate for this client?
A. A bowl of hot chicken noodle soup and crackers.
B. Steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
,C. A turkey sandwich and an apple.
D. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state need high-calorie ‘finger foods’ that
allow them to eat while moving, as they often cannot sit long enough for a full meal.
3. A nurse is monitoring a client taking Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should be
reported to the provider immediately?
A. Serum Lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L.
B. Serum Sodium level of 140 mEq/L.
C. Serum Creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL.
D. Serum Lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A Lithium level above 1.5 mEq/L is considered toxic. 2.1 mEq/L
indicates severe toxicity requiring immediate medical intervention.
4. A client is admitted for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Which assessment finding is a
priority and suggests the onset of Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. Fluctuating levels of consciousness and hallucinations.
B. Hand tremors and anxiety.
C. Complaints of nausea and insomnia.
, D. Mild tachycardia and diaphoresis.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DTs are a medical emergency characterized by severe
autonomic instability, disorientation, and sensory disturbances like hallucinations.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is most
characteristic of this disorder?
A. Parotid gland swelling.
B. Lanugo on the back and arms.
C. Dental erosion and caries.
D. Hypertension and tachycardia.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a compensatory mechanism
developed by the body to provide warmth when there is a significant lack of subcutaneous
fat.
6. A client diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being aggressive toward another
peer. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer a PRN sedative.
B. Place the client in four-point restraints.
C. Ask the client why they are feeling angry.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: EXAM 2
COMPREHENSIVE QUIZ
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who is being
manipulative and asking for special privileges. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Allow the client one privilege to build rapport.
B. Inform the client that rules apply to all clients and must be followed.
C. Discuss the client’s behavior during a group therapy session.
D. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing the manipulation.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Consistent limit setting is the primary intervention for
manipulative behavior in BPD to maintain professional boundaries and unit structure.
2. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in the manic phase. Which meal option is most
appropriate for this client?
A. A bowl of hot chicken noodle soup and crackers.
B. Steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
,C. A turkey sandwich and an apple.
D. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state need high-calorie ‘finger foods’ that
allow them to eat while moving, as they often cannot sit long enough for a full meal.
3. A nurse is monitoring a client taking Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should be
reported to the provider immediately?
A. Serum Lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L.
B. Serum Sodium level of 140 mEq/L.
C. Serum Creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL.
D. Serum Lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A Lithium level above 1.5 mEq/L is considered toxic. 2.1 mEq/L
indicates severe toxicity requiring immediate medical intervention.
4. A client is admitted for Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Which assessment finding is a
priority and suggests the onset of Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. Fluctuating levels of consciousness and hallucinations.
B. Hand tremors and anxiety.
C. Complaints of nausea and insomnia.
, D. Mild tachycardia and diaphoresis.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DTs are a medical emergency characterized by severe
autonomic instability, disorientation, and sensory disturbances like hallucinations.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding is most
characteristic of this disorder?
A. Parotid gland swelling.
B. Lanugo on the back and arms.
C. Dental erosion and caries.
D. Hypertension and tachycardia.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a compensatory mechanism
developed by the body to provide warmth when there is a significant lack of subcutaneous
fat.
6. A client diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder is being aggressive toward another
peer. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer a PRN sedative.
B. Place the client in four-point restraints.
C. Ask the client why they are feeling angry.
