NURS 201 MENTAL HEALTH AND
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: EXAM 3 QUIZ
2026 | WCU
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as an early sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Polyuria and muscle weakness
B. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
C. Confusion and slurred speech
D. Coarse hand tremors and ataxia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of lithium toxicity (1.5 mEq/L) include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, polyuria, lethargy, and muscle weakness. Fine hand tremors are
an expected side effect, whereas coarse tremors and confusion indicate more advanced
toxicity.
,2. A patient diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder is being switched from a Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). How long
should the nurse instruct the patient to wait after stopping the SSRI before starting the
MAOI?
A. 2 to 5 weeks
B. 5 to 7 days
C. 48 hours
D. 24 hours
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A washout period of 2 to 5 weeks (depending on the specific
SSRI, especially fluoxetine which requires 5 weeks) is necessary to prevent Serotonin
Syndrome when switching to an MAOI.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing
interventions is the priority?
A. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing techniques
B. Provide a quiet environment and stay with the client
C. Administer a PRN dose of Lorazepam immediately
D. Teach the client about the physiology of anxiety
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities during a panic attack. The
nurse should provide a low-stimulus environment and remain with the client to provide
reassurance of safety. Teaching is not effective during high-level anxiety.
4. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to an inpatient unit. Which laboratory
finding would indicate the need for immediate medical intervention?
A. Serum sodium 136 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL
C. BUN 22 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Severe hypokalemia (below 3.0 mEq/L) is a medical emergency
in eating disorders as it puts the client at high risk for fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Which assessment finding should the nurse recognize as a ‘positive symptom’ of
Schizophrenia?
A. Anhedonia
B. Avolition
C. Affective flattening
D. Auditory hallucinations
Answer: D
PSYCHIATRIC NURSING: EXAM 3 QUIZ
2026 | WCU
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. Which of
the following findings should the nurse identify as an early sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Polyuria and muscle weakness
B. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
C. Confusion and slurred speech
D. Coarse hand tremors and ataxia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Early signs of lithium toxicity (1.5 mEq/L) include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, polyuria, lethargy, and muscle weakness. Fine hand tremors are
an expected side effect, whereas coarse tremors and confusion indicate more advanced
toxicity.
,2. A patient diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder is being switched from a Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). How long
should the nurse instruct the patient to wait after stopping the SSRI before starting the
MAOI?
A. 2 to 5 weeks
B. 5 to 7 days
C. 48 hours
D. 24 hours
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A washout period of 2 to 5 weeks (depending on the specific
SSRI, especially fluoxetine which requires 5 weeks) is necessary to prevent Serotonin
Syndrome when switching to an MAOI.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following nursing
interventions is the priority?
A. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing techniques
B. Provide a quiet environment and stay with the client
C. Administer a PRN dose of Lorazepam immediately
D. Teach the client about the physiology of anxiety
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Safety and presence are priorities during a panic attack. The
nurse should provide a low-stimulus environment and remain with the client to provide
reassurance of safety. Teaching is not effective during high-level anxiety.
4. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to an inpatient unit. Which laboratory
finding would indicate the need for immediate medical intervention?
A. Serum sodium 136 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL
C. BUN 22 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Severe hypokalemia (below 3.0 mEq/L) is a medical emergency
in eating disorders as it puts the client at high risk for fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
5. Which assessment finding should the nurse recognize as a ‘positive symptom’ of
Schizophrenia?
A. Anhedonia
B. Avolition
C. Affective flattening
D. Auditory hallucinations
Answer: D
