NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen Colle… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen College of
Nursing Study Guide
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Institution: Galen College of Nursing
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen Colle… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client with bipolar disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which of the following meal
choices is most appropriate for this client?
A. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad
B. Beef stew with a roll and coffee
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken nuggets and an apple
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients in acute mania have high energy levels and cannot sit still to eat. ‘Finger foods’ that
are high in protein and calories (like chicken nuggets and fruit) allow them to eat while moving. Exam
questions often test whether you can pick the most practical and safe choice for the client in real
situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right now. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client who recently started taking Lithium. Which of the following
serum lithium levels indicates the client is within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.2 mEq/L
C. 1.8 mEq/L
D. 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This is important because the nurse must choose
the action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety
first when answering these questions.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen Colle… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. Which of the following findings is an early sign of Lithium toxicity?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Coarse tremors and ataxia
C. Seizures and hypotension
D. Fine hand tremors and nausea
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of toxicity include fine hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Coarse
tremors and ataxia are signs of advanced toxicity. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and
everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
4. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. The nurse should instruct the client to
avoid which of the following foods?
A. Fresh chicken and corn
B. Cottage cheese and apples
C. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
D. Potatoes and milk
Answer: C
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, red wine, fermented
products), which can lead to a hypertensive crisis. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the
nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety. This is important because the nurse must choose the action that keeps the client safest while
still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when answering these questions.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen College of
Nursing Study Guide
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Institution: Galen College of Nursing
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen Colle… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client with bipolar disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which of the following meal
choices is most appropriate for this client?
A. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad
B. Beef stew with a roll and coffee
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken nuggets and an apple
Answer: D
Rationale: Clients in acute mania have high energy levels and cannot sit still to eat. ‘Finger foods’ that
are high in protein and calories (like chicken nuggets and fruit) allow them to eat while moving. Exam
questions often test whether you can pick the most practical and safe choice for the client in real
situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right now. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level.
2. A nurse is monitoring a client who recently started taking Lithium. Which of the following
serum lithium levels indicates the client is within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.2 mEq/L
C. 1.8 mEq/L
D. 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This is important because the nurse must choose
the action that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety
first when answering these questions.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 2 Mental Health (2026) - Galen Colle… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. Which of the following findings is an early sign of Lithium toxicity?
A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Coarse tremors and ataxia
C. Seizures and hypotension
D. Fine hand tremors and nausea
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of toxicity include fine hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Coarse
tremors and ataxia are signs of advanced toxicity. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and
everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
4. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. The nurse should instruct the client to
avoid which of the following foods?
A. Fresh chicken and corn
B. Cottage cheese and apples
C. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
D. Potatoes and milk
Answer: C
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, red wine, fermented
products), which can lead to a hypertensive crisis. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the
nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety. This is important because the nurse must choose the action that keeps the client safest while
still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when answering these questions.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
