NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing
Comprehensive Test 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is prescribed Lithium Carbonate. During a follow-up, the
nurse notes the patient has a serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Mild hand tremors and polyuria
B. Fine motor tremors and increased thirst
C. Blurred vision, persistent GI upset, and mental confusion
D. Serum level is within therapeutic range, no action needed
Answer: C
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. Levels between 1.5-2.0 mEq/L indicate
early toxicity, characterized by blurred vision, ataxia, and persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
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. 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.
2. A client is starting Phenelzine (Nardil) for treatment-resistant depression. Which lunch
choice by the client requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato
B. Fresh green salad with oil and vinegar dressing
C. Roast beef on whole wheat bread
D. Salami and pepperoni pizza with aged cheddar cheese
Answer: D
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Cured meats (salami/pepperoni) and aged cheeses contain high
levels of tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with MAOIs. Understanding this
helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often
prevents bigger complications for the client. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a level of panic anxiety. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises
B. Administer an IM dose of Lorazepam (Ativan)
C. Encourage the patient to express their feelings
D. Stay with the patient and provide a quiet environment
Answer: D
Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the patient cannot process information or learn. The safety
priority is to stay with the patient and minimize stimuli to prevent injury. 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. 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.
4. A client with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and states, ‘The voices
are telling me to hurt the doctor.’ What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
A. ‘I don’t hear any voices, you are just imagining it.’
B. ‘The voices aren’t real, let’s go to the dayroom.’
C. ‘Don’t worry, the doctor is safe here.’
D. ‘What exactly are the voices telling you to do?’
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment of command hallucinations is critical to determine the risk of violence or
self-harm. The nurse must identify the content of the command. 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. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing
Comprehensive Test 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is prescribed Lithium Carbonate. During a follow-up, the
nurse notes the patient has a serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Mild hand tremors and polyuria
B. Fine motor tremors and increased thirst
C. Blurred vision, persistent GI upset, and mental confusion
D. Serum level is within therapeutic range, no action needed
Answer: C
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. Levels between 1.5-2.0 mEq/L indicate
early toxicity, characterized by blurred vision, ataxia, and persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
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. 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.
2. A client is starting Phenelzine (Nardil) for treatment-resistant depression. Which lunch
choice by the client requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and tomato
B. Fresh green salad with oil and vinegar dressing
C. Roast beef on whole wheat bread
D. Salami and pepperoni pizza with aged cheddar cheese
Answer: D
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Cured meats (salami/pepperoni) and aged cheeses contain high
levels of tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with MAOIs. Understanding this
helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often
prevents bigger complications for the client. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Exam 2 Study Guide: Mental Health Nursing… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a level of panic anxiety. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises
B. Administer an IM dose of Lorazepam (Ativan)
C. Encourage the patient to express their feelings
D. Stay with the patient and provide a quiet environment
Answer: D
Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the patient cannot process information or learn. The safety
priority is to stay with the patient and minimize stimuli to prevent injury. 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. 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.
4. A client with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and states, ‘The voices
are telling me to hurt the doctor.’ What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?
A. ‘I don’t hear any voices, you are just imagining it.’
B. ‘The voices aren’t real, let’s go to the dayroom.’
C. ‘Don’t worry, the doctor is safe here.’
D. ‘What exactly are the voices telling you to do?’
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment of command hallucinations is critical to determine the risk of violence or
self-harm. The nurse must identify the content of the command. 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. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the
client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
