NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensiv… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensive Study
Guide 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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensiv… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which laboratory result
would require the nurse to immediately withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. White blood cell count of 2,500/mm³
B. Blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL
C. Potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L
D. Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis. A WBC count below 3,000/mm³ or an
absolute neutrophil count below 1,500/mm³ requires immediate intervention and discontinuation of the
drug. 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.
2. A nurse is assessing a client for lithium toxicity. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as a sign of late-stage, severe toxicity?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Oliguria and seizure activity
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Diarrhea and lethargy
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe lithium toxicity (levels > 2.5 mEq/L) is characterized by oliguria, seizures,
cardiovascular collapse, and potential death. Fine tremors and mild GI upset are expected or early
signs. 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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensiv… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder tells a nurse, ‘You are the only nurse who
actually cares about me. The night shift nurse is incompetent and cruel.’ This is an example
of which defense mechanism?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Splitting
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark of Borderline Personality Disorder where individuals view others as
all good or all bad, unable to reconcile positive and negative attributes in one person. In practice, this
guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear
communication are frequent priorities. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach
the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) is admitted to the emergency department with a
severe headache, palpitations, and a blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg. Which food item
likely contributed to this crisis?
A. Fresh grilled salmon
B. Aed cheddar cheese and pepperoni
C. Whole grain bread and butter
D. Steamed broccoli and carrots
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products)
to cause a hypertensive crisis due to the prevention of tyramine breakdown. 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. 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 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensive Study
Guide 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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensiv… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which laboratory result
would require the nurse to immediately withhold the medication and notify the provider?
A. White blood cell count of 2,500/mm³
B. Blood glucose level of 140 mg/dL
C. Potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L
D. Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL
Answer: A
Rationale: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis. A WBC count below 3,000/mm³ or an
absolute neutrophil count below 1,500/mm³ requires immediate intervention and discontinuation of the
drug. 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.
2. A nurse is assessing a client for lithium toxicity. Which of the following findings should
the nurse identify as a sign of late-stage, severe toxicity?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Oliguria and seizure activity
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. Diarrhea and lethargy
Answer: B
Rationale: Severe lithium toxicity (levels > 2.5 mEq/L) is characterized by oliguria, seizures,
cardiovascular collapse, and potential death. Fine tremors and mild GI upset are expected or early
signs. 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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensiv… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder tells a nurse, ‘You are the only nurse who
actually cares about me. The night shift nurse is incompetent and cruel.’ This is an example
of which defense mechanism?
A. Reaction Formation
B. Splitting
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Splitting is a hallmark of Borderline Personality Disorder where individuals view others as
all good or all bad, unable to reconcile positive and negative attributes in one person. In practice, this
guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear
communication are frequent priorities. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach
the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) is admitted to the emergency department with a
severe headache, palpitations, and a blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg. Which food item
likely contributed to this crisis?
A. Fresh grilled salmon
B. Aed cheddar cheese and pepperoni
C. Whole grain bread and butter
D. Steamed broccoli and carrots
Answer: B
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products)
to cause a hypertensive crisis due to the prevention of tyramine breakdown. 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. 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 3
