NUR 2459 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and tells the nurse,
‘The voices are telling me to hurt my roommate.’ Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately to ensure safety.
B. Ask the patient if they intend to follow the command.
C. Administer a PRN dose of Haloperidol as ordered.
D. Notify the roommate that they are in potential danger.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. The nurse must first assess the risk by
determining if the patient intends to act on the command hallucination (lethality
assessment).
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. The nurse should instruct
the client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
,B. Calcium
C. Magnesium
D. Sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. If sodium levels drop (due to low intake or
excessive sweating), the kidneys retain lithium in place of sodium, leading to toxic levels.
3. Which side effect of first-generation antipsychotics is characterized by a high fever, muscle
rigidity, and altered mental status, requiring immediate medical intervention?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Serotonin Syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency associated with
antipsychotics. Key signs include ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, hyperpyrexia, and autonomic
instability.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who suddenly appears happy
and energetic after weeks of lethargy. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Determine if the patient is ready for discharge.
, B. Document the positive change in the patient’s mood.
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of the antidepressant medication.
D. Assess for a specific suicide plan.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A sudden lift in mood in a depressed patient can indicate they
have made a decision to commit suicide and now have the energy to follow through with a
plan.
5. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling the
manager that another nurse is incompetent and ‘cruel.’ This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Splitting
C. Reaction Formation
D. Undoing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view others as all good or all bad, often pitting staff
against each other.
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and tells the nurse,
‘The voices are telling me to hurt my roommate.’ Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately to ensure safety.
B. Ask the patient if they intend to follow the command.
C. Administer a PRN dose of Haloperidol as ordered.
D. Notify the roommate that they are in potential danger.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. The nurse must first assess the risk by
determining if the patient intends to act on the command hallucination (lethality
assessment).
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. The nurse should instruct
the client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance to prevent toxicity?
A. Potassium
,B. Calcium
C. Magnesium
D. Sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt. If sodium levels drop (due to low intake or
excessive sweating), the kidneys retain lithium in place of sodium, leading to toxic levels.
3. Which side effect of first-generation antipsychotics is characterized by a high fever, muscle
rigidity, and altered mental status, requiring immediate medical intervention?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Serotonin Syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency associated with
antipsychotics. Key signs include ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, hyperpyrexia, and autonomic
instability.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who suddenly appears happy
and energetic after weeks of lethargy. What is the nurse’s priority assessment?
A. Determine if the patient is ready for discharge.
, B. Document the positive change in the patient’s mood.
C. Evaluate the effectiveness of the antidepressant medication.
D. Assess for a specific suicide plan.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A sudden lift in mood in a depressed patient can indicate they
have made a decision to commit suicide and now have the energy to follow through with a
plan.
5. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling the
manager that another nurse is incompetent and ‘cruel.’ This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Splitting
C. Reaction Formation
D. Undoing
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a common defense mechanism in Borderline
Personality Disorder where individuals view others as all good or all bad, often pitting staff
against each other.
