200+ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
, ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH FINAL REVIEW 2026
QUESTIONS 1–50 — ANSWERS & RATIONALES
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is prescribed haloperidol.
Which adverse effect should the nurse identify as an extrapyramidal symptom
(EPS)?
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Acute dystonia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Acute dystonia
Rationale: Acute dystonia is an extrapyramidal reaction associated with
antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. It can cause painful muscle
spasms, torticollis, and abnormal movements. Anticholinergic medications such as
benztropine may be prescribed to treat acute dystonia.
Question 2
A client taking clozapine reports having a sore throat and fever. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Encourage increased fluid intake
,C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Reassure the client that this is expected
Answer: C. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis. Fever and
sore throat can indicate infection associated with a dangerously low neutrophil
count. The medication may need to be withheld while the client's blood counts
are evaluated.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "I should drastically reduce my salt intake."
B. "I should maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
C. "I can stop taking lithium when I feel better."
D. "I should restrict fluids to prevent lithium toxicity."
Answer: B. "I should maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
Rationale: Changes in sodium and fluid balance can alter lithium concentrations.
Clients should maintain consistent dietary sodium and adequate fluid intake and
should promptly report significant vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
Question 4
Which finding should a nurse recognize as a manifestation of lithium toxicity?
, A. Fine hand tremor only
B. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild thirst
Answer: B. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Rationale: Significant gastrointestinal symptoms, coarse tremors, ataxia,
confusion, slurred speech, and severe weakness can indicate lithium toxicity.
Severe toxicity can progress to seizures, coma, and potentially life-threatening
complications.
Question 5
A client prescribed lithium asks why blood tests are required. Which response
should the nurse provide?
A. "They determine whether you have developed diabetes."
B. "They monitor the therapeutic concentration and help prevent toxicity."
C. "They determine whether you are allergic to lithium."
D. "They measure how quickly your liver metabolizes lithium."
Answer: B. "They monitor the therapeutic concentration and help prevent
toxicity."
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index. Serum lithium concentrations
are monitored to maintain therapeutic effects while reducing the risk of toxicity.
RATIONALES
, ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH FINAL REVIEW 2026
QUESTIONS 1–50 — ANSWERS & RATIONALES
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is prescribed haloperidol.
Which adverse effect should the nurse identify as an extrapyramidal symptom
(EPS)?
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Acute dystonia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Acute dystonia
Rationale: Acute dystonia is an extrapyramidal reaction associated with
antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol. It can cause painful muscle
spasms, torticollis, and abnormal movements. Anticholinergic medications such as
benztropine may be prescribed to treat acute dystonia.
Question 2
A client taking clozapine reports having a sore throat and fever. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose with food
B. Encourage increased fluid intake
,C. Notify the provider immediately
D. Reassure the client that this is expected
Answer: C. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia or agranulocytosis. Fever and
sore throat can indicate infection associated with a dangerously low neutrophil
count. The medication may need to be withheld while the client's blood counts
are evaluated.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which statement by the client
indicates understanding?
A. "I should drastically reduce my salt intake."
B. "I should maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
C. "I can stop taking lithium when I feel better."
D. "I should restrict fluids to prevent lithium toxicity."
Answer: B. "I should maintain consistent fluid and sodium intake."
Rationale: Changes in sodium and fluid balance can alter lithium concentrations.
Clients should maintain consistent dietary sodium and adequate fluid intake and
should promptly report significant vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
Question 4
Which finding should a nurse recognize as a manifestation of lithium toxicity?
, A. Fine hand tremor only
B. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
C. Increased appetite
D. Mild thirst
Answer: B. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
Rationale: Significant gastrointestinal symptoms, coarse tremors, ataxia,
confusion, slurred speech, and severe weakness can indicate lithium toxicity.
Severe toxicity can progress to seizures, coma, and potentially life-threatening
complications.
Question 5
A client prescribed lithium asks why blood tests are required. Which response
should the nurse provide?
A. "They determine whether you have developed diabetes."
B. "They monitor the therapeutic concentration and help prevent toxicity."
C. "They determine whether you are allergic to lithium."
D. "They measure how quickly your liver metabolizes lithium."
Answer: B. "They monitor the therapeutic concentration and help prevent
toxicity."
Rationale: Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index. Serum lithium concentrations
are monitored to maintain therapeutic effects while reducing the risk of toxicity.
