NUR 209 EXAM 3: MENTAL HEALTH
AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with bipolar disorder has a lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which clinical finding
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Increased urinary output and polyuria
C. Slurred speech, ataxia, and blurred vision
D. Metallic taste in the mouth
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates moderate toxicity. Slurred
speech, ataxia, and blurred vision are signs of toxicity, whereas fine tremors are common
side effects.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by traditional antipsychotic medications like
Haloperidol?
A. Serotonin
B. GABA
,C. Dopamine
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Traditional (first-generation) antipsychotics work primarily by
blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to reduce positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
3. A patient is experiencing a hypertensive crisis after consuming aged cheese while taking
Phenelzine. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Phentolamine
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to treat
hypertensive crises resulting from MAOI interactions with tyramine-rich foods.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling another
nurse that they are ‘incompetent’. This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
, C. Rationalization
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism common in BPD
where the individual views people as all good or all bad, often causing conflict among staff.
5. A patient started on Clozapine (Clozaril) must have which laboratory test performed
weekly for the first six months?
A. Liver function tests
B. White blood cell (WBC) count
C. Serum electrolytes
D. Renal function panel
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in
WBCs), requiring frequent monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) and WBC
count.
6. A client presents to the ER with tachycardia, diaphoresis, and severe muscle rigidity after
starting Fluphenazine. The nurse suspects:
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with bipolar disorder has a lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which clinical finding
should the nurse prioritize?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Increased urinary output and polyuria
C. Slurred speech, ataxia, and blurred vision
D. Metallic taste in the mouth
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates moderate toxicity. Slurred
speech, ataxia, and blurred vision are signs of toxicity, whereas fine tremors are common
side effects.
2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by traditional antipsychotic medications like
Haloperidol?
A. Serotonin
B. GABA
,C. Dopamine
D. Acetylcholine
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Traditional (first-generation) antipsychotics work primarily by
blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to reduce positive symptoms of
schizophrenia.
3. A patient is experiencing a hypertensive crisis after consuming aged cheese while taking
Phenelzine. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Phentolamine
B. Naloxone
C. Protamine sulfate
D. Flumazenil
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Phentolamine is an alpha-adrenergic blocker used to treat
hypertensive crises resulting from MAOI interactions with tyramine-rich foods.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is praising one nurse while telling another
nurse that they are ‘incompetent’. This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
, C. Rationalization
D. Splitting
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism common in BPD
where the individual views people as all good or all bad, often causing conflict among staff.
5. A patient started on Clozapine (Clozaril) must have which laboratory test performed
weekly for the first six months?
A. Liver function tests
B. White blood cell (WBC) count
C. Serum electrolytes
D. Renal function panel
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in
WBCs), requiring frequent monitoring of the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) and WBC
count.
6. A client presents to the ER with tachycardia, diaphoresis, and severe muscle rigidity after
starting Fluphenazine. The nurse suspects:
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Tardive Dyskinesia
