NR326 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A client diagnosed 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 client in a seclusion room immediately.
B. Ask the client why the voices want them to hurt the roommate.
C. Notify the roommate and move them to a different unit.
D. Inform the treatment team and initiate one-to-one observation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Command hallucinations to harm others
require immediate intervention, such as increased observation, to ensure the safety of the
client and others.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I Disorder who is in an acute manic state. Which
nutritional intervention is most appropriate?
A. Offer high-protein, high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
B. Provide three large, high-calorie meals in the dining hall.
C. Restrict fluids to prevent hyponatremia during physical activity.
D. Schedule a specific time for the client to sit and finish all food.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state are often too hyperactive to sit for meals.
Finger foods allow them to eat while moving, ensuring adequate intake of calories and
hydration.
3. A client is taking Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Sodium and Lithium have an inverse relationship in the kidneys.
Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) cause the kidneys to retain lithium, leading to toxic
levels.
4. Which clinical finding is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Disorganized speech
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms represent a loss or diminution of normal
function, such as flat affect, anhedonia, alogia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions
are positive symptoms.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression. Which food choice indicates the
client needs further education?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Steamed broccoli and carrots
C. Scrambled eggs and toast
D. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
Answer: D
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A client diagnosed 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 client in a seclusion room immediately.
B. Ask the client why the voices want them to hurt the roommate.
C. Notify the roommate and move them to a different unit.
D. Inform the treatment team and initiate one-to-one observation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Command hallucinations to harm others
require immediate intervention, such as increased observation, to ensure the safety of the
client and others.
,2. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I Disorder who is in an acute manic state. Which
nutritional intervention is most appropriate?
A. Offer high-protein, high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
B. Provide three large, high-calorie meals in the dining hall.
C. Restrict fluids to prevent hyponatremia during physical activity.
D. Schedule a specific time for the client to sit and finish all food.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in a manic state are often too hyperactive to sit for meals.
Finger foods allow them to eat while moving, ensuring adequate intake of calories and
hydration.
3. A client is taking Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Potassium
C. White Blood Cell Count
D. Serum Calcium
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Sodium and Lithium have an inverse relationship in the kidneys.
Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) cause the kidneys to retain lithium, leading to toxic
levels.
4. Which clinical finding is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Disorganized speech
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms represent a loss or diminution of normal
function, such as flat affect, anhedonia, alogia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions
are positive symptoms.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression. Which food choice indicates the
client needs further education?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Steamed broccoli and carrots
C. Scrambled eggs and toast
D. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
Answer: D
