NU 136 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
EXAM 2 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which nursing intervention is
the priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to join a group volleyball game.
B. Providing high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
C. Ensuring a quiet environment with low stimuli.
D. Assisting the patient to explore the cause of their behavior.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and reduction of environmental stimuli are the highest
priorities for a patient in acute mania to prevent exhaustion and injury.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
D. Serum Sodium
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; low sodium levels can lead to lithium retention
and toxicity. High sodium can lead to subtherapeutic levels.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm.
B. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
C. Administer PRN Lorazepam immediately.
D. Ask the client to identify the trigger for the attack.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The priority during a panic attack is safety and presence. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security while they are unable to process information.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) is at the hospital cafeteria. Which food choice
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce.
B. Fresh green salad with oil and vinegar.
C. Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.
D. Scrambled eggs and toast.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs require a low-tyramine diet. Pepperoni and aged cheeses
are high in tyramine and can cause a hypertensive crisis.
5. Which symptom is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of normal behaviors,
such as flat affect, anhedonia, and alogia. Hallucinations and delusions are positive
symptoms.
6. A client has been started on Clozapine. The nurse must monitor which laboratory result
weekly?
A. Platelet count
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Serum Glucose
D. Creatinine Clearance
Answer: B
EXAM 2 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which nursing intervention is
the priority?
A. Encouraging the patient to join a group volleyball game.
B. Providing high-calorie finger foods and fluids.
C. Ensuring a quiet environment with low stimuli.
D. Assisting the patient to explore the cause of their behavior.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Safety and reduction of environmental stimuli are the highest
priorities for a patient in acute mania to prevent exhaustion and injury.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor
most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
D. Serum Sodium
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; low sodium levels can lead to lithium retention
and toxicity. High sodium can lead to subtherapeutic levels.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm.
B. Teach the client deep breathing exercises.
C. Administer PRN Lorazepam immediately.
D. Ask the client to identify the trigger for the attack.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The priority during a panic attack is safety and presence. Staying
with the client provides a sense of security while they are unable to process information.
4. A patient taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) is at the hospital cafeteria. Which food choice
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce.
B. Fresh green salad with oil and vinegar.
C. Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese.
D. Scrambled eggs and toast.
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs require a low-tyramine diet. Pepperoni and aged cheeses
are high in tyramine and can cause a hypertensive crisis.
5. Which symptom is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of normal behaviors,
such as flat affect, anhedonia, and alogia. Hallucinations and delusions are positive
symptoms.
6. A client has been started on Clozapine. The nurse must monitor which laboratory result
weekly?
A. Platelet count
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Serum Glucose
D. Creatinine Clearance
Answer: B
