NUR 356 Exam 3: Mental Health Theory & Application V1 -
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A patient diagnosed with depression tells the nurse, ‘I just don’t feel like doing anything today.’ Which
response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. Why do you feel that way?
B. It sounds like you are feeling very low on energy today.
C. You should try to get up and go for a walk.
D. Everyone has days like that sometimes.
Ans: B
Explanation: This response uses the technique of reflection to acknowledge the patient’s feelings. It
shows empathy and encourages the patient to elaborate further on their emotional state. Avoiding ‘why’
questions is important as they can make patients feel defensive. Giving advice is non-therapeutic because
it takes away the patient’s autonomy. Validating the patient’s experience is a core component of
therapeutic communication.
2. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘positive’ symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Social withdrawal
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Flat affect
D. Lack of motivation
Ans: B
,Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those that add to the person’s normal experience.
Hallucinations and delusions are classic examples of positive symptoms that appear during active
psychosis. Negative symptoms, like flat affect or social withdrawal, involve a loss of normal function.
Identifying these symptoms helps in determining the appropriate pharmacological treatment plan.
Antipsychotic medications are primarily aimed at reducing these distressing positive symptoms.
3. A client is starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. What is the therapeutic range for this
medication?
A. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.5 mEq/L
Ans: B
Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow and requires frequent blood monitoring. Levels
below this range may be ineffective for mood stabilization in the client. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L can lead
to toxicity symptoms like tremors and nausea. It is vital for nurses to educate patients on consistent salt
and fluid intake. Monitoring renal function is also necessary when a patient is on long-term lithium
therapy.
4. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily washing their hands. What is
the nurse’s primary goal?
A. Forbid the patient from washing their hands.
B. Explain that their hands are already clean.
C. Increase the handwashing frequency to exhaust the patient.
, D. Gradually decrease the time spent on the ritual.
Ans: D
Explanation: The goal in OCD treatment is to help the patient manage anxiety without relying on rituals.
Abruptly stopping the ritual can cause extreme panic and distress for the patient. Therapy involves
slowly introducing coping mechanisms to replace the repetitive behaviors. The nurse should support the
patient in setting realistic time limits for their rituals. Consistency in the treatment plan helps reduce the
long-term impact of compulsive behaviors.
5. Which medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for depression?
A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
B. Haloperidol (Haldol)
C. Lithium
D. Clozapine
Ans: A
Explanation: Sertraline is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used for mood disorders.
SSRIs are generally preferred due to their lower side-effect profile compared to older antidepressants.
Patients should be warned that it may take several weeks to feel the full effects. Haloperidol is an
antipsychotic, not an antidepressant, and lithium is for bipolar stabilization. Monitoring for suicidal
ideation is critical during the initial weeks of starting any antidepressant.
6. During a panic attack, which nursing intervention is the most appropriate?
A. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
B. Instruct the patient to breathe into a paper bag.
C. Ask the patient to explain what triggered the attack.
Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale
1. A patient diagnosed with depression tells the nurse, ‘I just don’t feel like doing anything today.’ Which
response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. Why do you feel that way?
B. It sounds like you are feeling very low on energy today.
C. You should try to get up and go for a walk.
D. Everyone has days like that sometimes.
Ans: B
Explanation: This response uses the technique of reflection to acknowledge the patient’s feelings. It
shows empathy and encourages the patient to elaborate further on their emotional state. Avoiding ‘why’
questions is important as they can make patients feel defensive. Giving advice is non-therapeutic because
it takes away the patient’s autonomy. Validating the patient’s experience is a core component of
therapeutic communication.
2. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘positive’ symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Social withdrawal
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Flat affect
D. Lack of motivation
Ans: B
,Explanation: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those that add to the person’s normal experience.
Hallucinations and delusions are classic examples of positive symptoms that appear during active
psychosis. Negative symptoms, like flat affect or social withdrawal, involve a loss of normal function.
Identifying these symptoms helps in determining the appropriate pharmacological treatment plan.
Antipsychotic medications are primarily aimed at reducing these distressing positive symptoms.
3. A client is starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. What is the therapeutic range for this
medication?
A. 0.1 to 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.5 mEq/L
Ans: B
Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow and requires frequent blood monitoring. Levels
below this range may be ineffective for mood stabilization in the client. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L can lead
to toxicity symptoms like tremors and nausea. It is vital for nurses to educate patients on consistent salt
and fluid intake. Monitoring renal function is also necessary when a patient is on long-term lithium
therapy.
4. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends two hours daily washing their hands. What is
the nurse’s primary goal?
A. Forbid the patient from washing their hands.
B. Explain that their hands are already clean.
C. Increase the handwashing frequency to exhaust the patient.
, D. Gradually decrease the time spent on the ritual.
Ans: D
Explanation: The goal in OCD treatment is to help the patient manage anxiety without relying on rituals.
Abruptly stopping the ritual can cause extreme panic and distress for the patient. Therapy involves
slowly introducing coping mechanisms to replace the repetitive behaviors. The nurse should support the
patient in setting realistic time limits for their rituals. Consistency in the treatment plan helps reduce the
long-term impact of compulsive behaviors.
5. Which medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for depression?
A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
B. Haloperidol (Haldol)
C. Lithium
D. Clozapine
Ans: A
Explanation: Sertraline is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used for mood disorders.
SSRIs are generally preferred due to their lower side-effect profile compared to older antidepressants.
Patients should be warned that it may take several weeks to feel the full effects. Haloperidol is an
antipsychotic, not an antidepressant, and lithium is for bipolar stabilization. Monitoring for suicidal
ideation is critical during the initial weeks of starting any antidepressant.
6. During a panic attack, which nursing intervention is the most appropriate?
A. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
B. Instruct the patient to breathe into a paper bag.
C. Ask the patient to explain what triggered the attack.
