NUR 252 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 2026 |Galen College
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The most recent
blood test shows a level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
C. Encourage the client to increase sodium intake
D. Document the result as a therapeutic level
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8 mEq/L
indicates toxicity, requiring the nurse to hold the drug and notify the provider immediately.
2. A client with Major Depressive Disorder has been taking Paroxetine for 3
days. The client states, ‘This medicine isn’t working, I still feel sad.’ What is the
best response?
A. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for you to feel the full effects
B. We will ask the doctor to change your medication today
C. You might need a higher dose of the medication
D. Stop taking the medication if you do not feel better tomorrow
Answer: A
Rationale: SSRIs like paroxetine typically take 2 to 4 weeks to reach therapeutic
effectiveness. Patients should be encouraged to continue the regimen.
,3. Which assessment finding is a characteristic symptom of Anorexia Nervosa?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Bradycardia and lanugo
C. Hyperkalemia and oily skin
D. Increased bone density
Answer: B
Rationale: Physical findings in Anorexia Nervosa often include bradycardia, hypotension,
and lanugo (fine, downy hair) as the body attempts to conserve heat and energy.
4. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate?
A. Stay with the client and use a calm, low-pitched voice
B. Encourage the client to discuss their childhood
C. Leave the client alone to allow them privacy
D. Explain the physiology of anxiety in detail
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should stay with the client to provide safety
and use simple, calm communication to help lower the anxiety level.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits repetitive hand-washing 20 times a
day. This behavior is primarily intended to:
A. Improve physical hygiene
B. Manipulate the hospital environment
C. Gain attention from the nursing staff
D. Decrease anxiety resulting from obsessive thoughts
Answer: D
Rationale: Compulsions in OCD are repetitive behaviors performed to neutralize or reduce
the anxiety caused by persistent obsessive thoughts.
, 6. A client taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) should avoid which of the following
foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh green salads
B. Cottage cheese
C. Cooked white rice
D. Pepperoni and aged cheeses
Answer: D
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats like
pepperoni, red wine), which can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
7. Which defense mechanism involves a client blaming others for their own
unacceptable thoughts or feelings?
A. Displacement
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: C
Rationale: Projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses to another
person.
8. A nurse is assessing a client for PTSD. Which of the following is a classic sign
of this disorder?
A. Recurrent, intrusive flashbacks of the event
B. Frequent handwashing
C. Excessive worry about everyday activities
D. Fear of being in open public spaces
Answer: A
Rationale: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares related to a traumatic event are
hallmark symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The most recent
blood test shows a level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose
B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
C. Encourage the client to increase sodium intake
D. Document the result as a therapeutic level
Answer: B
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.8 mEq/L
indicates toxicity, requiring the nurse to hold the drug and notify the provider immediately.
2. A client with Major Depressive Disorder has been taking Paroxetine for 3
days. The client states, ‘This medicine isn’t working, I still feel sad.’ What is the
best response?
A. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for you to feel the full effects
B. We will ask the doctor to change your medication today
C. You might need a higher dose of the medication
D. Stop taking the medication if you do not feel better tomorrow
Answer: A
Rationale: SSRIs like paroxetine typically take 2 to 4 weeks to reach therapeutic
effectiveness. Patients should be encouraged to continue the regimen.
,3. Which assessment finding is a characteristic symptom of Anorexia Nervosa?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Bradycardia and lanugo
C. Hyperkalemia and oily skin
D. Increased bone density
Answer: B
Rationale: Physical findings in Anorexia Nervosa often include bradycardia, hypotension,
and lanugo (fine, downy hair) as the body attempts to conserve heat and energy.
4. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate?
A. Stay with the client and use a calm, low-pitched voice
B. Encourage the client to discuss their childhood
C. Leave the client alone to allow them privacy
D. Explain the physiology of anxiety in detail
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse should stay with the client to provide safety
and use simple, calm communication to help lower the anxiety level.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits repetitive hand-washing 20 times a
day. This behavior is primarily intended to:
A. Improve physical hygiene
B. Manipulate the hospital environment
C. Gain attention from the nursing staff
D. Decrease anxiety resulting from obsessive thoughts
Answer: D
Rationale: Compulsions in OCD are repetitive behaviors performed to neutralize or reduce
the anxiety caused by persistent obsessive thoughts.
, 6. A client taking Phenelzine (an MAOI) should avoid which of the following
foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh green salads
B. Cottage cheese
C. Cooked white rice
D. Pepperoni and aged cheeses
Answer: D
Rationale: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats like
pepperoni, red wine), which can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
7. Which defense mechanism involves a client blaming others for their own
unacceptable thoughts or feelings?
A. Displacement
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Sublimation
Answer: C
Rationale: Projection is attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or impulses to another
person.
8. A nurse is assessing a client for PTSD. Which of the following is a classic sign
of this disorder?
A. Recurrent, intrusive flashbacks of the event
B. Frequent handwashing
C. Excessive worry about everyday activities
D. Fear of being in open public spaces
Answer: A
Rationale: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares related to a traumatic event are
hallmark symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
