NUR 252 Mental Health Nursing Exam 3 Practice 2026 |Galen College
1. A patient is being treated with Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder.
Which serum level would the nurse interpret as being within the therapeutic
range for maintenance?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
C. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: C
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
2. A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder is started on Fluoxetine
(Prozac). Which side effect should the nurse emphasize when teaching the client
about this medication?
A. Sexual dysfunction and insomnia
B. Urinary retention and blurred vision
C. Hypertensive crisis with tyramine foods
D. Severe muscle rigidity and high fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Fluoxetine is an SSRI; common side effects include sexual dysfunction,
insomnia, and gastrointestinal upset. Hypertensive crisis is associated with MAOIs.
,3. The nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder. Which
snack is most appropriate for this client?
A. A bowl of soup with crackers
B. An apple and a turkey wrap
C. A slice of pepperoni pizza
D. Spaghetti with meatballs
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in mania need ‘finger foods’ that are high in protein and calories because
they are often too hyperactive to sit down for a meal.
4. Which assessment finding in a patient taking Phenelzine (Nardil) requires
immediate nursing intervention?
A. Dry mouth and constipation
B. A sudden, severe throbbing headache
C. Dizziness when standing up
D. Weight gain of two pounds in a week
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. A sudden, severe headache can indicate a hypertensive
crisis, often triggered by consuming tyramine-rich foods.
5. A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone.
What information should the nurse provide regarding this medication?
A. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for full therapeutic effect.
B. It should be taken only on an as-needed (PRN) basis.
C. It carries a high risk for physical dependence.
D. It will cause significant sedation and drowsiness.
Answer: A
Rationale: Unlike benzodiazepines, Buspirone is not for PRN use and takes several weeks
to reach full effect. It is not addictive and typically does not cause sedation.
, 6. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
symptoms would indicate this condition?
A. Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
B. Hypothermia and bradycardia
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Urinary frequency and skin rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, tachycardia,
hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity, and diaphoresis.
7. A client who recently experienced a house fire reports recurring nightmares
and avoiding the neighborhood where the fire occurred. Which condition does
the nurse suspect?
A. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing the event (nightmares), avoidance
behaviors, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event.
8. In the treatment of a client with Anorexia Nervosa, which nursing
intervention is the priority during the first week of hospitalization?
A. Monitoring for electrolyte imbalances and cardiac arrhythmias
B. Assisting the client to identify triggers for binge eating
C. Encouraging the client to view their body in a mirror
D. Teaching the client about healthy cooking techniques
Answer: A
1. A patient is being treated with Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder.
Which serum level would the nurse interpret as being within the therapeutic
range for maintenance?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
C. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: C
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
2. A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder is started on Fluoxetine
(Prozac). Which side effect should the nurse emphasize when teaching the client
about this medication?
A. Sexual dysfunction and insomnia
B. Urinary retention and blurred vision
C. Hypertensive crisis with tyramine foods
D. Severe muscle rigidity and high fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Fluoxetine is an SSRI; common side effects include sexual dysfunction,
insomnia, and gastrointestinal upset. Hypertensive crisis is associated with MAOIs.
,3. The nurse is caring for a client in the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder. Which
snack is most appropriate for this client?
A. A bowl of soup with crackers
B. An apple and a turkey wrap
C. A slice of pepperoni pizza
D. Spaghetti with meatballs
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in mania need ‘finger foods’ that are high in protein and calories because
they are often too hyperactive to sit down for a meal.
4. Which assessment finding in a patient taking Phenelzine (Nardil) requires
immediate nursing intervention?
A. Dry mouth and constipation
B. A sudden, severe throbbing headache
C. Dizziness when standing up
D. Weight gain of two pounds in a week
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. A sudden, severe headache can indicate a hypertensive
crisis, often triggered by consuming tyramine-rich foods.
5. A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone.
What information should the nurse provide regarding this medication?
A. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for full therapeutic effect.
B. It should be taken only on an as-needed (PRN) basis.
C. It carries a high risk for physical dependence.
D. It will cause significant sedation and drowsiness.
Answer: A
Rationale: Unlike benzodiazepines, Buspirone is not for PRN use and takes several weeks
to reach full effect. It is not addictive and typically does not cause sedation.
, 6. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
symptoms would indicate this condition?
A. Muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
B. Hypothermia and bradycardia
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Urinary frequency and skin rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, tachycardia,
hyperreflexia, muscle rigidity, and diaphoresis.
7. A client who recently experienced a house fire reports recurring nightmares
and avoiding the neighborhood where the fire occurred. Which condition does
the nurse suspect?
A. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
B. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing the event (nightmares), avoidance
behaviors, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event.
8. In the treatment of a client with Anorexia Nervosa, which nursing
intervention is the priority during the first week of hospitalization?
A. Monitoring for electrolyte imbalances and cardiac arrhythmias
B. Assisting the client to identify triggers for binge eating
C. Encouraging the client to view their body in a mirror
D. Teaching the client about healthy cooking techniques
Answer: A
