NR 326 | Mental Health Nursing | Depression, Anxiety & Mood
Disorders 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a client with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Which
finding is considered a cognitive symptom of depression?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Sleep disturbances
C. Changes in appetite
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Answer: D
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and suicidal ideation are cognitive symptoms.
Psychomotor retardation and sleep/appetite changes are physical or vegetative symptoms.
2. A client is prescribed Phenelzine for depression. Which food item should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green salads
B. Cottage cheese
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Baked chicken breast
Answer: C
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheeses contain tyramine, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs.
,3. What is the therapeutic serum range for Lithium during the maintenance
phase of Bipolar Disorder treatment?
A. 0.1 - 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 maintenance therapeutic range for lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
4. A client experiencing a severe panic attack is brought to the emergency
department. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Teaching the client relaxation techniques
B. Staying with the client and remaining calm
C. Asking the client to explain what triggered the attack
D. Administering a long-acting antidepressant
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse must ensure safety and reduce anxiety by
staying with the client. The client is too overwhelmed for complex teaching or analysis.
5. Which statement by a client indicates a common side effect of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. ‘My gums have started bleeding.’
B. ‘I feel like I am constantly thirsty.’
C. ‘I have noticed a decrease in my sexual desire.’
D. ‘I am having trouble seeing things clearly.’
Answer: C
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a very common and often underreported side effect of
SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline.
, 6. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in a manic phase. Which meal is most
appropriate for this client?
A. Steak, baked potato, and salad
B. Chicken nuggets and an apple
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Soup and crackers
Answer: B
Rationale: Manic clients have difficulty sitting still to eat. ‘Finger foods’ that are high in
protein and calories allow them to eat while moving.
7. A nurse is monitoring a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which set of
symptoms should the nurse look for?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and constipation
B. Hyperreflexia, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
C. Urinary retention, dry mouth, and blurred vision
D. Weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome symptoms include autonomic instability (tachycardia,
diaphoresis), neuromuscular hyperactivity (hyperreflexia, tremors), and mental status
changes.
8. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they say, ‘I only drink
because my spouse nags me all the time’?
A. Rationalization
B. Denial
C. Projection
D. Displacement
Answer: A
Disorders 2026 |Chamberlain College
1. A nurse is assessing a client with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Which
finding is considered a cognitive symptom of depression?
A. Psychomotor retardation
B. Sleep disturbances
C. Changes in appetite
D. Feelings of worthlessness
Answer: D
Rationale: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and suicidal ideation are cognitive symptoms.
Psychomotor retardation and sleep/appetite changes are physical or vegetative symptoms.
2. A client is prescribed Phenelzine for depression. Which food item should the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green salads
B. Cottage cheese
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Baked chicken breast
Answer: C
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheeses contain tyramine, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis in patients taking MAOIs.
,3. What is the therapeutic serum range for Lithium during the maintenance
phase of Bipolar Disorder treatment?
A. 0.1 - 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 maintenance therapeutic range for lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
4. A client experiencing a severe panic attack is brought to the emergency
department. Which nursing intervention is the priority?
A. Teaching the client relaxation techniques
B. Staying with the client and remaining calm
C. Asking the client to explain what triggered the attack
D. Administering a long-acting antidepressant
Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse must ensure safety and reduce anxiety by
staying with the client. The client is too overwhelmed for complex teaching or analysis.
5. Which statement by a client indicates a common side effect of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. ‘My gums have started bleeding.’
B. ‘I feel like I am constantly thirsty.’
C. ‘I have noticed a decrease in my sexual desire.’
D. ‘I am having trouble seeing things clearly.’
Answer: C
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a very common and often underreported side effect of
SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline.
, 6. A client with Bipolar I Disorder is in a manic phase. Which meal is most
appropriate for this client?
A. Steak, baked potato, and salad
B. Chicken nuggets and an apple
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. Soup and crackers
Answer: B
Rationale: Manic clients have difficulty sitting still to eat. ‘Finger foods’ that are high in
protein and calories allow them to eat while moving.
7. A nurse is monitoring a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which set of
symptoms should the nurse look for?
A. Hypotension, bradycardia, and constipation
B. Hyperreflexia, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
C. Urinary retention, dry mouth, and blurred vision
D. Weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance
Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin Syndrome symptoms include autonomic instability (tachycardia,
diaphoresis), neuromuscular hyperactivity (hyperreflexia, tremors), and mental status
changes.
8. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they say, ‘I only drink
because my spouse nags me all the time’?
A. Rationalization
B. Denial
C. Projection
D. Displacement
Answer: A
