Page 1 of 23
29 May 2026
NSG 350 Mental Health WEEK 2 Exam |80
Questions with 100% Correct Answers |
Verified | Latest Update 2026/2027,
1. A patient will be starting on fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) therapy and taking 20 mg PO
every morning. Which information should the nurse provide to the patient?
a. "Make sure that you take your pulse before getting out of bed in the morning."
b. "Try taking your medication with breakfast if you begin experiencing nausea."
c. "You may need to reduce your fluids at night because of nocturnal urination."
d. "Remember to avoid red wine, nuts, and any cheese except cottage and cream."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Try taking your medication with breakfast if you begin experiencing nausea."
Rationale: Fluoxetine (Prozac), an SSRI antidepressant, commonly causes gastrointestinal upset such
as nausea. Taking the medication with food can reduce this side effect. The tyramine restrictions in
option D apply to MAOIs, not SSRIs.
2. A patient being treated for depression reports experiencing nausea, palpitations, and "a terrible
headache." When the physical examination determines the patient is diaphoresic and
hypertensive, the nurse should ask:
a. "When did you last take your phenelzine (Nardil)?"
b. "Did you take your amitriptyline (Elavil) on schedule?"
c. "What natural foods have you had in the last 24 hours?"
d. "Have you had any alcohol to drink within the last 24 hours?"
correct answer-ANS: A
"When did you last take your phenelzine (Nardil)?"
Rationale: The symptoms suggest a hypertensive crisis, a potentially fatal adverse reaction
associated with MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil). Prompt assessment of MAOI use is critical
because tyramine interactions can rapidly elevate blood pressure.
3. A patient taking medication for depression states, "I need to stop taking my medication
because it blurs my vision, and I'm making mistakes when I paint jewelry by hand." Which
response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "If you cannot take medication, would you consider a course of 6 to 10 electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT) treatments offered on an outpatient basis? ECT treatments usually work immediately."
b. "Do you recall the two of us discussing that blurred vision may occur but that it will resolve
shortly? In the meantime, let's discuss how to best avoid getting injured until your vision clears
up."
c. "I understand your concern considering that you need to work to receive health insurance. Would
you like me to ask the psychiatrist to change your medication?"
, Page 2 of 23
29 May 2026
d. "You may need to apply for a sick leave for 6 months until your depression improves enough to
lessen the medication dosage."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Do you recall the two of us discussing that blurred vision may occur but that it will resolve
shortly? In the meantime, let's discuss how to best avoid getting injured until your vision
clears up."
Rationale: Many antidepressants cause temporary blurred vision because of anticholinergic effects.
The nurse provides reassurance, education, and safety guidance while encouraging adherence to
treatment.
4. A patient who has been taking an antidepressant for 2 months shares with the nurse, "Since my
depression is over, I've stopped the Prozac and I won't need to see you any longer." Which
response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "Do you recall that we discussed the need for you to take the medication for up to 1 year before
trying to taper off the drug? Let's discuss why it's not advisable to stop your medication abruptly." b.
"It is not recommended that you stop the antidepressants abruptly. I strongly suggest that you
continue seeing me regularly to ensure that any change in your condition will be treated
immediately."
c. "You should not discontinue your medication without consulting your psychiatrist. You will
very likely experience withdrawal symptoms and become more depressed than you were before."
d. "Although it isn't wise to stop the medication as you have, you seem to be handling things
very well."
correct answer-ANS: A
"Do you recall that we discussed the need for you to take the medication for up to 1 year
before trying to taper off the drug? Let's discuss why it's not advisable to stop your
medication abruptly."
Rationale: Antidepressants should not be discontinued abruptly because relapse and withdrawal
symptoms may occur. Continuing therapy for several months after symptom improvement
decreases the risk of recurrence.
5. Which medication would the nurse expect to administer when observing that a patient being
treated for schizophrenia is fidgety, demonstrates motor restlessness, and jiggles both legs when
asked to sit down?
a. Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
b. Molindone (Moban)
c. Biperiden (Akineton)
d. Thioridazine (Mellaril)
correct answer-ANS: C
Biperiden (Akineton)
Rationale: The patient is exhibiting akathisia, an extrapyramidal side effect characterized by motor
restlessness. Anticholinergic medications such as biperiden are used to reduce EPS symptoms.
, Page 3 of 23
29 May 2026
6. Which set of instructions is most appropriate when preparing the patient for collection of a
24hour creatinine clearance for a prelithium workup?
a. "Collect all urine when you wake up and for 12 hours thereafter, and then discard all
collected urine, noting the time. Begin again to collect all urine, and refrigerate it for the next 12
hours after your blood is drawn."
b. "Discard your first morning urine on awakening, and then begin to time and collect your
urine. Keep it refrigerated in a clean 3-L plastic container. Your blood may be drawn at any time
during the collection."
c. "Sign this consent form; then collect your urine for the next 24 hours after discarding the
first urine of the morning and then refrigerate the clean 3-L container between voidings."
d. "Sign this consent form, and then begin to collect your urine in a clean 3-L plastic container
for 24 hours. You may refrigerate the urine collection if needed."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Discard your first morning urine on awakening, and then begin to time and collect your
urine. Keep it refrigerated in a clean 3-L plastic container. Your blood may be drawn at any
time during the collection."
Rationale: Accurate 24-hour urine collection is necessary before lithium therapy to evaluate renal
function. The first void is discarded, all remaining urine is collected for 24 hours, and the specimen is
refrigerated to preserve accuracy.
7. Which statement represents the most appropriate instructions for a patient with a past suicide
attempt who is prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil), 150 mg PO at bedtime?
a. "You will need to pick up your 7-day supply of medication at the pharmacy each week."
b. "Your prescription will provide you with a 6-month supply to save you money and time."
c. "I'm going to strongly suggest that your spouse dispense this medication to you each evening."
d. "Stop by the clinic each evening for your medication so your emotional state of mind can be
assessed."
correct answer-ANS: A
"You will need to pick up your 7-day supply of medication at the pharmacy each week."
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline are highly lethal in overdose. Limiting the
quantity dispensed reduces the risk of suicide while still supporting patient independence and
treatment adherence.
8. A patient taking lithium carbonate reports nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and drowsiness.
Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication with meals.
b. Notify the health care provider immediately and withhold the next dose.
c. Tell the patient that these symptoms are expected and temporary.
d. Advise the patient to increase caffeine intake.
correct answer-ANS: B
Notify the health care provider immediately and withhold the next dose.
29 May 2026
NSG 350 Mental Health WEEK 2 Exam |80
Questions with 100% Correct Answers |
Verified | Latest Update 2026/2027,
1. A patient will be starting on fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) therapy and taking 20 mg PO
every morning. Which information should the nurse provide to the patient?
a. "Make sure that you take your pulse before getting out of bed in the morning."
b. "Try taking your medication with breakfast if you begin experiencing nausea."
c. "You may need to reduce your fluids at night because of nocturnal urination."
d. "Remember to avoid red wine, nuts, and any cheese except cottage and cream."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Try taking your medication with breakfast if you begin experiencing nausea."
Rationale: Fluoxetine (Prozac), an SSRI antidepressant, commonly causes gastrointestinal upset such
as nausea. Taking the medication with food can reduce this side effect. The tyramine restrictions in
option D apply to MAOIs, not SSRIs.
2. A patient being treated for depression reports experiencing nausea, palpitations, and "a terrible
headache." When the physical examination determines the patient is diaphoresic and
hypertensive, the nurse should ask:
a. "When did you last take your phenelzine (Nardil)?"
b. "Did you take your amitriptyline (Elavil) on schedule?"
c. "What natural foods have you had in the last 24 hours?"
d. "Have you had any alcohol to drink within the last 24 hours?"
correct answer-ANS: A
"When did you last take your phenelzine (Nardil)?"
Rationale: The symptoms suggest a hypertensive crisis, a potentially fatal adverse reaction
associated with MAOIs such as phenelzine (Nardil). Prompt assessment of MAOI use is critical
because tyramine interactions can rapidly elevate blood pressure.
3. A patient taking medication for depression states, "I need to stop taking my medication
because it blurs my vision, and I'm making mistakes when I paint jewelry by hand." Which
response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "If you cannot take medication, would you consider a course of 6 to 10 electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT) treatments offered on an outpatient basis? ECT treatments usually work immediately."
b. "Do you recall the two of us discussing that blurred vision may occur but that it will resolve
shortly? In the meantime, let's discuss how to best avoid getting injured until your vision clears
up."
c. "I understand your concern considering that you need to work to receive health insurance. Would
you like me to ask the psychiatrist to change your medication?"
, Page 2 of 23
29 May 2026
d. "You may need to apply for a sick leave for 6 months until your depression improves enough to
lessen the medication dosage."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Do you recall the two of us discussing that blurred vision may occur but that it will resolve
shortly? In the meantime, let's discuss how to best avoid getting injured until your vision
clears up."
Rationale: Many antidepressants cause temporary blurred vision because of anticholinergic effects.
The nurse provides reassurance, education, and safety guidance while encouraging adherence to
treatment.
4. A patient who has been taking an antidepressant for 2 months shares with the nurse, "Since my
depression is over, I've stopped the Prozac and I won't need to see you any longer." Which
response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?
a. "Do you recall that we discussed the need for you to take the medication for up to 1 year before
trying to taper off the drug? Let's discuss why it's not advisable to stop your medication abruptly." b.
"It is not recommended that you stop the antidepressants abruptly. I strongly suggest that you
continue seeing me regularly to ensure that any change in your condition will be treated
immediately."
c. "You should not discontinue your medication without consulting your psychiatrist. You will
very likely experience withdrawal symptoms and become more depressed than you were before."
d. "Although it isn't wise to stop the medication as you have, you seem to be handling things
very well."
correct answer-ANS: A
"Do you recall that we discussed the need for you to take the medication for up to 1 year
before trying to taper off the drug? Let's discuss why it's not advisable to stop your
medication abruptly."
Rationale: Antidepressants should not be discontinued abruptly because relapse and withdrawal
symptoms may occur. Continuing therapy for several months after symptom improvement
decreases the risk of recurrence.
5. Which medication would the nurse expect to administer when observing that a patient being
treated for schizophrenia is fidgety, demonstrates motor restlessness, and jiggles both legs when
asked to sit down?
a. Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
b. Molindone (Moban)
c. Biperiden (Akineton)
d. Thioridazine (Mellaril)
correct answer-ANS: C
Biperiden (Akineton)
Rationale: The patient is exhibiting akathisia, an extrapyramidal side effect characterized by motor
restlessness. Anticholinergic medications such as biperiden are used to reduce EPS symptoms.
, Page 3 of 23
29 May 2026
6. Which set of instructions is most appropriate when preparing the patient for collection of a
24hour creatinine clearance for a prelithium workup?
a. "Collect all urine when you wake up and for 12 hours thereafter, and then discard all
collected urine, noting the time. Begin again to collect all urine, and refrigerate it for the next 12
hours after your blood is drawn."
b. "Discard your first morning urine on awakening, and then begin to time and collect your
urine. Keep it refrigerated in a clean 3-L plastic container. Your blood may be drawn at any time
during the collection."
c. "Sign this consent form; then collect your urine for the next 24 hours after discarding the
first urine of the morning and then refrigerate the clean 3-L container between voidings."
d. "Sign this consent form, and then begin to collect your urine in a clean 3-L plastic container
for 24 hours. You may refrigerate the urine collection if needed."
correct answer-ANS: B
"Discard your first morning urine on awakening, and then begin to time and collect your
urine. Keep it refrigerated in a clean 3-L plastic container. Your blood may be drawn at any
time during the collection."
Rationale: Accurate 24-hour urine collection is necessary before lithium therapy to evaluate renal
function. The first void is discarded, all remaining urine is collected for 24 hours, and the specimen is
refrigerated to preserve accuracy.
7. Which statement represents the most appropriate instructions for a patient with a past suicide
attempt who is prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil), 150 mg PO at bedtime?
a. "You will need to pick up your 7-day supply of medication at the pharmacy each week."
b. "Your prescription will provide you with a 6-month supply to save you money and time."
c. "I'm going to strongly suggest that your spouse dispense this medication to you each evening."
d. "Stop by the clinic each evening for your medication so your emotional state of mind can be
assessed."
correct answer-ANS: A
"You will need to pick up your 7-day supply of medication at the pharmacy each week."
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline are highly lethal in overdose. Limiting the
quantity dispensed reduces the risk of suicide while still supporting patient independence and
treatment adherence.
8. A patient taking lithium carbonate reports nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and drowsiness.
Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication with meals.
b. Notify the health care provider immediately and withhold the next dose.
c. Tell the patient that these symptoms are expected and temporary.
d. Advise the patient to increase caffeine intake.
correct answer-ANS: B
Notify the health care provider immediately and withhold the next dose.
