NUR253 Final Exam V3 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A patient with schizophrenia is started on Clozapine. Which laboratory value is most critical
for the nurse to monitor frequently?
A. Serum Potassium levels
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a life-
threatening drop in white blood cell counts. Regular monitoring of the absolute neutrophil
count (ANC) and WBC is mandatory to ensure patient safety. If the count drops below a
specific threshold, the medication must be discontinued immediately to prevent severe
infection.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You seem
upset today’?
A. Sharing observations
B. Providing false reassurance
,C. Giving advice
D. Asking ‘Why’ questions
Answer: A
Rationale: Sharing observations helps the patient recognize their own behaviors and
feelings without the nurse making a judgment. It encourages the patient to elaborate on
their emotional state and promotes further dialogue. This technique is non-threatening and
fosters a stronger therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode of Bipolar I Disorder. What is
the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encouraging participation in group therapy sessions
B. Providing a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation
C. Ensuring the patient completes a detailed self-assessment
D. Maintaining a low-stimulation environment
Answer: D
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are easily overstimulated, which can escalate
their agitation and hyperactivity. Reducing environmental stimuli, such as loud noises or
bright lights, helps calm the patient and provides a safer atmosphere. The nurse’s primary
focus should be on safety and stabilization during this acute phase.
, 4. A patient is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication is most likely to be
prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Haloperidol
C. Methadone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage the physical
symptoms and prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It helps stabilize vital signs and
provides a sedative effect to reduce patient distress. Monitoring for respiratory depression
and over-sedation is a vital nursing responsibility when administering this drug.
5. A patient states, ‘I don’t think I can go on anymore; everything is hopeless.’ What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Remind the patient that they have a lot to live for
B. Document the statement and check back in one hour
C. Ask the patient if they have a specific plan for suicide
D. Refer the patient to a chaplain or spiritual counselor
Answer: C
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A patient with schizophrenia is started on Clozapine. Which laboratory value is most critical
for the nurse to monitor frequently?
A. Serum Potassium levels
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
C. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a life-
threatening drop in white blood cell counts. Regular monitoring of the absolute neutrophil
count (ANC) and WBC is mandatory to ensure patient safety. If the count drops below a
specific threshold, the medication must be discontinued immediately to prevent severe
infection.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘You seem
upset today’?
A. Sharing observations
B. Providing false reassurance
,C. Giving advice
D. Asking ‘Why’ questions
Answer: A
Rationale: Sharing observations helps the patient recognize their own behaviors and
feelings without the nurse making a judgment. It encourages the patient to elaborate on
their emotional state and promotes further dialogue. This technique is non-threatening and
fosters a stronger therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode of Bipolar I Disorder. What is
the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encouraging participation in group therapy sessions
B. Providing a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation
C. Ensuring the patient completes a detailed self-assessment
D. Maintaining a low-stimulation environment
Answer: D
Rationale: During a manic episode, patients are easily overstimulated, which can escalate
their agitation and hyperactivity. Reducing environmental stimuli, such as loud noises or
bright lights, helps calm the patient and provides a safer atmosphere. The nurse’s primary
focus should be on safety and stabilization during this acute phase.
, 4. A patient is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication is most likely to be
prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Haloperidol
C. Methadone
D. Chlordiazepoxide
Answer: D
Rationale: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage the physical
symptoms and prevent seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It helps stabilize vital signs and
provides a sedative effect to reduce patient distress. Monitoring for respiratory depression
and over-sedation is a vital nursing responsibility when administering this drug.
5. A patient states, ‘I don’t think I can go on anymore; everything is hopeless.’ What is the
nurse’s priority action?
A. Remind the patient that they have a lot to live for
B. Document the statement and check back in one hour
C. Ask the patient if they have a specific plan for suicide
D. Refer the patient to a chaplain or spiritual counselor
Answer: C
