NUR253 Final Exam V1 | NUR 253 Mental
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Which of the following statements by the nurse represents the best use of therapeutic
communication?
A. I see you have combed your hair today; I will sit with you for a while.
B. Why do you think you feel so sad today?
C. Everything will be fine once your medication starts working.
D. You should try to participate in the group activities to feel better.
Answer: A
Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of offering self and making
observations. It provides a non-judgmental presence which is crucial for a depressed
patient who may lack energy for conversation. Avoiding ‘why’ questions and false
reassurances is standard practice in psychiatric nursing to maintain trust.
2. A patient taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder reports blurred vision and severe
diarrhea. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Hold the medication and notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
,C. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
D. Document the findings as common side effects.
Answer: A
Rationale: Blurred vision and diarrhea are early signs of lithium toxicity, which can be life-
threatening. The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow, typically 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. The
nurse must prioritize patient safety by halting the drug and seeking medical evaluation to
check serum levels.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a manic episode. Which diet choice is most
appropriate for this client?
A. A tray with steak, baked potato, and salad.
B. High-calorie, high-protein finger foods like chicken strips and apple slices.
C. A bowl of hot vegetable soup and crackers.
D. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread.
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state are hyperactive and often cannot sit down long enough
to eat a full meal. Providing finger foods allows the client to eat while moving, ensuring
they receive necessary calories and nutrition. This intervention addresses the risk of
exhaustion and nutritional deficit common in mania.
, 4. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking me through the television.’
Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. I don’t see the FBI, but I understand that this is frightening for you.
B. The FBI does not have the technology to track you through a TV.
C. Why would the FBI be interested in a person like you?
D. Let’s turn off the TV so they can’t see you anymore.
Answer: A
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client’s feelings without validating the
delusion. It presents reality while showing empathy for the emotional distress caused by
the false belief. Nurses should never argue with a delusion or play along with it, as both can
hinder the therapeutic relationship.
5. Which assessment finding is a hallmark symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia.
B. Muscle flaccidity and hypothermia.
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia.
D. Increased appetite and weight gain.
Answer: C
Health Nursing Exam Q&A | Galen College
of Nursing
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
Which of the following statements by the nurse represents the best use of therapeutic
communication?
A. I see you have combed your hair today; I will sit with you for a while.
B. Why do you think you feel so sad today?
C. Everything will be fine once your medication starts working.
D. You should try to participate in the group activities to feel better.
Answer: A
Rationale: This response uses the therapeutic technique of offering self and making
observations. It provides a non-judgmental presence which is crucial for a depressed
patient who may lack energy for conversation. Avoiding ‘why’ questions and false
reassurances is standard practice in psychiatric nursing to maintain trust.
2. A patient taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder reports blurred vision and severe
diarrhea. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Hold the medication and notify the provider immediately.
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
,C. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
D. Document the findings as common side effects.
Answer: A
Rationale: Blurred vision and diarrhea are early signs of lithium toxicity, which can be life-
threatening. The therapeutic range for lithium is narrow, typically 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. The
nurse must prioritize patient safety by halting the drug and seeking medical evaluation to
check serum levels.
3. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a manic episode. Which diet choice is most
appropriate for this client?
A. A tray with steak, baked potato, and salad.
B. High-calorie, high-protein finger foods like chicken strips and apple slices.
C. A bowl of hot vegetable soup and crackers.
D. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread.
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state are hyperactive and often cannot sit down long enough
to eat a full meal. Providing finger foods allows the client to eat while moving, ensuring
they receive necessary calories and nutrition. This intervention addresses the risk of
exhaustion and nutritional deficit common in mania.
, 4. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking me through the television.’
Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. I don’t see the FBI, but I understand that this is frightening for you.
B. The FBI does not have the technology to track you through a TV.
C. Why would the FBI be interested in a person like you?
D. Let’s turn off the TV so they can’t see you anymore.
Answer: A
Rationale: This response acknowledges the client’s feelings without validating the
delusion. It presents reality while showing empathy for the emotional distress caused by
the false belief. Nurses should never argue with a delusion or play along with it, as both can
hinder the therapeutic relationship.
5. Which assessment finding is a hallmark symptom of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS)?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia.
B. Muscle flaccidity and hypothermia.
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia.
D. Increased appetite and weight gain.
Answer: C
