NUR2459/NUR 2459 Final Exam V2 |
Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.
Which of the following is the most important assessment for the nurse to prioritize?
A. The client’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
B. The client’s appetite and nutritional intake.
C. The client’s social support systems.
D. The client’s potential for self-harm or suicide.
Answer: D
Rationale: Safety is the highest priority when managing a client with Major Depressive
Disorder. The nurse must assess for suicidal ideation, intent, and plan to ensure the client’s
safety. While nutrition and ADLs are important, they do not supersede the immediate risk
of self-harm.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium levels.
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
,C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
D. White Blood Cell (WBC) count.
Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a life-
threatening drop in white blood cells. Regular monitoring of the WBC and Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required by law. Nurses must report any signs of infection
immediately to the healthcare provider.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is best illustrated when a nurse says, ‘Tell me
more about that’?
A. Reflecting.
B. Exploring.
C. Summarizing.
D. Restating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring is a technique used to encourage the client to delve deeper into a
subject or experience. It allows the nurse to gather more information without being
intrusive or directive. This open-ended approach fosters a more comprehensive
understanding of the client’s perspective.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
A. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques immediately.
C. Ask the client to explain what triggered the panic.
D. Leave the client alone to allow them privacy to calm down.
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is severely
limited. Staying with the client provides reassurance and ensures safety during the crisis.
Using short, simple sentences helps the client focus and follow instructions while their
anxiety level is extremely high.
5. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder reports vomiting, diarrhea, and
blurred vision. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose of Lithium.
B. Withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider.
C. Advise the client to increase fluid intake.
D. Document the findings as common side effects.
Answer: B
Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.
Which of the following is the most important assessment for the nurse to prioritize?
A. The client’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
B. The client’s appetite and nutritional intake.
C. The client’s social support systems.
D. The client’s potential for self-harm or suicide.
Answer: D
Rationale: Safety is the highest priority when managing a client with Major Depressive
Disorder. The nurse must assess for suicidal ideation, intent, and plan to ensure the client’s
safety. While nutrition and ADLs are important, they do not supersede the immediate risk
of self-harm.
2. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium levels.
B. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
,C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN).
D. White Blood Cell (WBC) count.
Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine carries a significant risk of agranulocytosis, which is a life-
threatening drop in white blood cells. Regular monitoring of the WBC and Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required by law. Nurses must report any signs of infection
immediately to the healthcare provider.
3. Which therapeutic communication technique is best illustrated when a nurse says, ‘Tell me
more about that’?
A. Reflecting.
B. Exploring.
C. Summarizing.
D. Restating.
Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring is a technique used to encourage the client to delve deeper into a
subject or experience. It allows the nurse to gather more information without being
intrusive or directive. This open-ended approach fosters a more comprehensive
understanding of the client’s perspective.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
A. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques immediately.
C. Ask the client to explain what triggered the panic.
D. Leave the client alone to allow them privacy to calm down.
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is severely
limited. Staying with the client provides reassurance and ensures safety during the crisis.
Using short, simple sentences helps the client focus and follow instructions while their
anxiety level is extremely high.
5. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder reports vomiting, diarrhea, and
blurred vision. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose of Lithium.
B. Withhold the dose and notify the healthcare provider.
C. Advise the client to increase fluid intake.
D. Document the findings as common side effects.
Answer: B
