PRN 1562/PRN1562 Final Exam V2 |
Principles of Mental Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is prescribed lithium carbonate.
What is the therapeutic serum level for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic maintenance range for lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels below this range may be ineffective for mood stabilization. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L
are considered toxic and require immediate medical intervention.
2. Which laboratory value is the most important for a nurse to monitor in a client taking
clozapine?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Platelet count
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. Nurses must monitor the WBC and absolute
neutrophil count (ANC) weekly for the first six months of treatment. If the WBC count
drops below 3,000, the medication is typically discontinued.
3. A client taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression must avoid which of
the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh green beans
B. Scrambled eggs
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. Aged cheddar cheese
Answer: D
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine in the liver, which can lead to
excessive norepinephrine release. Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured
meats, and red wine, must be strictly avoided. Consuming these foods while on an MAOI
can trigger a dangerous hypertensive crisis.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) after the administration of
haloperidol. Which finding indicates acute dystonia?
A. Severe muscle spasms of the tongue, face, and neck
, B. Restlessness and an urgent need to move around
C. Fine tremors and a shuffling gait
D. Involuntary rhythmic movements of the mouth and face
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute dystonia is characterized by severe muscle contractions, often affecting
the head and neck. This condition usually occurs within the first few days of starting high-
potency antipsychotics. It is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to airway
obstruction if the laryngeal muscles are involved.
5. A client is diagnosed with serotonin syndrome. Which of the following symptoms would
the nurse expect to see?
A. Hypothermia and bradycardia
B. Constipation and urinary retention
C. Pallor and orthostatic hypotension
D. Hyperreflexia, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
Answer: D
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by an
overabundance of serotonin in the central nervous system. Common symptoms include
mental status changes, tachycardia, hyperreflexia, and fever. Immediate discontinuation of
the causative agent and supportive care are essential for recovery.
Principles of Mental Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is prescribed lithium carbonate.
What is the therapeutic serum level for maintenance therapy?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic maintenance range for lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels below this range may be ineffective for mood stabilization. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L
are considered toxic and require immediate medical intervention.
2. Which laboratory value is the most important for a nurse to monitor in a client taking
clozapine?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Platelet count
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. Nurses must monitor the WBC and absolute
neutrophil count (ANC) weekly for the first six months of treatment. If the WBC count
drops below 3,000, the medication is typically discontinued.
3. A client taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression must avoid which of
the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh green beans
B. Scrambled eggs
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. Aged cheddar cheese
Answer: D
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine in the liver, which can lead to
excessive norepinephrine release. Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured
meats, and red wine, must be strictly avoided. Consuming these foods while on an MAOI
can trigger a dangerous hypertensive crisis.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) after the administration of
haloperidol. Which finding indicates acute dystonia?
A. Severe muscle spasms of the tongue, face, and neck
, B. Restlessness and an urgent need to move around
C. Fine tremors and a shuffling gait
D. Involuntary rhythmic movements of the mouth and face
Answer: A
Rationale: Acute dystonia is characterized by severe muscle contractions, often affecting
the head and neck. This condition usually occurs within the first few days of starting high-
potency antipsychotics. It is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to airway
obstruction if the laryngeal muscles are involved.
5. A client is diagnosed with serotonin syndrome. Which of the following symptoms would
the nurse expect to see?
A. Hypothermia and bradycardia
B. Constipation and urinary retention
C. Pallor and orthostatic hypotension
D. Hyperreflexia, tachycardia, and diaphoresis
Answer: D
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by an
overabundance of serotonin in the central nervous system. Common symptoms include
mental status changes, tachycardia, hyperreflexia, and fever. Immediate discontinuation of
the causative agent and supportive care are essential for recovery.
