NSRG 126 Exam 3 V1 | NSRG 126 Mental
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Which serum lithium level should the nurse identify as being within the therapeutic range?
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. 2.1 to 3.0 mEq/L
E. 3.1 to 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
The therapeutic range for lithium carbonate is narrow, typically falling between 0.6 and
1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and can
lead to severe neurological and renal complications. The nurse must monitor these levels
frequently to ensure safety and efficacy while avoiding toxicity symptoms like coarse
tremors or ataxia.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality
Disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Social withdrawal and lack of interest in relationships
,B. Rigid adherence to rules and preoccupation with orderliness
C. Grandiosity and a requirement for excessive admiration
D. Emotional instability and impulsive self-harming behaviors
Correct Answer: D
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships and self-image. Clients often exhibit marked impulsivity, such
as self-mutilation or suicidal gestures, in response to perceived abandonment. The nurse
should maintain firm boundaries while providing a safe environment for the client.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing sudden confusion and
agitation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular dementia
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
reversible cognitive deficits. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and irreversible,
delirium is often caused by an underlying physiological trigger such as infection or
, medication toxicity. Immediate intervention is required to identify and treat the underlying
cause to prevent permanent damage.
4. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is prescribed chlordiazepoxide. What is the
primary purpose of this medication in this context?
A. To prevent future alcohol consumption by causing illness
B. To reduce the cravings for alcohol long-term
C. To prevent seizures and stabilize vital signs during withdrawal
D. To treat underlying depression related to substance use
Correct Answer: C
Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for managing acute alcohol
withdrawal symptoms. They help prevent severe complications such as seizures and
delirium tremens by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. The nurse should monitor the
client’s vital signs and withdrawal symptoms using a scale like the CIWA-Ar.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Major Depressive Disorder who was recently started on
Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food choice by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
B. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
C. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni pizza
D. Scrambled eggs and whole-wheat toast
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Which serum lithium level should the nurse identify as being within the therapeutic range?
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. 2.1 to 3.0 mEq/L
E. 3.1 to 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
The therapeutic range for lithium carbonate is narrow, typically falling between 0.6 and
1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and can
lead to severe neurological and renal complications. The nurse must monitor these levels
frequently to ensure safety and efficacy while avoiding toxicity symptoms like coarse
tremors or ataxia.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality
Disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Social withdrawal and lack of interest in relationships
,B. Rigid adherence to rules and preoccupation with orderliness
C. Grandiosity and a requirement for excessive admiration
D. Emotional instability and impulsive self-harming behaviors
Correct Answer: D
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships and self-image. Clients often exhibit marked impulsivity, such
as self-mutilation or suicidal gestures, in response to perceived abandonment. The nurse
should maintain firm boundaries while providing a safe environment for the client.
3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing sudden confusion and
agitation. Which condition should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Alzheimer’s disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular dementia
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
reversible cognitive deficits. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and irreversible,
delirium is often caused by an underlying physiological trigger such as infection or
, medication toxicity. Immediate intervention is required to identify and treat the underlying
cause to prevent permanent damage.
4. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is prescribed chlordiazepoxide. What is the
primary purpose of this medication in this context?
A. To prevent future alcohol consumption by causing illness
B. To reduce the cravings for alcohol long-term
C. To prevent seizures and stabilize vital signs during withdrawal
D. To treat underlying depression related to substance use
Correct Answer: C
Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the gold standard for managing acute alcohol
withdrawal symptoms. They help prevent severe complications such as seizures and
delirium tremens by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. The nurse should monitor the
client’s vital signs and withdrawal symptoms using a scale like the CIWA-Ar.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with Major Depressive Disorder who was recently started on
Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food choice by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
B. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
C. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni pizza
D. Scrambled eggs and whole-wheat toast
