NSRG 126 Exam 3 V3 | NSRG 126 Mental
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A client diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the
following nursing interventions should be prioritized to maintain the client’s safety?
A. Encourage the client to lead a group activity to burn off excess energy.
B. Provide high-calorie, portable finger foods and snacks throughout the day.
C. Engage the client in a competitive game of basketball to redirect aggression.
D. Keep the client in their room with the lights off for the entire shift.
Correct Answer: B
During a manic episode, clients are often too hyperactive to sit down for full meals.
Providing portable finger foods ensures they maintain adequate nutritional intake while on
the move. This intervention addresses physiological safety and prevents exhaustion from
excessive physical activity.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who was just prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further education regarding this
medication?
A. I will go on a low-sodium diet to help my heart health.
B. I will drink about 2 to 3 liters of water every day.
,C. I will have my blood levels checked regularly as ordered.
D. I will call my doctor if I experience persistent diarrhea or vomiting.
Correct Answer: A
Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is inversely related to sodium levels. If sodium intake is
restricted, the kidneys will retain lithium instead of sodium, leading to toxic levels. Patients
must maintain a consistent salt intake to ensure lithium remains within the therapeutic
range.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD). The nurse assesses the client’s suicide risk. Which of the following findings would be
considered the highest risk factor?
A. The client has a history of mild depressive episodes.
B. The client lives alone and has no close family nearby.
C. The client has recently started attending a support group.
D. The client expresses feelings of sadness and worthlessness.
E. The client has a specific plan and access to a firearm.
Correct Answer: E
Lethality of method is a critical component of suicide risk assessment. Having a specific
plan and immediate access to a highly lethal means, such as a firearm, places the client at
, the highest level of risk. The nurse must prioritize immediate safety precautions and
constant observation for this client.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is praised by the night shift nurse but
then tells the day shift nurse that the night nurse is ‘terrible and incompetent.’ The nurse
recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Sublimation
D. Projection
Correct Answer: A
Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism of Borderline Personality Disorder where the
individual views others as either all good or all bad. This inability to integrate positive and
negative qualities in others often leads to conflict within the healthcare team. Consistent
communication and boundaries among staff members are essential when caring for these
clients.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for treatment-resistant depression. Which menu
choice indicates the client understands the dietary restrictions associated with this
medication?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
B. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers
Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A client diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the
following nursing interventions should be prioritized to maintain the client’s safety?
A. Encourage the client to lead a group activity to burn off excess energy.
B. Provide high-calorie, portable finger foods and snacks throughout the day.
C. Engage the client in a competitive game of basketball to redirect aggression.
D. Keep the client in their room with the lights off for the entire shift.
Correct Answer: B
During a manic episode, clients are often too hyperactive to sit down for full meals.
Providing portable finger foods ensures they maintain adequate nutritional intake while on
the move. This intervention addresses physiological safety and prevents exhaustion from
excessive physical activity.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who was just prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further education regarding this
medication?
A. I will go on a low-sodium diet to help my heart health.
B. I will drink about 2 to 3 liters of water every day.
,C. I will have my blood levels checked regularly as ordered.
D. I will call my doctor if I experience persistent diarrhea or vomiting.
Correct Answer: A
Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is inversely related to sodium levels. If sodium intake is
restricted, the kidneys will retain lithium instead of sodium, leading to toxic levels. Patients
must maintain a consistent salt intake to ensure lithium remains within the therapeutic
range.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD). The nurse assesses the client’s suicide risk. Which of the following findings would be
considered the highest risk factor?
A. The client has a history of mild depressive episodes.
B. The client lives alone and has no close family nearby.
C. The client has recently started attending a support group.
D. The client expresses feelings of sadness and worthlessness.
E. The client has a specific plan and access to a firearm.
Correct Answer: E
Lethality of method is a critical component of suicide risk assessment. Having a specific
plan and immediate access to a highly lethal means, such as a firearm, places the client at
, the highest level of risk. The nurse must prioritize immediate safety precautions and
constant observation for this client.
4. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is praised by the night shift nurse but
then tells the day shift nurse that the night nurse is ‘terrible and incompetent.’ The nurse
recognizes this as which defense mechanism?
A. Splitting
B. Reaction Formation
C. Sublimation
D. Projection
Correct Answer: A
Splitting is a hallmark defense mechanism of Borderline Personality Disorder where the
individual views others as either all good or all bad. This inability to integrate positive and
negative qualities in others often leads to conflict within the healthcare team. Consistent
communication and boundaries among staff members are essential when caring for these
clients.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for treatment-resistant depression. Which menu
choice indicates the client understands the dietary restrictions associated with this
medication?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a glass of red wine
B. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers
