NSRG 126 Final Exam V2 | NSRG 126
Mental Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Final Exam) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
A. Working on an individual jigsaw puzzle in a quiet area.
B. A competitive game of basketball with other clients.
C. Participating in a large group therapy discussion.
D. Watching a high-intensity action movie in the dayroom.
Correct Answer: A
Clients in a manic state require a low-stimulus environment to prevent over-escalation of
symptoms. Competitive or high-activity tasks can increase agitation and decrease the
ability to focus. Providing a solitary, quiet task like a puzzle helps the client manage their
energy while maintaining safety.
2. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will stop eating salty foods to keep my levels stable.
B. I should keep my salt intake consistent.
,C. I will make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
D. I need to have my blood drawn regularly to check the levels.
Correct Answer: A
Lithium is a salt, and its levels in the blood are closely tied to sodium levels in the body. If
sodium intake is drastically reduced, the kidneys will retain lithium, leading to toxicity. The
client must maintain a consistent intake of both salt and fluids to ensure the medication
remains in the therapeutic range.
3. A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with suspected anorexia
nervosa. Which of the following physical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypertension and tachycardia.
B. Hyperkalemia and oily skin.
C. Heat intolerance and increased energy.
D. Amenorrhea and the presence of lanugo.
Correct Answer: D
Anorexia nervosa often results in significant metabolic and endocrine changes due to
starvation. Amenorrhea is common due to low body fat affecting hormonal cycles, and
lanugo is a fine, downy hair that grows as the body attempts to insulate itself. Other
symptoms typically include hypotension, bradycardia, and cold intolerance.
, 4. Which of the following assessments is the priority for a nurse caring for a client who just
started taking a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)?
A. Monitoring for urinary frequency.
B. Checking for a skin rash.
C. Assessing for suicidal ideation.
D. Monitoring for weight loss.
Correct Answer: C
While TCAs have many side effects, the priority assessment for any client starting an
antidepressant is the risk of suicide. As the medication begins to improve energy levels
before the mood fully lifts, the client may gain the physical energy to carry out a suicide
plan. Safety is always the highest priority in mental health nursing.
5. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, ‘The FBI is monitoring my thoughts through
the television.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. The FBI is not monitoring you; that is impossible.
B. Why would the FBI want to monitor your thoughts?
C. I can help you turn off the television so they can’t see you.
D. I understand that you believe this is happening, but I do not see any evidence of it.
Correct Answer: D
Mental Health Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSRG126 Final Exam) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
A. Working on an individual jigsaw puzzle in a quiet area.
B. A competitive game of basketball with other clients.
C. Participating in a large group therapy discussion.
D. Watching a high-intensity action movie in the dayroom.
Correct Answer: A
Clients in a manic state require a low-stimulus environment to prevent over-escalation of
symptoms. Competitive or high-activity tasks can increase agitation and decrease the
ability to focus. Providing a solitary, quiet task like a puzzle helps the client manage their
energy while maintaining safety.
2. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will stop eating salty foods to keep my levels stable.
B. I should keep my salt intake consistent.
,C. I will make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
D. I need to have my blood drawn regularly to check the levels.
Correct Answer: A
Lithium is a salt, and its levels in the blood are closely tied to sodium levels in the body. If
sodium intake is drastically reduced, the kidneys will retain lithium, leading to toxicity. The
client must maintain a consistent intake of both salt and fluids to ensure the medication
remains in the therapeutic range.
3. A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client with suspected anorexia
nervosa. Which of the following physical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypertension and tachycardia.
B. Hyperkalemia and oily skin.
C. Heat intolerance and increased energy.
D. Amenorrhea and the presence of lanugo.
Correct Answer: D
Anorexia nervosa often results in significant metabolic and endocrine changes due to
starvation. Amenorrhea is common due to low body fat affecting hormonal cycles, and
lanugo is a fine, downy hair that grows as the body attempts to insulate itself. Other
symptoms typically include hypotension, bradycardia, and cold intolerance.
, 4. Which of the following assessments is the priority for a nurse caring for a client who just
started taking a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)?
A. Monitoring for urinary frequency.
B. Checking for a skin rash.
C. Assessing for suicidal ideation.
D. Monitoring for weight loss.
Correct Answer: C
While TCAs have many side effects, the priority assessment for any client starting an
antidepressant is the risk of suicide. As the medication begins to improve energy levels
before the mood fully lifts, the client may gain the physical energy to carry out a suicide
plan. Safety is always the highest priority in mental health nursing.
5. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, ‘The FBI is monitoring my thoughts through
the television.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. The FBI is not monitoring you; that is impossible.
B. Why would the FBI want to monitor your thoughts?
C. I can help you turn off the television so they can’t see you.
D. I understand that you believe this is happening, but I do not see any evidence of it.
Correct Answer: D
