EXAM 3 NUR 256 MENTAL
HEALTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
LATEST MOCK PRACTICE SET
97 Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
100 PERCENT GUARANTEED PASS
INSTANT DOWNLOAD ANSWERS INCLUDED
IMPORTANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This comprehensive examination preparation guide has been meticulously developed to help you succeed in the
EXAM 3 NUR 256 MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+/
NUR 256 EXAM 3 REVIEW - CORRECTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS. It contains 97 carefully selected
questions that reflect the most current exam content and testing strategies. Each question is accompanied by a
correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying concepts and reasoning required to master
the material.
Self-Assessment – Test your knowledge and Exam Preparation – Familiarize yourself with the
identify areas requiring further question format and content
study areas
Concept Reinforcement – Deepen your Confidence Building – Develop test-taking
understanding through strategies and reduce
evidence-based exam anxiety
rationales
Time Management – Practice answering questions
under simulated exam
conditions
Review Summary 97 Questions
Foundations - Application - 3 NUR 256 Mental Health AND 100 Correct A / NUR 256 3 Review Correctly
Answered Psychiatric-mental Health Nursing Undergraduate YEAR 3 Baccalaureate Nursing Program
All answers with rationales
,Table of Contents
Section A - Therapeutic Section B - Anxiety Disorders AND
Communication AND Nurse-patient Management
Relationship Questions 26 to 50
Questions 1 to 25
Section C - MOOD Disorders Section D - Psychotic Disorders
Depression Bipolar Schizophrenia
Questions 51 to 75 Questions 76 to 97
,Section A - Therapeutic Communication AND
Nurse-patient Relationship
Q1.
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes increasingly agitated during a
session, then abruptly falls silent. The nurse states, 'I notice you have stopped talking. I
will wait for you to feel ready to continue.' This response best exemplifies which
therapeutic communication technique?
A. Confrontation B. Active listening with silence
C. Offering self D. Reflection
Correct: B - Active listening with silence
Rationale:
The nurse uses silence to allow the client to process emotions without pressure.
Confrontation (A) would challenge the behavior; offering self (C) implies presence but not
waiting; reflection (D) would involve repeating the client's statement. Silence is a deliberate
therapeutic tool that conveys acceptance and patience, especially useful during emotional
dysregulation.
Q2.
A client taking clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports prostration, flushed
skin, and severe thirst. The nurse suspects an adverse effect. Which finding in the
complete blood count (CBC) would be most indicative of a life-threatening complication
requiring immediate discontinuation?
A. Leukocytosis with left shift B. Absolute neutrophil count of 300
cells/mm³
C. Hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL D. Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Correct: B - Absolute neutrophil count of 300 cells/mm³
Rationale:
Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis). An ANC < 500 cells/mm³
necessitates drug cessation. Leukocytosis (A) suggests infection, not the specific clozapine
reaction. Mild anemia (C) or normal platelets (D) are not as critical. The symptoms described
(prostration, flushed skin, thirst) may indicate infection or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but
the CBC finding indicates neutropenia, a priority.
Page 3
, Section A - Therapeutic Communication AND Nurse-patient Relationship
Q3.
A client with bipolar I disorder was stabilized on lithium carbonate 900 mg/day. Three
weeks later, the client develops fine hand tremor, muscle weakness, and nausea. The
nurse reviews lab results. Which lithium level would most likely explain these symptoms?
A. 0.4 mEq/L B. 0.8 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L D. 1.8 mEq/L
Correct: C - 1.2 mEq/L
Rationale:
Therapeutic lithium levels range from 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. Mild toxicity (tremor, nausea, weakness)
can occur at levels near 1.2 mEq/L. Level 1.8 mEq/L (D) would cause severe toxicity (ataxia,
confusion, seizures). Levels 0.4 (A) and 0.8 (B) are subtherapeutic or low therapeutic. The
clinical picture is consistent with early toxicity at upper therapeutic or slightly supratherapeutic
levels.
Q4.
Which of the following cognitive distortions is most characteristic of a client with anorexia
nervosa who, despite weighing 85% of ideal body weight, insists on being 'too fat' and
refuses to gain weight?
A. Dichotomous thinking B. Overgeneralization
C. Catastrophizing D. Body image disturbance with low
interoceptive awareness
Correct: D - Body image disturbance with low interoceptive awareness
Rationale:
Body image disturbance is a core diagnostic feature of anorexia nervosa, involving a distorted
perception of body size and shape. Dichotomous thinking (A) is all-or-none reasoning;
overgeneralization (B) applies one event to all; catastrophizing (C) magnifies negative
outcomes. While those may be present, the specific inability to perceive body size accurately
is body image disturbance, often linked to poor interoceptive awareness (ability to sense
internal bodily states).
Q5.
A client with major depressive disorder has been on escitalopram 20 mg daily for 8 weeks
with minimal improvement. The psychiatric nurse practitioner considers augmentation.
Which addition would be most supported by evidence for treatment-resistant depression?
A. Bupropion 150 mg daily B. Olanzapine 5 mg daily
Page 4
HEALTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
LATEST MOCK PRACTICE SET
97 Questions with Answers and Detailed Rationales
100 PERCENT GUARANTEED PASS
INSTANT DOWNLOAD ANSWERS INCLUDED
IMPORTANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This comprehensive examination preparation guide has been meticulously developed to help you succeed in the
EXAM 3 NUR 256 MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND 100% CORRECT ANSWERS GRADED A+/
NUR 256 EXAM 3 REVIEW - CORRECTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS. It contains 97 carefully selected
questions that reflect the most current exam content and testing strategies. Each question is accompanied by a
correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying concepts and reasoning required to master
the material.
Self-Assessment – Test your knowledge and Exam Preparation – Familiarize yourself with the
identify areas requiring further question format and content
study areas
Concept Reinforcement – Deepen your Confidence Building – Develop test-taking
understanding through strategies and reduce
evidence-based exam anxiety
rationales
Time Management – Practice answering questions
under simulated exam
conditions
Review Summary 97 Questions
Foundations - Application - 3 NUR 256 Mental Health AND 100 Correct A / NUR 256 3 Review Correctly
Answered Psychiatric-mental Health Nursing Undergraduate YEAR 3 Baccalaureate Nursing Program
All answers with rationales
,Table of Contents
Section A - Therapeutic Section B - Anxiety Disorders AND
Communication AND Nurse-patient Management
Relationship Questions 26 to 50
Questions 1 to 25
Section C - MOOD Disorders Section D - Psychotic Disorders
Depression Bipolar Schizophrenia
Questions 51 to 75 Questions 76 to 97
,Section A - Therapeutic Communication AND
Nurse-patient Relationship
Q1.
A client with borderline personality disorder becomes increasingly agitated during a
session, then abruptly falls silent. The nurse states, 'I notice you have stopped talking. I
will wait for you to feel ready to continue.' This response best exemplifies which
therapeutic communication technique?
A. Confrontation B. Active listening with silence
C. Offering self D. Reflection
Correct: B - Active listening with silence
Rationale:
The nurse uses silence to allow the client to process emotions without pressure.
Confrontation (A) would challenge the behavior; offering self (C) implies presence but not
waiting; reflection (D) would involve repeating the client's statement. Silence is a deliberate
therapeutic tool that conveys acceptance and patience, especially useful during emotional
dysregulation.
Q2.
A client taking clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports prostration, flushed
skin, and severe thirst. The nurse suspects an adverse effect. Which finding in the
complete blood count (CBC) would be most indicative of a life-threatening complication
requiring immediate discontinuation?
A. Leukocytosis with left shift B. Absolute neutrophil count of 300
cells/mm³
C. Hemoglobin of 10.2 g/dL D. Platelet count of 150,000/mm³
Correct: B - Absolute neutrophil count of 300 cells/mm³
Rationale:
Clozapine carries a risk of severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis). An ANC < 500 cells/mm³
necessitates drug cessation. Leukocytosis (A) suggests infection, not the specific clozapine
reaction. Mild anemia (C) or normal platelets (D) are not as critical. The symptoms described
(prostration, flushed skin, thirst) may indicate infection or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, but
the CBC finding indicates neutropenia, a priority.
Page 3
, Section A - Therapeutic Communication AND Nurse-patient Relationship
Q3.
A client with bipolar I disorder was stabilized on lithium carbonate 900 mg/day. Three
weeks later, the client develops fine hand tremor, muscle weakness, and nausea. The
nurse reviews lab results. Which lithium level would most likely explain these symptoms?
A. 0.4 mEq/L B. 0.8 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L D. 1.8 mEq/L
Correct: C - 1.2 mEq/L
Rationale:
Therapeutic lithium levels range from 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. Mild toxicity (tremor, nausea, weakness)
can occur at levels near 1.2 mEq/L. Level 1.8 mEq/L (D) would cause severe toxicity (ataxia,
confusion, seizures). Levels 0.4 (A) and 0.8 (B) are subtherapeutic or low therapeutic. The
clinical picture is consistent with early toxicity at upper therapeutic or slightly supratherapeutic
levels.
Q4.
Which of the following cognitive distortions is most characteristic of a client with anorexia
nervosa who, despite weighing 85% of ideal body weight, insists on being 'too fat' and
refuses to gain weight?
A. Dichotomous thinking B. Overgeneralization
C. Catastrophizing D. Body image disturbance with low
interoceptive awareness
Correct: D - Body image disturbance with low interoceptive awareness
Rationale:
Body image disturbance is a core diagnostic feature of anorexia nervosa, involving a distorted
perception of body size and shape. Dichotomous thinking (A) is all-or-none reasoning;
overgeneralization (B) applies one event to all; catastrophizing (C) magnifies negative
outcomes. While those may be present, the specific inability to perceive body size accurately
is body image disturbance, often linked to poor interoceptive awareness (ability to sense
internal bodily states).
Q5.
A client with major depressive disorder has been on escitalopram 20 mg daily for 8 weeks
with minimal improvement. The psychiatric nurse practitioner considers augmentation.
Which addition would be most supported by evidence for treatment-resistant depression?
A. Bupropion 150 mg daily B. Olanzapine 5 mg daily
Page 4
