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MDC III FINAL EXAM LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
(2026-2027) ALL 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
MDC III FINAL EXAM
Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive final examination covers the full scope of psychiatric–mental health
nursing as presented in the OpenStax textbook and MDC III curriculum. Foundational concepts
include the distinction between mental health and mental illness, the mental health continuum,
risk and protective factors, stigma, and the recovery model. Therapeutic communication and
the nurse–client relationship are central, including verbal and nonverbal techniques, active
listening, empathy, boundaries, and cultural considerations. The nursing process is applied
throughout, with emphasis on biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation. Psychopharmacology covers major drug classes—
antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics—including mechanisms, side
effects, adverse reactions, and nursing implications. Legal and ethical principles include
informed consent, confidentiality (HIPAA), duty to warn, mandatory reporting, civil
commitment, and the ANA Code of Ethics. Major psychiatric disorders are addressed across the
lifespan: schizophrenia spectrum (positive/negative symptoms, antipsychotic management);
depressive disorders (assessment, suicide risk, antidepressants); bipolar disorders (mania,
hypomania, mood stabilizers); anxiety disorders (GAD, panic, phobias, PTSD, OCD); personality
disorders (Clusters A, B, C with specific interventions); substance use disorders;
neurodevelopmental disorders; trauma-informed care; crisis intervention; and community
mental health. The exam emphasizes clinical judgment, safety prioritization, therapeutic
engagement, and evidence-based, culturally competent, recovery-oriented nursing care across
all settings.
INSTRUCTIONS
This examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions
Select the single best answer for each question
Each question is worth 1 point
Total examination time: 3 hours
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All questions are randomized and do not follow subtopic domains
Read each question carefully before selecting your answer
Mark your answers on the provided answer sheet
SECTION I: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A 45-year-old client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I don't see the point in
going on anymore." What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Explore the client's feelings of hopelessness
B. Ask the client directly about suicidal thoughts and plan
C. Notify the health-care provider of the client's statement
D. Encourage the client to focus on positive aspects of life
Answer: B
Asking directly about suicidal ideation, intent, and plan is the priority when a client expresses
hopelessness; this direct assessment is essential for safety planning and does not increase
suicide risk.
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2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding them to
harm others. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate initially?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real
B. Distract the client with a television show
C. Assess the content and command nature of the hallucinations
D. Place the client in seclusion for safety
Answer: C
Assessing the content of hallucinations, especially command hallucinations, determines
immediate safety risk; the nurse must evaluate whether the client intends to act on the
commands before implementing safety measures.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase and has not slept
for three days. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the client to take a nap
B. Provide a structured, low-stimulation environment
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C. Allow the client to exercise vigorously to expend energy
D. Engage the client in group therapy to promote socialization
Answer: B
Clients in a manic phase require reduced environmental stimulation to decrease agitation and
prevent exhaustion; a structured, calm environment with frequent high-calorie snacks and fluids
supports stabilization.
4. A client prescribed fluoxetine for depression reports gastrointestinal distress and insomnia.
What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Stop taking the medication immediately and call your provider"
B. "These side effects are common and often subside within a few weeks"
C. "Take the medication with food and in the morning to minimize these effects"
D. "Request a different medication from your provider"
Answer: C
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MDC III FINAL EXAM LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
(2026-2027) ALL 300 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
MDC III FINAL EXAM
Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing
EXAM COVERAGE SUMMARY
This comprehensive final examination covers the full scope of psychiatric–mental health
nursing as presented in the OpenStax textbook and MDC III curriculum. Foundational concepts
include the distinction between mental health and mental illness, the mental health continuum,
risk and protective factors, stigma, and the recovery model. Therapeutic communication and
the nurse–client relationship are central, including verbal and nonverbal techniques, active
listening, empathy, boundaries, and cultural considerations. The nursing process is applied
throughout, with emphasis on biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation. Psychopharmacology covers major drug classes—
antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics—including mechanisms, side
effects, adverse reactions, and nursing implications. Legal and ethical principles include
informed consent, confidentiality (HIPAA), duty to warn, mandatory reporting, civil
commitment, and the ANA Code of Ethics. Major psychiatric disorders are addressed across the
lifespan: schizophrenia spectrum (positive/negative symptoms, antipsychotic management);
depressive disorders (assessment, suicide risk, antidepressants); bipolar disorders (mania,
hypomania, mood stabilizers); anxiety disorders (GAD, panic, phobias, PTSD, OCD); personality
disorders (Clusters A, B, C with specific interventions); substance use disorders;
neurodevelopmental disorders; trauma-informed care; crisis intervention; and community
mental health. The exam emphasizes clinical judgment, safety prioritization, therapeutic
engagement, and evidence-based, culturally competent, recovery-oriented nursing care across
all settings.
INSTRUCTIONS
This examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions
Select the single best answer for each question
Each question is worth 1 point
Total examination time: 3 hours
1
, Page 2 of 211
All questions are randomized and do not follow subtopic domains
Read each question carefully before selecting your answer
Mark your answers on the provided answer sheet
SECTION I: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A 45-year-old client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I don't see the point in
going on anymore." What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Explore the client's feelings of hopelessness
B. Ask the client directly about suicidal thoughts and plan
C. Notify the health-care provider of the client's statement
D. Encourage the client to focus on positive aspects of life
Answer: B
Asking directly about suicidal ideation, intent, and plan is the priority when a client expresses
hopelessness; this direct assessment is essential for safety planning and does not increase
suicide risk.
2
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2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding them to
harm others. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate initially?
A. Tell the client the voices are not real
B. Distract the client with a television show
C. Assess the content and command nature of the hallucinations
D. Place the client in seclusion for safety
Answer: C
Assessing the content of hallucinations, especially command hallucinations, determines
immediate safety risk; the nurse must evaluate whether the client intends to act on the
commands before implementing safety measures.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is in a manic phase and has not slept
for three days. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the client to take a nap
B. Provide a structured, low-stimulation environment
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C. Allow the client to exercise vigorously to expend energy
D. Engage the client in group therapy to promote socialization
Answer: B
Clients in a manic phase require reduced environmental stimulation to decrease agitation and
prevent exhaustion; a structured, calm environment with frequent high-calorie snacks and fluids
supports stabilization.
4. A client prescribed fluoxetine for depression reports gastrointestinal distress and insomnia.
What is the nurse's best response?
A. "Stop taking the medication immediately and call your provider"
B. "These side effects are common and often subside within a few weeks"
C. "Take the medication with food and in the morning to minimize these effects"
D. "Request a different medication from your provider"
Answer: C
4
