NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2027
UPDATED
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. Which
serum lithium level would the nurse interpret as being within the therapeutic range for
maintenance therapy?
A. 0.4 to 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.0 to 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for serum lithium levels during maintenance therapy is 0.6
to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions.
2. A patient taking Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression arrives at the emergency department
complaining of a severe headache and heart palpitations. Which food item consumed by the
client likely contributed to this crisis?
A. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
B. Fresh grilled chicken breast
C. Cooked spinach and carrots
D. Sliced apples and peanut butter
Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Consuming foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and red
wine, can cause a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe headache and palpitations. Clear
understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment.
Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. This knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Schizophrenia who is taking Haloperidol. The nurse
notes high fever, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose of Haloperidol as scheduled
B. Stop the medication and notify the provider immediately
C. Document the findings and monitor the client every 4 hours
D. Administer Benztropine (Cogentin) intramuscularly
Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a
life-threatening complication of antipsychotics. The medication must be stopped immediately, and the
provider notified. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday
clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. Understanding
this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action
often prevents bigger complications for the client.
4. A client recently started on Fluoxetine (Prozac) presents with agitation, confusion,
tremors, and hyperreflexia. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Extrapyramidal symptoms
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is caused by excess serotonin and is characterized by mental status
changes (agitation, confusion) and neuromuscular excitement (tremors, hyperreflexia). In practice, this
guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear
communication are frequent priorities. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs
and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2027
UPDATED
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. Which
serum lithium level would the nurse interpret as being within the therapeutic range for
maintenance therapy?
A. 0.4 to 0.8 mEq/L
B. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.0 to 2.5 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for serum lithium levels during maintenance therapy is 0.6
to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions.
2. A patient taking Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression arrives at the emergency department
complaining of a severe headache and heart palpitations. Which food item consumed by the
client likely contributed to this crisis?
A. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
B. Fresh grilled chicken breast
C. Cooked spinach and carrots
D. Sliced apples and peanut butter
Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Consuming foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and red
wine, can cause a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe headache and palpitations. Clear
understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment.
Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. This knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Exam 3 Mental Health Comprehensive 2026/2… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Schizophrenia who is taking Haloperidol. The nurse
notes high fever, muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose of Haloperidol as scheduled
B. Stop the medication and notify the provider immediately
C. Document the findings and monitor the client every 4 hours
D. Administer Benztropine (Cogentin) intramuscularly
Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), a
life-threatening complication of antipsychotics. The medication must be stopped immediately, and the
provider notified. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday
clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place. Understanding
this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act before the problem gets worse. Early action
often prevents bigger complications for the client.
4. A client recently started on Fluoxetine (Prozac) presents with agitation, confusion,
tremors, and hyperreflexia. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Extrapyramidal symptoms
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is caused by excess serotonin and is characterized by mental status
changes (agitation, confusion) and neuromuscular excitement (tremors, hyperreflexia). In practice, this
guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear
communication are frequent priorities. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs
and act before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
