NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehensive
Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen
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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac). What is
the most critical information for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of symptoms within 24 hours.
B. Stop taking the medication if you experience dry mouth or blurred vision.
C. Report any sudden increase in suicidal ideation or energy level to the provider immediately.
D. Avoid foods containing tyramine like aged cheeses and red wine.
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs like Fluoxetine take 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect. As mood improves
slightly, patients may gain the energy to carry out a suicide plan, making increased monitoring for
suicidal ideation the priority. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most practical and
safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right now. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Giddiness, blurred vision, and severe hypotension
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Mild thirst and polyuria
D. Weight gain of 2 pounds in one week
Answer: A
Rationale: Lithium levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity. A level of 2.1 mEq/L is severe,
characterized by CNS changes (giddiness, blurred vision), ataxia, and cardiovascular collapse.
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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing ‘negative symptoms.’ Which of the following
should the nurse document as a negative symptom?
A. Flat affect and anhedonia
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech and word salad
Answer: A
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as flat affect, alogia,
anhedonia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms. 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. This knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. Which nursing intervention is highest priority for a client in the acute manic phase of
Bipolar I disorder?
A. Engage the client in a competitive group volleyball game.
B. Provide high-calorie, portable finger foods.
C. Discuss the patient’s childhood trauma in an hour-long session.
D. Encourage the client to lead a community meeting.
Answer: B
Rationale: Manic patients are often too hyperactive to sit for meals. Finger foods help maintain
nutrition and hydration while they are on the move. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. 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 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehensive
Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen
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 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac). What is
the most critical information for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of symptoms within 24 hours.
B. Stop taking the medication if you experience dry mouth or blurred vision.
C. Report any sudden increase in suicidal ideation or energy level to the provider immediately.
D. Avoid foods containing tyramine like aged cheeses and red wine.
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs like Fluoxetine take 2-4 weeks to reach therapeutic effect. As mood improves
slightly, patients may gain the energy to carry out a suicide plan, making increased monitoring for
suicidal ideation the priority. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most practical and
safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right now. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities.
2. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Giddiness, blurred vision, and severe hypotension
B. Fine hand tremors
C. Mild thirst and polyuria
D. Weight gain of 2 pounds in one week
Answer: A
Rationale: Lithium levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity. A level of 2.1 mEq/L is severe,
characterized by CNS changes (giddiness, blurred vision), ataxia, and cardiovascular collapse.
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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 253 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 - Comprehens… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing ‘negative symptoms.’ Which of the following
should the nurse document as a negative symptom?
A. Flat affect and anhedonia
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech and word salad
Answer: A
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as flat affect, alogia,
anhedonia, and avolition. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms. 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. This knowledge supports safe
care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves
cooperation and reduces anxiety.
4. Which nursing intervention is highest priority for a client in the acute manic phase of
Bipolar I disorder?
A. Engage the client in a competitive group volleyball game.
B. Provide high-calorie, portable finger foods.
C. Discuss the patient’s childhood trauma in an hour-long session.
D. Encourage the client to lead a community meeting.
Answer: B
Rationale: Manic patients are often too hyperactive to sit for meals. Finger foods help maintain
nutrition and hydration while they are on the move. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. 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 3
