NUR 2459 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar
Disorder. The client reports blurred vision and a coarse hand tremor. Which Lithium level
should the nurse expect?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 2.2 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L
D. 1.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic. Levels
between 2.0 and 2.5 mEq/L typically present with blurred vision, ataxia, and persistent GI
upset, as well as a coarse hand tremor.
,2. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of a client experiencing Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
B. Bradycardia and hypotension
C. Hyporeflexia and pinpoint pupils
D. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency characterized by severe
muscle rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), tachycardia, and fluctuations in blood pressure.
3. A client is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant Schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value must the nurse monitor most closely to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Platelet count
D. Liver function tests
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, the
ANC must be monitored weekly or bi-weekly to ensure the client is not developing severe
leukopenia.
, 4. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food
item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Fresh green beans
C. Broiled chicken breast
D. Whole grain bread
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine. Consuming foods
high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, smoked meats, and red wine, can lead to a
hypertensive crisis.
5. Which communication technique is considered non-therapeutic and may block
communication?
A. Offering general leads
B. Active listening
C. Asking ‘Why’ questions
D. Restating the client’s message
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Asking ‘Why’ questions often makes a client feel defensive and
implies criticism, whereas active listening and restating are therapeutic techniques.
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar
Disorder. The client reports blurred vision and a coarse hand tremor. Which Lithium level
should the nurse expect?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 2.2 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L
D. 1.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic. Levels
between 2.0 and 2.5 mEq/L typically present with blurred vision, ataxia, and persistent GI
upset, as well as a coarse hand tremor.
,2. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of a client experiencing Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
B. Bradycardia and hypotension
C. Hyporeflexia and pinpoint pupils
D. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency characterized by severe
muscle rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), tachycardia, and fluctuations in blood pressure.
3. A client is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant Schizophrenia. Which laboratory
value must the nurse monitor most closely to prevent a life-threatening complication?
A. Serum creatinine
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Platelet count
D. Liver function tests
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis; therefore, the
ANC must be monitored weekly or bi-weekly to ensure the client is not developing severe
leukopenia.
, 4. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food
item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Fresh green beans
C. Broiled chicken breast
D. Whole grain bread
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine. Consuming foods
high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, smoked meats, and red wine, can lead to a
hypertensive crisis.
5. Which communication technique is considered non-therapeutic and may block
communication?
A. Offering general leads
B. Active listening
C. Asking ‘Why’ questions
D. Restating the client’s message
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Asking ‘Why’ questions often makes a client feel defensive and
implies criticism, whereas active listening and restating are therapeutic techniques.
