NUR 2459 MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH NURSING FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of alcohol use disorder who is experiencing
tremors, tachycardia, and diaphoresis. Which of the following conditions should the nurse
suspect?
A. Alcohol withdrawal delirium
B. Opioid withdrawal
C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
D. Serotonin syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The classic signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors,
tachycardia, and diaphoresis, which can progress to delirium tremens (DTs).
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum lithium level is
within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
,B. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
C. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
D. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic maintenance range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2
mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
3. A client diagnosed with Schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking me through the
microwave.’ This is an example of which type of thinking?
A. Hallucination
B. Illusion
C. Delusion of persecution
D. Ideas of reference
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A delusion of persecution is a false belief that one is being
singled out for harm by others, such as the government or FBI.
4. Which of the following defense mechanisms involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or impulses to another person?
A. Rationalization
B. Displacement
, C. Sublimation
D. Projection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Projection is the process of blaming others for one’s own
unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Which of the
following findings is a hallmark sign of NMS?
A. Hypothermia
B. Hypotension
C. Bradypnea
D. Muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, high fever
(hyperpyrexia), tachycardia, and fluctuations in blood pressure.
6. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing and
devaluing the staff. This behavior is known as:
A. Narcissism
B. Dissociation
C. Manipulation
HEALTH NURSING FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of alcohol use disorder who is experiencing
tremors, tachycardia, and diaphoresis. Which of the following conditions should the nurse
suspect?
A. Alcohol withdrawal delirium
B. Opioid withdrawal
C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
D. Serotonin syndrome
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The classic signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors,
tachycardia, and diaphoresis, which can progress to delirium tremens (DTs).
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum lithium level is
within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L
,B. 1.5 to 2.0 mEq/L
C. 2.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
D. 0.2 to 0.5 mEq/L
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic maintenance range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2
mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
3. A client diagnosed with Schizophrenia tells the nurse, ‘The FBI is tracking me through the
microwave.’ This is an example of which type of thinking?
A. Hallucination
B. Illusion
C. Delusion of persecution
D. Ideas of reference
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A delusion of persecution is a false belief that one is being
singled out for harm by others, such as the government or FBI.
4. Which of the following defense mechanisms involves attributing one’s own unacceptable
feelings or impulses to another person?
A. Rationalization
B. Displacement
, C. Sublimation
D. Projection
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Projection is the process of blaming others for one’s own
unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Which of the
following findings is a hallmark sign of NMS?
A. Hypothermia
B. Hypotension
C. Bradypnea
D. Muscle rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is characterized by severe muscle rigidity, high fever
(hyperpyrexia), tachycardia, and fluctuations in blood pressure.
6. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder frequently fluctuates between idealizing and
devaluing the staff. This behavior is known as:
A. Narcissism
B. Dissociation
C. Manipulation
