NUR 256
Mental Health Nursing Final Comprehensive Exam
Final Exam • Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 256
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Final Comprehensive Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities should the nurse recommend?
A. Participating in a group volleyball game
B. Walking on a treadmill in the gym
C. Playing a game of chess with another client
D. Attending a social skills training group
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state require gross motor activities that channel excessive
energy. Solitary activities like walking are preferred over competitive or group-oriented
games which may be overstimulating or lead to conflict.
2. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which laboratory result should the
nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Serum sodium levels
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
D. Serum potassium levels
, Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis. Weekly monitoring of the Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required during the first 6 months of treatment.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for serotonin syndrome. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Hyperpyrexia and muscle rigidity
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Urinary retention and constipation
D. Orthostatic hypotension and dry mouth
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, autonomic
hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, and
hyperreflexia.
4. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication should the nurse expect
to administer first to prevent delirium tremens?
A. Disulfiram
B. Naltrexone
C. Acamprosate
D. Lorazepam
Mental Health Nursing Final Comprehensive Exam
Final Exam • Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 256
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Final Comprehensive Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities should the nurse recommend?
A. Participating in a group volleyball game
B. Walking on a treadmill in the gym
C. Playing a game of chess with another client
D. Attending a social skills training group
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state require gross motor activities that channel excessive
energy. Solitary activities like walking are preferred over competitive or group-oriented
games which may be overstimulating or lead to conflict.
2. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which laboratory result should the
nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Serum sodium levels
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
D. Serum potassium levels
, Answer: C
Rationale: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis. Weekly monitoring of the Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) is required during the first 6 months of treatment.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for serotonin syndrome. Which of the following findings should
the nurse expect?
A. Hyperpyrexia and muscle rigidity
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Urinary retention and constipation
D. Orthostatic hypotension and dry mouth
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, autonomic
hyperactivity, and neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, and
hyperreflexia.
4. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which medication should the nurse expect
to administer first to prevent delirium tremens?
A. Disulfiram
B. Naltrexone
C. Acamprosate
D. Lorazepam
