NUR 256
Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Prep
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 Exam Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with bipolar I disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which of the following lab
values should the nurse prioritize during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Prothrombin time and INR
B. Liver function tests (AST/ALT)
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
D. Serum amylase and lipase
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium is excreted by the kidneys; therefore, renal function tests (BUN and
creatinine) are essential to prevent toxicity.
2. A client is experiencing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Which clinical finding is
considered a hallmark sign of this condition?
A. Hypothermia and bradycardia
B. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
C. Muscular rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Increased deep tendon reflexes and clonus
Answer: C
, Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by ‘lead pipe’
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and autonomic instability.
3. During the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship, which behavior should the
nurse expect from the client?
A. The client begins to explore self-defeating behaviors.
B. The client sets boundaries regarding personal space.
C. The client establishes the initial goals of therapy.
D. The client displays regression or anger about the ending relationship.
Answer: D
Rationale: Regression and expressions of anger or sadness are common as clients process
the loss associated with the end of the therapeutic relationship.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who performs handwashing rituals 20 times a day.
What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Immediately prevent the client from washing their hands.
B. Allow the ritual but set limits on the time spent on it.
C. Explain to the client why the handwashing is unnecessary.
D. Provide a structured schedule that includes time for the ritual.
Answer: D
Mental Health Nursing Final Exam Prep
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 Exam Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with bipolar I disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which of the following lab
values should the nurse prioritize during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Prothrombin time and INR
B. Liver function tests (AST/ALT)
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
D. Serum amylase and lipase
Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium is excreted by the kidneys; therefore, renal function tests (BUN and
creatinine) are essential to prevent toxicity.
2. A client is experiencing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Which clinical finding is
considered a hallmark sign of this condition?
A. Hypothermia and bradycardia
B. Excessive salivation and diarrhea
C. Muscular rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Increased deep tendon reflexes and clonus
Answer: C
, Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by ‘lead pipe’
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and autonomic instability.
3. During the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship, which behavior should the
nurse expect from the client?
A. The client begins to explore self-defeating behaviors.
B. The client sets boundaries regarding personal space.
C. The client establishes the initial goals of therapy.
D. The client displays regression or anger about the ending relationship.
Answer: D
Rationale: Regression and expressions of anger or sadness are common as clients process
the loss associated with the end of the therapeutic relationship.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who performs handwashing rituals 20 times a day.
What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Immediately prevent the client from washing their hands.
B. Allow the ritual but set limits on the time spent on it.
C. Explain to the client why the handwashing is unnecessary.
D. Provide a structured schedule that includes time for the ritual.
Answer: D
