NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority during the first 24 hours?
A. Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy sessions.
B. Assigning the client to a private room for better rest.
C. Administering prescribed antidepressant medications.
D. Implementing one-to-one continuous observation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the absolute priority in the acute phase of a suicide
attempt. Continuous one-to-one observation ensures the client cannot harm themselves
while the initial assessment and stabilization occur.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and appears
distracted. Which is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A. I don’t hear anything, so you should try to ignore them.
B. I understand that you hear voices, but I do not hear them.
C. What are the voices telling you to do?
,D. Would you like to listen to music to drown out the noise?
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This response validates the client’s reality without reinforcing
the hallucination, which is a key component of therapeutic communication in psychosis.
3. Which assessment finding would most likely indicate that a client is experiencing
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia.
B. Excessive salivation and tremors.
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia.
D. Urticaria and maculopapular rash.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs
characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), autonomic instability, and
altered mental status.
4. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder reports blurred vision and a severe
headache. The nurse notes the client is tremors and confused. What is the priority action?
A. Hold the dose and notify the physician immediately.
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
, D. Explain that these are common side effects that will subside.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of moderate to severe lithium toxicity. The
medication must be held to prevent permanent neurological damage or death, and serum
levels must be checked.
5. Which dietary instruction is essential for a client prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase
Inhibitor (MAOI)?
A. Increase intake of aged cheeses and cured meats.
B. Avoid foods containing high levels of tyramine.
C. Restrict sodium intake to less than 2g per day.
D. Limit fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine; high levels of
tyramine can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Foods like aged cheese, wine, and cured meats
must be avoided.
6. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate at
this time?
A. Asking the client to explain the triggers for the attack.
B. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences.
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED
1. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which nursing
intervention is the highest priority during the first 24 hours?
A. Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy sessions.
B. Assigning the client to a private room for better rest.
C. Administering prescribed antidepressant medications.
D. Implementing one-to-one continuous observation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the absolute priority in the acute phase of a suicide
attempt. Continuous one-to-one observation ensures the client cannot harm themselves
while the initial assessment and stabilization occur.
2. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and appears
distracted. Which is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A. I don’t hear anything, so you should try to ignore them.
B. I understand that you hear voices, but I do not hear them.
C. What are the voices telling you to do?
,D. Would you like to listen to music to drown out the noise?
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This response validates the client’s reality without reinforcing
the hallucination, which is a key component of therapeutic communication in psychosis.
3. Which assessment finding would most likely indicate that a client is experiencing
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia.
B. Excessive salivation and tremors.
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia.
D. Urticaria and maculopapular rash.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs
characterized by ‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), autonomic instability, and
altered mental status.
4. A client taking Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder reports blurred vision and a severe
headache. The nurse notes the client is tremors and confused. What is the priority action?
A. Hold the dose and notify the physician immediately.
B. Administer the next dose as scheduled.
C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
, D. Explain that these are common side effects that will subside.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of moderate to severe lithium toxicity. The
medication must be held to prevent permanent neurological damage or death, and serum
levels must be checked.
5. Which dietary instruction is essential for a client prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase
Inhibitor (MAOI)?
A. Increase intake of aged cheeses and cured meats.
B. Avoid foods containing high levels of tyramine.
C. Restrict sodium intake to less than 2g per day.
D. Limit fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine; high levels of
tyramine can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Foods like aged cheese, wine, and cured meats
must be avoided.
6. A client is experiencing a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate at
this time?
A. Asking the client to explain the triggers for the attack.
B. Staying with the client and using short, simple sentences.
