NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH EXAM 2
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which laboratory value
should the nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Platelet count
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D. White blood cell (WBC) count
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk of agranulocytosis. Therefore,
weekly or biweekly WBC counts are mandatory to monitor for life-threatening decreases in
white blood cells.
2. A patient in a manic phase of bipolar disorder is pacing the halls and interrupting others.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately to prevent disruption.
B. Encourage the patient to join a group volleyball game for exercise.
C. Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment and offer a finger food snack.
,D. Explain the rules of the unit firmly and ask the patient to sit down.
C. Quiet environments reduce overstimulation, and finger foods provide nutrition for a
patient too mobile to sit for meals.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Low-stimulus environments help manage manic behavior, and
finger foods ensure nutritional intake for patients who cannot sit still.
3. Which assessment finding is most suggestive of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) in
a client taking Haloperidol?
A. Involuntary tongue protrusion and lip smacking
B. Dry mouth and urinary retention
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Excessive salivation and shuffling gait
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a medical emergency characterized by lead-pipe muscle
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and autonomic instability. Tongue protrusion is
associated with Tardive Dyskinesia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is ‘splitting’ staff
members. How should the nursing team respond?
A. Allow the client to choose which nurse they prefer to work with.
, B. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior in a group setting.
C. Assign a different nurse each shift to prevent attachment.
D. Hold frequent staff meetings to maintain consistent limits and communication.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Consistency among staff is vital when dealing with splitting to
prevent the patient from playing staff against one another.
5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptoms would indicate the onset of
Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. Bradycardia and somnolence
B. Hypotension and clear sensorium
C. Increased appetite and lethargy
D. Hallucinations, agitation, and hypertension
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium Tremens involves severe autonomic hyperactivity,
including tachycardia, hypertension, and sensory perceptual distortions like hallucinations.
6. When teaching a client about Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), which food should
the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheddar cheese and cured meats
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS.
JUST RELEASED
1. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which laboratory value
should the nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Platelet count
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D. White blood cell (WBC) count
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk of agranulocytosis. Therefore,
weekly or biweekly WBC counts are mandatory to monitor for life-threatening decreases in
white blood cells.
2. A patient in a manic phase of bipolar disorder is pacing the halls and interrupting others.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Place the patient in seclusion immediately to prevent disruption.
B. Encourage the patient to join a group volleyball game for exercise.
C. Provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment and offer a finger food snack.
,D. Explain the rules of the unit firmly and ask the patient to sit down.
C. Quiet environments reduce overstimulation, and finger foods provide nutrition for a
patient too mobile to sit for meals.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Low-stimulus environments help manage manic behavior, and
finger foods ensure nutritional intake for patients who cannot sit still.
3. Which assessment finding is most suggestive of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) in
a client taking Haloperidol?
A. Involuntary tongue protrusion and lip smacking
B. Dry mouth and urinary retention
C. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
D. Excessive salivation and shuffling gait
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a medical emergency characterized by lead-pipe muscle
rigidity, high fever (hyperpyrexia), and autonomic instability. Tongue protrusion is
associated with Tardive Dyskinesia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Borderline Personality Disorder who is ‘splitting’ staff
members. How should the nursing team respond?
A. Allow the client to choose which nurse they prefer to work with.
, B. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior in a group setting.
C. Assign a different nurse each shift to prevent attachment.
D. Hold frequent staff meetings to maintain consistent limits and communication.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Consistency among staff is vital when dealing with splitting to
prevent the patient from playing staff against one another.
5. A client is admitted for alcohol withdrawal. Which symptoms would indicate the onset of
Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
A. Bradycardia and somnolence
B. Hypotension and clear sensorium
C. Increased appetite and lethargy
D. Hallucinations, agitation, and hypertension
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Delirium Tremens involves severe autonomic hyperactivity,
including tachycardia, hypertension, and sensory perceptual distortions like hallucinations.
6. When teaching a client about Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), which food should
the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green leafy vegetables
B. Aged cheddar cheese and cured meats
