NSG 3450 Final Exam V1 | NSG 3450 Mental Health
Guide | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3450 Final
Exam) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been
admitted for detoxification. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate
the provider will prescribe for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal?
A. Disulfiram
B. Chlordiazepoxide
C. Methadone
D. Naltrexone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the first-line treatment for acute
alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Disulfiram is used for
maintenance after detox to discourage drinking by causing illness if alcohol is consumed.
Methadone is specifically for opioid use disorder and has no role in alcohol withdrawal
management.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with schizophrenia who is taking clozapine. Which of the
following laboratory results should be the nurse’s priority to monitor?
A. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
,C. Serum Potassium
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, which is a life-threatening decrease in
the white blood cell count. Regular blood monitoring is mandatory for any patient taking
this atypical antipsychotic medication. The nurse must report any sign of infection, such as
fever or sore throat, immediately to the provider.
3. Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a nurse ensures that a client is provided with
all the information necessary to make an informed decision about their treatment plan?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare and body. Beneficence is the duty to do good for the patient, while Justice
refers to the fair treatment of all individuals. Providing information for informed consent
directly supports the principle of self-determination and personal autonomy.
, 4. A client is experiencing a panic attack and states, ‘I think I am having a heart attack! I can’t
breathe!’ Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
B. Instruct the client to practice deep breathing using long sentences.
C. Leave the room to get the client’s prescribed PRN medication.
D. Explain the physiology of a panic attack to reassure the client.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Safety is the priority during a panic attack, and the nurse should remain with
the client to offer a sense of security. Because the client’s anxiety level is severe or at a
panic level, they cannot process complex information, so short and simple sentences are
necessary. Leaving the client alone or trying to engage in lengthy education would be
ineffective and potentially dangerous.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is in the manic phase. Which of the
following entries should the nurse plan for the client’s lunch?
A. Chicken soup and crackers
B. Spaghetti and meatballs
C. Steak and potatoes
D. Cheeseburger and an apple
Correct Answer: D
Guide | Actual Q&A with Rationale (NSG3450 Final
Exam) | Galen College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been
admitted for detoxification. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate
the provider will prescribe for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal?
A. Disulfiram
B. Chlordiazepoxide
C. Methadone
D. Naltrexone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide are the first-line treatment for acute
alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures and delirium tremens. Disulfiram is used for
maintenance after detox to discourage drinking by causing illness if alcohol is consumed.
Methadone is specifically for opioid use disorder and has no role in alcohol withdrawal
management.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with schizophrenia who is taking clozapine. Which of the
following laboratory results should be the nurse’s priority to monitor?
A. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
B. White Blood Cell (WBC) count
,C. Serum Potassium
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, which is a life-threatening decrease in
the white blood cell count. Regular blood monitoring is mandatory for any patient taking
this atypical antipsychotic medication. The nurse must report any sign of infection, such as
fever or sore throat, immediately to the provider.
3. Which ethical principle is demonstrated when a nurse ensures that a client is provided with
all the information necessary to make an informed decision about their treatment plan?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make their own decisions regarding
their healthcare and body. Beneficence is the duty to do good for the patient, while Justice
refers to the fair treatment of all individuals. Providing information for informed consent
directly supports the principle of self-determination and personal autonomy.
, 4. A client is experiencing a panic attack and states, ‘I think I am having a heart attack! I can’t
breathe!’ Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
A. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences.
B. Instruct the client to practice deep breathing using long sentences.
C. Leave the room to get the client’s prescribed PRN medication.
D. Explain the physiology of a panic attack to reassure the client.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Safety is the priority during a panic attack, and the nurse should remain with
the client to offer a sense of security. Because the client’s anxiety level is severe or at a
panic level, they cannot process complex information, so short and simple sentences are
necessary. Leaving the client alone or trying to engage in lengthy education would be
ineffective and potentially dangerous.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is in the manic phase. Which of the
following entries should the nurse plan for the client’s lunch?
A. Chicken soup and crackers
B. Spaghetti and meatballs
C. Steak and potatoes
D. Cheeseburger and an apple
Correct Answer: D
