NR 326 EXAM 2 - MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING ACTUAL QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (GUARANTEE PASS)
CHAMBERLAIN
1. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
result must the nurse prioritize before administering the next dose?
A. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 900/mm³
B. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
C. Fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dL
D. Total cholesterol of 195 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. An
ANC below 1,000/mm³ requires immediate discontinuation of the medication and
reporting to the provider.
2. A client in the manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is pacing the hallways and interrupting
other clients. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Invite the client to participate in a group volleyball game
B. Place the client in a quiet room with low stimuli
,C. Encourage the client to sit and explain their behavior
D. Ask the client to lead a discussion on current events
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: During acute mania, reducing environmental stimuli is critical to
decrease agitation and ensure safety. High-energy group activities are too stimulating.
3. Which assessment finding is most indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) in a
patient taking Haloperidol?
A. Acute dystonia of the neck and eyes
B. Fine hand tremors and orthostatic hypotension
C. Repetitive tongue protrusion and lip smacking
D. Oral temperature of 104°F (40°C) and muscular rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency characterized by high fever,
severe muscle rigidity (lead-pipe), autonomic instability, and altered consciousness.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder. The client states, ‘I finally
have a solution to all my problems.’ The nurse notes the client’s energy has suddenly
improved. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Document the improvement in mood and energy
B. Discharge the client to outpatient follow-up
, C. Encourage the client to share their ‘solution’ in group therapy
D. Implement continuous one-to-one suicide observation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A sudden increase in energy and a sense of ‘solving problems’ in
a depressed client often indicates they have decided on a suicide plan and now have the
energy to carry it out.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food choice indicates the client
understands the necessary dietary restrictions?
A. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
B. Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel
C. Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese
D. A glass of red wine and aged cheddar
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs require a low-tyramine diet to prevent hypertensive
crisis. Chicken and broccoli are safe; pepperoni, smoked fish, aged cheese, and red wine are
high in tyramine.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Lanugo and cold extremities
NURSING ACTUAL QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (GUARANTEE PASS)
CHAMBERLAIN
1. A patient is prescribed Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Which laboratory
result must the nurse prioritize before administering the next dose?
A. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 900/mm³
B. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
C. Fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dL
D. Total cholesterol of 195 mg/dL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. An
ANC below 1,000/mm³ requires immediate discontinuation of the medication and
reporting to the provider.
2. A client in the manic phase of Bipolar I Disorder is pacing the hallways and interrupting
other clients. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Invite the client to participate in a group volleyball game
B. Place the client in a quiet room with low stimuli
,C. Encourage the client to sit and explain their behavior
D. Ask the client to lead a discussion on current events
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: During acute mania, reducing environmental stimuli is critical to
decrease agitation and ensure safety. High-energy group activities are too stimulating.
3. Which assessment finding is most indicative of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) in a
patient taking Haloperidol?
A. Acute dystonia of the neck and eyes
B. Fine hand tremors and orthostatic hypotension
C. Repetitive tongue protrusion and lip smacking
D. Oral temperature of 104°F (40°C) and muscular rigidity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening emergency characterized by high fever,
severe muscle rigidity (lead-pipe), autonomic instability, and altered consciousness.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder. The client states, ‘I finally
have a solution to all my problems.’ The nurse notes the client’s energy has suddenly
improved. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Document the improvement in mood and energy
B. Discharge the client to outpatient follow-up
, C. Encourage the client to share their ‘solution’ in group therapy
D. Implement continuous one-to-one suicide observation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A sudden increase in energy and a sense of ‘solving problems’ in
a depressed client often indicates they have decided on a suicide plan and now have the
energy to carry it out.
5. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (an MAOI). Which food choice indicates the client
understands the necessary dietary restrictions?
A. Grilled chicken breast with steamed broccoli
B. Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel
C. Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese
D. A glass of red wine and aged cheddar
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs require a low-tyramine diet to prevent hypertensive
crisis. Chicken and broccoli are safe; pepperoni, smoked fish, aged cheese, and red wine are
high in tyramine.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with Anorexia Nervosa. Which physical finding should the
nurse expect?
A. Lanugo and cold extremities