NR 326 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
MIDTERM EXAM ACTUAL QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS (GUARANTEE PASS)
CHAMBERLAIN
1. A patient with schizophrenia states, ‘The government is using the radio to broadcast my
thoughts to the world.’ Which symptom is the nurse documenting?
A. Thought insertion
B. Ideas of reference
C. Thought broadcasting
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Thought broadcasting is the belief that others can hear or are
aware of the patient’s thoughts. Thought insertion is the belief that others are putting
thoughts into their head.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression and is taking an MAOI. The client
consumes a meal containing aged cheese and red wine. For which complication should the
nurse monitor?
A. Hypotensive crisis
,B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Hypertensive crisis
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (like aged cheese and
red wine) to cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which of the following is
the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering prescribed antidepressants
B. Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy
C. Assisting the client to identify triggers for suicidal ideation
D. Implementing one-to-one constant observation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Constant 1:1 observation is required for
immediate post-suicide attempt management to prevent further harm.
4. The nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia is standing in the same position for hours
and does not respond to verbal commands. This is known as:
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Echolalia
, C. Catatonic stupor
D. Akathisia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Catatonic stupor is characterized by a lack of response to the
environment and remaining motionless for long periods.
5. A client taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level of 1.8
mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Request a repeat lithium level in 24 hours
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Increase fluid intake to 3 liters per day
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity; the dose must be held immediately.
6. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
MIDTERM EXAM ACTUAL QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS (GUARANTEE PASS)
CHAMBERLAIN
1. A patient with schizophrenia states, ‘The government is using the radio to broadcast my
thoughts to the world.’ Which symptom is the nurse documenting?
A. Thought insertion
B. Ideas of reference
C. Thought broadcasting
D. Delusions of grandeur
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Thought broadcasting is the belief that others can hear or are
aware of the patient’s thoughts. Thought insertion is the belief that others are putting
thoughts into their head.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression and is taking an MAOI. The client
consumes a meal containing aged cheese and red wine. For which complication should the
nurse monitor?
A. Hypotensive crisis
,B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Hypertensive crisis
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods (like aged cheese and
red wine) to cause a massive release of norepinephrine, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
3. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which of the following is
the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering prescribed antidepressants
B. Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy
C. Assisting the client to identify triggers for suicidal ideation
D. Implementing one-to-one constant observation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is the priority. Constant 1:1 observation is required for
immediate post-suicide attempt management to prevent further harm.
4. The nurse notes that a client with schizophrenia is standing in the same position for hours
and does not respond to verbal commands. This is known as:
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Echolalia
, C. Catatonic stupor
D. Akathisia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Catatonic stupor is characterized by a lack of response to the
environment and remaining motionless for long periods.
5. A client taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level of 1.8
mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Request a repeat lithium level in 24 hours
C. Hold the medication and notify the provider
D. Increase fluid intake to 3 liters per day
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity; the dose must be held immediately.
6. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. GABA
