NR 326 EXAM 2 - MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder reports blurred vision, ataxia, and a
serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as these are expected findings.
B. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Increase the patient’s daily sodium intake to facilitate excretion.
D. Assess for signs of hypernatremia and dehydration.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L indicates early lithium toxicity
(therapeutic range is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Blurred vision and ataxia are signs of toxicity; the
nurse must withhold the dose and notify the provider.
2. A client was recently started on Phenelzine (Nardil). Which menu choice indicates the client
understands the dietary restrictions?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a draft beer.
,B. Chicken salad, fresh broccoli, and iced tea.
C. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers with red wine.
D. Smoked salmon on a sourdough bagel.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients must avoid tyramine-rich foods
(aged cheeses, fermented meats, draft beer, red wine) to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
Chicken, fresh vegetables, and tea are safe choices.
3. A patient with anorexia nervosa has a BMI of 14.5 and is being admitted to the inpatient
unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Lanugo on the back and extremities.
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
C. Patient’s statement that they feel ‘fat’.
D. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Physiological stability is the priority. Severe anorexia leads to
cardiac complications such as bradycardia and hypotension, which can result in sudden
cardiac arrest.
, 4. Which pharmacological treatment is the gold standard for stabilizing a client in an acute
manic episode of bipolar I disorder?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium Carbonate
C. Lorazepam
D. Quetiapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is the primary mood stabilizer used for the treatment
and prophylaxis of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who performs hand-washing rituals for several hours
daily. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Allow the client to complete the ritual to decrease anxiety.
B. Tell the client that their hands are clean and the ritual is unnecessary.
C. Lock the bathroom doors to prevent the ritual.
D. Administer an immediate dose of an antipsychotic medication.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the ritual because preventing it
can cause panic-level anxiety. Over time, the nurse works with the client to set limits and
develop alternative coping mechanisms.
NURSING QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder reports blurred vision, ataxia, and a
serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer the next scheduled dose as these are expected findings.
B. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Increase the patient’s daily sodium intake to facilitate excretion.
D. Assess for signs of hypernatremia and dehydration.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L indicates early lithium toxicity
(therapeutic range is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Blurred vision and ataxia are signs of toxicity; the
nurse must withhold the dose and notify the provider.
2. A client was recently started on Phenelzine (Nardil). Which menu choice indicates the client
understands the dietary restrictions?
A. Pepperoni pizza and a draft beer.
,B. Chicken salad, fresh broccoli, and iced tea.
C. Aged cheddar cheese and crackers with red wine.
D. Smoked salmon on a sourdough bagel.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients must avoid tyramine-rich foods
(aged cheeses, fermented meats, draft beer, red wine) to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
Chicken, fresh vegetables, and tea are safe choices.
3. A patient with anorexia nervosa has a BMI of 14.5 and is being admitted to the inpatient
unit. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Lanugo on the back and extremities.
B. Bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
C. Patient’s statement that they feel ‘fat’.
D. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Physiological stability is the priority. Severe anorexia leads to
cardiac complications such as bradycardia and hypotension, which can result in sudden
cardiac arrest.
, 4. Which pharmacological treatment is the gold standard for stabilizing a client in an acute
manic episode of bipolar I disorder?
A. Fluoxetine
B. Lithium Carbonate
C. Lorazepam
D. Quetiapine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is the primary mood stabilizer used for the treatment
and prophylaxis of manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who performs hand-washing rituals for several hours
daily. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?
A. Allow the client to complete the ritual to decrease anxiety.
B. Tell the client that their hands are clean and the ritual is unnecessary.
C. Lock the bathroom doors to prevent the ritual.
D. Administer an immediate dose of an antipsychotic medication.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initially, the nurse should allow the ritual because preventing it
can cause panic-level anxiety. Over time, the nurse works with the client to set limits and
develop alternative coping mechanisms.
