NR 326 PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient taking Clozapine (Clozaril) for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore
throat and fever. Which laboratory value is the priority for the nurse to evaluate?
A. Fastest Blood Glucose
B. Serum Clozapine levels
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
sore throat and fever are clinical signs of infection, requiring immediate assessment of the
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) to ensure the patient is not neutropenic.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient with Bipolar I Disorder who is experiencing acute mania.
Which meal choice is most appropriate for this patient?
A. Chicken nuggets, an apple, and a carton of milk
B. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad
C. Soup and crackers with a hot cup of tea
D. Pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Patients in acute mania have high energy expenditure and
difficulty sitting still. High-protein, high-calorie ‘finger foods’ allow the patient to eat while
moving.
3. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression. Which food choice indicates the
client requires further teaching?
A. Fresh grilled salmon with steamed broccoli
B. Pepperoni pizza with extra aged cheddar cheese
C. Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
D. Scrambled eggs and white toast
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheeses and cured meats
(pepperoni) are high in tyramine, which can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
, 4. A nurse observes a patient with schizophrenia standing in the hallway in a fixed, awkward
position for two hours. This behavior is documented as:
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Akathisia
C. Echolalia
D. Dystonia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom of schizophrenia
where the patient maintains a specific position for an extended period, even if
uncomfortable.
5. A patient with Major Depressive Disorder is being started on Fluoxetine (Prozac). Which
statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the medication?
A. ‘I should feel much better within 2 to 3 days.’
B. ‘I will stop taking the medication if I feel dizzy.’
C. ‘I need to notify my doctor if I experience increased suicidal thoughts.’
D. ‘I can take St. John’s Wort to help the medication work better.’
Answer: C
HEALTH NURSING COMPREHENSIVE
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient taking Clozapine (Clozaril) for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore
throat and fever. Which laboratory value is the priority for the nurse to evaluate?
A. Fastest Blood Glucose
B. Serum Clozapine levels
C. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
D. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Clozapine carries a black box warning for agranulocytosis. A
sore throat and fever are clinical signs of infection, requiring immediate assessment of the
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) to ensure the patient is not neutropenic.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient with Bipolar I Disorder who is experiencing acute mania.
Which meal choice is most appropriate for this patient?
A. Chicken nuggets, an apple, and a carton of milk
B. Spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad
C. Soup and crackers with a hot cup of tea
D. Pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Patients in acute mania have high energy expenditure and
difficulty sitting still. High-protein, high-calorie ‘finger foods’ allow the patient to eat while
moving.
3. A client is prescribed Phenelzine (Nardil) for depression. Which food choice indicates the
client requires further teaching?
A. Fresh grilled salmon with steamed broccoli
B. Pepperoni pizza with extra aged cheddar cheese
C. Cottage cheese with sliced peaches
D. Scrambled eggs and white toast
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheeses and cured meats
(pepperoni) are high in tyramine, which can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
, 4. A nurse observes a patient with schizophrenia standing in the hallway in a fixed, awkward
position for two hours. This behavior is documented as:
A. Waxy flexibility
B. Akathisia
C. Echolalia
D. Dystonia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom of schizophrenia
where the patient maintains a specific position for an extended period, even if
uncomfortable.
5. A patient with Major Depressive Disorder is being started on Fluoxetine (Prozac). Which
statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the medication?
A. ‘I should feel much better within 2 to 3 days.’
B. ‘I will stop taking the medication if I feel dizzy.’
C. ‘I need to notify my doctor if I experience increased suicidal thoughts.’
D. ‘I can take St. John’s Wort to help the medication work better.’
Answer: C
