BIOS252 EXAM 3 Actual Exam 2026/2027
Complete Questions and Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Anatomy and
Physiology II Grade A 100% Correct Pass
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS
Q1: A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure. Nothing I do ever
works out." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have many accomplishments."
B. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way before."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a failure." [CORRECT]
D. "Let's focus on the positive things in your life instead."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore their feelings by asking for more information is
therapeutic (C). It validates the client's experience and opens communication. Telling the client
they shouldn't feel that way (A) dismisses their feelings. Sharing personal experiences (B) shifts
focus to the nurse. Redirecting to positive things (D) may be perceived as minimizing their
distress.
Q2: A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is admitted during a manic episode. Which
behavior best indicates the need for immediate intervention?
A. Speaking rapidly about multiple projects
B. Spending $5,000 on a shopping spree in one day
C. Attempting to engage in sexual activity with other patients [CORRECT]
D. Refusing to eat meals in the dining room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypersexuality and inappropriate sexual behavior during mania pose immediate
safety risks including potential assault, legal liability, and violation of boundaries (C). While
,excessive spending (B) and rapid speech (A) are concerning, they do not present immediate
physical safety threats. Refusing meals (D) requires monitoring but not immediate intervention.
Q3: A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding of the medication education?
A. "I can stop taking lithium once I feel better."
B. "I need to have my blood levels checked regularly." [CORRECT]
C. "I should decrease my fluid intake to maintain the medication level."
D. "Lithium will cure my bipolar disorder permanently."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium requires regular therapeutic drug monitoring (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) due to its
narrow therapeutic index (B). Clients must continue medication even when asymptomatic (A),
maintain adequate hydration (C is incorrect), and understand lithium manages symptoms but
does not cure bipolar disorder (D).
Q4: A client with major depressive disorder has been taking sertraline for 4 weeks. Which
statement by the client requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. "I'm sleeping better now but still feel down."
B. "I have more energy and plan to end my life this weekend." [CORRECT]
C. "I've noticed some nausea after taking the medication."
D. "I'm looking forward to my daughter's visit next month."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased energy combined with expressed suicidal intent is a medical emergency
requiring immediate intervention (B). Antidepressants can increase energy before mood
improves, creating a high-risk period for suicide. The other statements indicate normal
therapeutic progress (A, D) or common side effects (C).
Q5: A nurse is assessing a client with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Which
symptom is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Episodes of severe depression alternating with mania
B. Chronic depressed mood for at least 2 years [CORRECT]
C. Sudden onset of depressive symptoms after a traumatic event
D. Seasonal pattern of depressive episodes
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is characterized by a chronic depressed
mood lasting at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/adolescents) with additional symptoms
but less severity than MDD (B). Bipolar disorder (A) involves mood episodes, adjustment
disorder (C) follows stressors, and seasonal pattern (D) describes seasonal affective disorder.
Q6: A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lamotrigine. Which serious adverse effect must
the nurse monitor for?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Stevens-Johnson syndrome [CORRECT]
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lamotrigine carries a black box warning for serious rashes including Stevens-Johnson
syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, especially during dose titration (B). Agranulocytosis
(A) is associated with clozapine, tardive dyskinesia (C) with antipsychotics, and NMS (D) with
antipsychotics.
Q7: A nurse is caring for a client with severe depression who is scheduled for ECT. Which pre-
procedure nursing intervention is most important?
A. Ensure the client has been NPO for 6-8 hours [CORRECT]
B. Administer a stimulant medication
C. Encourage the client to eat a large breakfast
D. Have the client perform vigorous exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NPO status is essential before ECT due to anesthesia administration to prevent
aspiration (A). Stimulants (B) and vigorous exercise (D) are contraindicated. Eating before
anesthesia (C) poses aspiration risks.
Q8: A client with major depressive disorder is demonstrating SIGECAPS symptoms. Which
finding corresponds to the "S" in this mnemonic?
A. Suicidal ideation
B. Sleep changes (insomnia or hypersomnia) [CORRECT]
C. Social withdrawal
Complete Questions and Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales Anatomy and
Physiology II Grade A 100% Correct Pass
SECTION 1: MOOD DISORDERS
Q1: A client with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "I'm a failure. Nothing I do ever
works out." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
A. "You shouldn't feel that way. You have many accomplishments."
B. "I understand how you feel. I've felt that way before."
C. "Tell me more about what makes you feel like a failure." [CORRECT]
D. "Let's focus on the positive things in your life instead."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the client to explore their feelings by asking for more information is
therapeutic (C). It validates the client's experience and opens communication. Telling the client
they shouldn't feel that way (A) dismisses their feelings. Sharing personal experiences (B) shifts
focus to the nurse. Redirecting to positive things (D) may be perceived as minimizing their
distress.
Q2: A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is admitted during a manic episode. Which
behavior best indicates the need for immediate intervention?
A. Speaking rapidly about multiple projects
B. Spending $5,000 on a shopping spree in one day
C. Attempting to engage in sexual activity with other patients [CORRECT]
D. Refusing to eat meals in the dining room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypersexuality and inappropriate sexual behavior during mania pose immediate
safety risks including potential assault, legal liability, and violation of boundaries (C). While
,excessive spending (B) and rapid speech (A) are concerning, they do not present immediate
physical safety threats. Refusing meals (D) requires monitoring but not immediate intervention.
Q3: A nurse is teaching a client about lithium therapy. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding of the medication education?
A. "I can stop taking lithium once I feel better."
B. "I need to have my blood levels checked regularly." [CORRECT]
C. "I should decrease my fluid intake to maintain the medication level."
D. "Lithium will cure my bipolar disorder permanently."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lithium requires regular therapeutic drug monitoring (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) due to its
narrow therapeutic index (B). Clients must continue medication even when asymptomatic (A),
maintain adequate hydration (C is incorrect), and understand lithium manages symptoms but
does not cure bipolar disorder (D).
Q4: A client with major depressive disorder has been taking sertraline for 4 weeks. Which
statement by the client requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. "I'm sleeping better now but still feel down."
B. "I have more energy and plan to end my life this weekend." [CORRECT]
C. "I've noticed some nausea after taking the medication."
D. "I'm looking forward to my daughter's visit next month."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased energy combined with expressed suicidal intent is a medical emergency
requiring immediate intervention (B). Antidepressants can increase energy before mood
improves, creating a high-risk period for suicide. The other statements indicate normal
therapeutic progress (A, D) or common side effects (C).
Q5: A nurse is assessing a client with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Which
symptom is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Episodes of severe depression alternating with mania
B. Chronic depressed mood for at least 2 years [CORRECT]
C. Sudden onset of depressive symptoms after a traumatic event
D. Seasonal pattern of depressive episodes
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is characterized by a chronic depressed
mood lasting at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/adolescents) with additional symptoms
but less severity than MDD (B). Bipolar disorder (A) involves mood episodes, adjustment
disorder (C) follows stressors, and seasonal pattern (D) describes seasonal affective disorder.
Q6: A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lamotrigine. Which serious adverse effect must
the nurse monitor for?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Stevens-Johnson syndrome [CORRECT]
C. Tardive dyskinesia
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lamotrigine carries a black box warning for serious rashes including Stevens-Johnson
syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, especially during dose titration (B). Agranulocytosis
(A) is associated with clozapine, tardive dyskinesia (C) with antipsychotics, and NMS (D) with
antipsychotics.
Q7: A nurse is caring for a client with severe depression who is scheduled for ECT. Which pre-
procedure nursing intervention is most important?
A. Ensure the client has been NPO for 6-8 hours [CORRECT]
B. Administer a stimulant medication
C. Encourage the client to eat a large breakfast
D. Have the client perform vigorous exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NPO status is essential before ECT due to anesthesia administration to prevent
aspiration (A). Stimulants (B) and vigorous exercise (D) are contraindicated. Eating before
anesthesia (C) poses aspiration risks.
Q8: A client with major depressive disorder is demonstrating SIGECAPS symptoms. Which
finding corresponds to the "S" in this mnemonic?
A. Suicidal ideation
B. Sleep changes (insomnia or hypersomnia) [CORRECT]
C. Social withdrawal
