NUR2459 Final Exam Actual Exam Style V1
| NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral Health
Nursing | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, ‘I feel like my life is falling apart and there is no
hope.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think your life is falling apart right now?’
B. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very overwhelmed and discouraged.’
C. ‘Everything will get better once the medication starts working.’
D. ‘You should focus on the positive things you still have.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and
validation of the client’s feelings. It avoids asking ‘why’ questions which can put the client
on the defensive. By acknowledging the client’s emotions, the nurse fosters a trusting
relationship and encourages further expression.
2. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Take the medication only when you feel manic.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of dietary sodium.
,D. Stop taking the medication if you feel fine.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels in
the body. If sodium levels drop, the body retains lithium, which can lead to toxicity.
Maintaining a consistent sodium and fluid intake is vital for therapeutic stability.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for suspected alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is an
early sign of withdrawal?
A. Fine tremors of the hands
B. Profound hypotension
C. Increased appetite
D. Somnolence and bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Early signs of alcohol withdrawal typically include tremors,
diaphoresis, and tachycardia. These symptoms usually manifest within 6 to 12 hours after
the last drink. Identifying these early signs is crucial for preventing progression to delirium
tremens.
4. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Leave the client alone to rest in a quiet room.
, B. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
D. Argue with the client about the reality of the voices.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The nurse must determine the content of the hallucinations to assess
for safety, specifically command hallucinations. Command hallucinations may instruct the
client to harm themselves or others. Safety is always the priority in psychiatric nursing
care.
5. Which legal principle refers to the nurse’s obligation to tell the truth?
A. Autonomy
B. Veracity
C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Veracity is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to
be honest and truthful. This builds trust between the patient and the healthcare team. It is
essential for obtaining informed consent and maintaining professional integrity.
| NUR 2459 Mental and Behavioral Health
Nursing | Rasmussen
1. A nurse is caring for a client who states, ‘I feel like my life is falling apart and there is no
hope.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think your life is falling apart right now?’
B. ‘It sounds like you are feeling very overwhelmed and discouraged.’
C. ‘Everything will get better once the medication starts working.’
D. ‘You should focus on the positive things you still have.’
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: This response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection and
validation of the client’s feelings. It avoids asking ‘why’ questions which can put the client
on the defensive. By acknowledging the client’s emotions, the nurse fosters a trusting
relationship and encourages further expression.
2. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which
instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
B. Take the medication only when you feel manic.
C. Maintain a consistent intake of dietary sodium.
,D. Stop taking the medication if you feel fine.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels in
the body. If sodium levels drop, the body retains lithium, which can lead to toxicity.
Maintaining a consistent sodium and fluid intake is vital for therapeutic stability.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for suspected alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following is an
early sign of withdrawal?
A. Fine tremors of the hands
B. Profound hypotension
C. Increased appetite
D. Somnolence and bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Early signs of alcohol withdrawal typically include tremors,
diaphoresis, and tachycardia. These symptoms usually manifest within 6 to 12 hours after
the last drink. Identifying these early signs is crucial for preventing progression to delirium
tremens.
4. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What is the priority
nursing intervention?
A. Leave the client alone to rest in a quiet room.
, B. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
C. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
D. Argue with the client about the reality of the voices.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The nurse must determine the content of the hallucinations to assess
for safety, specifically command hallucinations. Command hallucinations may instruct the
client to harm themselves or others. Safety is always the priority in psychiatric nursing
care.
5. Which legal principle refers to the nurse’s obligation to tell the truth?
A. Autonomy
B. Veracity
C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Veracity is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to
be honest and truthful. This builds trust between the patient and the healthcare team. It is
essential for obtaining informed consent and maintaining professional integrity.
