NUR2459 Exam 2 V1 | NUR 2459 Mental and
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
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This exam preparation resource focuses on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and
psychopharmacology concepts in psychiatric nursing care. The material is designed to
strengthen understanding of behavioral health conditions and evidence-based psychiatric nursing
interventions.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual mental
health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and psychiatric patient management skills.
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The Exam Covers:
• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder nursing care
• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Antipsychotic medication management
• Antidepressant therapy
• Mood stabilizer nursing interventions
• Psychiatric patient safety strategies
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1. A patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) is starting on a Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Which education point is most critical regarding the onset of
therapeutic effects?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of depressive symptoms.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice a significant improvement in mood.
,C. The drug should be stopped as soon as the patient feels better.
D. Weight loss is the most common reason patients stop this medication.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SSRIs typically require several weeks (2-4 weeks) for therapeutic
effects to manifest. Patients must be educated not to discontinue the medication
prematurely if they do not see immediate results. Early monitoring is essential for
increased suicide risk during this period.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. High-protein, high-calorie finger foods like chicken strips and apple slices.
B. Steak and mashed potatoes with a side salad.
C. A large bowl of soup and crackers.
D. Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Patients in a manic state are often too hyperactive to sit down for a
formal meal. High-calorie finger foods allow the patient to maintain nutritional intake while
on the move. This prevents weight loss and physical exhaustion.
, 3. A patient taking Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore throat and
fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the findings as a common side effect.
B. Administer an antipyretic and monitor the temperature.
C. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider for a CBC.
D. Encourage increased fluid intake to treat the infection.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a life-threatening
decrease in white blood cells. Fever and sore throat are early indicators of infection. The
medication must be held until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is verified.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘positive symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions of grandeur
B. Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
C. Alogia (poverty of speech)
D. Avolition (lack of motivation)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Positive symptoms are additions to normal behavior, such as
delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Negative symptoms represent a loss of
normal function, such as alogia, anhedonia, and avolition.
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource focuses on mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and
psychopharmacology concepts in psychiatric nursing care. The material is designed to
strengthen understanding of behavioral health conditions and evidence-based psychiatric nursing
interventions.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual mental
health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and psychiatric patient management skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Major depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder nursing care
• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Antipsychotic medication management
• Antidepressant therapy
• Mood stabilizer nursing interventions
• Psychiatric patient safety strategies
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with major depressive disorder (MDD) is starting on a Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Which education point is most critical regarding the onset of
therapeutic effects?
A. The medication will provide immediate relief of depressive symptoms.
B. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice a significant improvement in mood.
,C. The drug should be stopped as soon as the patient feels better.
D. Weight loss is the most common reason patients stop this medication.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: SSRIs typically require several weeks (2-4 weeks) for therapeutic
effects to manifest. Patients must be educated not to discontinue the medication
prematurely if they do not see immediate results. Early monitoring is essential for
increased suicide risk during this period.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. High-protein, high-calorie finger foods like chicken strips and apple slices.
B. Steak and mashed potatoes with a side salad.
C. A large bowl of soup and crackers.
D. Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Patients in a manic state are often too hyperactive to sit down for a
formal meal. High-calorie finger foods allow the patient to maintain nutritional intake while
on the move. This prevents weight loss and physical exhaustion.
, 3. A patient taking Clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore throat and
fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the findings as a common side effect.
B. Administer an antipyretic and monitor the temperature.
C. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider for a CBC.
D. Encourage increased fluid intake to treat the infection.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a life-threatening
decrease in white blood cells. Fever and sore throat are early indicators of infection. The
medication must be held until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is verified.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘positive symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions of grandeur
B. Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
C. Alogia (poverty of speech)
D. Avolition (lack of motivation)
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Positive symptoms are additions to normal behavior, such as
delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Negative symptoms represent a loss of
normal function, such as alogia, anhedonia, and avolition.
