OPENSTAX PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
NCLEX EXAM/ NCLEX PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS A NEW UPDATED VERSION LATEST 2026-2027
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS ALREADY GRADED A+ |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is started on phenelzine
(Nardil). Which dietary restriction should the nurse emphasize to prevent a
hypertensive crisis?
A. Foods high in tyramine
B. Foods high in tryptophan
C. Foods high in potassium
D. Foods high in sodium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs block the
breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to a severe hypertensive crisis if tyramine-
rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products) are ingested. Tryptophan,
potassium, and sodium do not precipitate this specific crisis with MAOIs.
,2. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "Aliens are planting thoughts in
my head through satellite waves." The nurse documents this statement as
which type of thought disturbance?
A. Delusion of persecution
B. Delusion of grandeur
C. Thought insertion
D. Thought broadcasting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thought insertion is a delusion where the client believes external forces
are placing thoughts into their mind. Persecutory delusions involve beliefs of being
targeted; grandeur involves inflated self-worth; broadcasting involves believing one's
thoughts are heard by others.
**3. A nurse is assessing a client with antisocial personality disorder. Which
behavior is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Extreme dependency on others
B. Rigid adherence to moral codes
C. Disregard for the rights of others
D. Intense fear of abandonment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy, and
manipulative behavior. Dependency and fear of abandonment are seen in dependent
or borderline personality disorders; rigid morality is seen in obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder.
,**4. A client receiving haloperidol (Haldol) develops muscle rigidity, fever,
and altered mental status. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B. Hold the next dose and notify the healthcare provider
C. Restrict oral fluids to prevent aspiration
D. Apply a cooling blanket immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-
threatening complication of antipsychotics. The priority is to stop the offending
agent (hold haloperidol) and notify the provider. Diphenhydramine treats
extrapyramidal symptoms, not NMS; fluids should be increased, not restricted;
cooling is supportive but not the primary action.
**5. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. The nurse
should monitor for early signs of toxicity, including:
A. Polyuria and polydipsia
B. Fine hand tremors and nausea
C. Muscle weakness and ataxia
D. Seizures and coma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lithium toxicity (serum level 1.5-2.0 mEq/L) presents with fine
tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Polyuria/polydipsia are common side
effects at therapeutic levels. Muscle weakness/ataxia and seizures/coma indicate
moderate to severe toxicity.
, **6. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiences recurrent
nightmares and avoids places that remind them of the trauma. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Encourage suppression of traumatic memories
B. Use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
C. Recommend complete bed rest until symptoms subside
D. Advise the client to avoid all social interactions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBT, particularly trauma-focused CBT, is an evidence-based treatment
for PTSD that helps clients process traumatic memories and develop coping skills.
Suppressing memories worsens symptoms; bed rest and social isolation are not
therapeutic and reinforce avoidance.
**7. A nurse is educating a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
about buspirone (BuSpar). Which statement indicates the client understands
the teaching?
A. "I can take this medication on an as-needed basis for panic attacks."
B. "It may take several weeks before I feel a reduction in my anxiety."
C. "I should avoid foods high in tyramine while on this drug."
D. "This medication is a benzodiazepine and can be habit-forming."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that requires 2-4 weeks for
full therapeutic effect. It is not effective for acute panic attacks (as-needed use), has
no tyramine restrictions, and is not habit-forming.
NCLEX EXAM/ NCLEX PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS A NEW UPDATED VERSION LATEST 2026-2027
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS ALREADY GRADED A+ |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is started on phenelzine
(Nardil). Which dietary restriction should the nurse emphasize to prevent a
hypertensive crisis?
A. Foods high in tyramine
B. Foods high in tryptophan
C. Foods high in potassium
D. Foods high in sodium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs block the
breakdown of tyramine, which can lead to a severe hypertensive crisis if tyramine-
rich foods (aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented products) are ingested. Tryptophan,
potassium, and sodium do not precipitate this specific crisis with MAOIs.
,2. A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "Aliens are planting thoughts in
my head through satellite waves." The nurse documents this statement as
which type of thought disturbance?
A. Delusion of persecution
B. Delusion of grandeur
C. Thought insertion
D. Thought broadcasting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Thought insertion is a delusion where the client believes external forces
are placing thoughts into their mind. Persecutory delusions involve beliefs of being
targeted; grandeur involves inflated self-worth; broadcasting involves believing one's
thoughts are heard by others.
**3. A nurse is assessing a client with antisocial personality disorder. Which
behavior is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Extreme dependency on others
B. Rigid adherence to moral codes
C. Disregard for the rights of others
D. Intense fear of abandonment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy, and
manipulative behavior. Dependency and fear of abandonment are seen in dependent
or borderline personality disorders; rigid morality is seen in obsessive-compulsive
personality disorder.
,**4. A client receiving haloperidol (Haldol) develops muscle rigidity, fever,
and altered mental status. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B. Hold the next dose and notify the healthcare provider
C. Restrict oral fluids to prevent aspiration
D. Apply a cooling blanket immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-
threatening complication of antipsychotics. The priority is to stop the offending
agent (hold haloperidol) and notify the provider. Diphenhydramine treats
extrapyramidal symptoms, not NMS; fluids should be increased, not restricted;
cooling is supportive but not the primary action.
**5. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. The nurse
should monitor for early signs of toxicity, including:
A. Polyuria and polydipsia
B. Fine hand tremors and nausea
C. Muscle weakness and ataxia
D. Seizures and coma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lithium toxicity (serum level 1.5-2.0 mEq/L) presents with fine
tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Polyuria/polydipsia are common side
effects at therapeutic levels. Muscle weakness/ataxia and seizures/coma indicate
moderate to severe toxicity.
, **6. A client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiences recurrent
nightmares and avoids places that remind them of the trauma. Which
intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A. Encourage suppression of traumatic memories
B. Use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
C. Recommend complete bed rest until symptoms subside
D. Advise the client to avoid all social interactions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CBT, particularly trauma-focused CBT, is an evidence-based treatment
for PTSD that helps clients process traumatic memories and develop coping skills.
Suppressing memories worsens symptoms; bed rest and social isolation are not
therapeutic and reinforce avoidance.
**7. A nurse is educating a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
about buspirone (BuSpar). Which statement indicates the client understands
the teaching?
A. "I can take this medication on an as-needed basis for panic attacks."
B. "It may take several weeks before I feel a reduction in my anxiety."
C. "I should avoid foods high in tyramine while on this drug."
D. "This medication is a benzodiazepine and can be habit-forming."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that requires 2-4 weeks for
full therapeutic effect. It is not effective for acute panic attacks (as-needed use), has
no tyramine restrictions, and is not habit-forming.
