NUR 129 DAVIS ADVANTAGE FOR
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING CHAPTER 26 2026 EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED DETAILED
ANSWERS GRADED A+
A highly agitated client paces the unit and states, "I could buy and sell this place."
The client's mood fluctuates from fits of laughter to outbursts of anger. Which is
the most accurate documentation of this client's behavior?
1. "Rates mood 8/10. Exhibiting looseness of association. Euphoric."
2. "Mood euthymic. Exhibiting magical thinking. Restless."
3. "Mood labile. Exhibiting delusions of reference. Hyperactive."
4. "Agitated and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile."
4. This is correct. The nurse should document that this client's behavior is
"Agitated
and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile." The client is exhibiting signs of
irritation accompanied by aggressive behavior. Grandiosity refers to an
exaggerated sense of power, importance, knowledge, or identity.
2. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is distraught over insomnia
experienced
over the past 3 nights and a 12-lb weight loss over the past 2 weeks. Which should
be
this client's priority nursing diagnosis?
1. Knowledge deficit related to (R/T) bipolar disorder as evidenced by (AEB)
concern
,about symptoms
2. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight
loss
3. Risk for suicide R/T powerlessness AEB insomnia and anorexia
4. Altered sleep patterns R/T mania AEB insomnia for the past 3 nights
2. This is correct. The client's weight loss indicates that the body's metabolic needs
have not been met. The nurse should prioritize interventions to ensure proper
nutrition and health. The assessment data does not indicate that the client is at risk
for self-harm.
3. The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic
episode.
Which should be the first priority of the listed client outcomes?
1. Maintains nutritional status
2. Interacts appropriately with peers
3. Remains free from injury
4. Sleeps 6 to 8 hours per night
3. This is correct. Safety of the client and others is the priority over physical and
social
needs.
4. A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive episode intentionally
overdoses
on sertraline (Zoloft). Family reports that the client has experienced anorexia,
insomnia,
, and recent job loss. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
1. Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness
2. Anxiety: severe R/T hyperactivity
3. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements R/T refusal to eat
4. Dysfunctional grieving R/T loss of employment
1. This is correct. The priority nursing diagnosis for this client should be risk for
suicide R/T hopelessness. The nurse should prioritize diagnoses based on physical
and safety needs. This client continues to be at risk for suicide related to an
intentional Zoloft overdose.
5. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium
carbonate because he complains that it makes him feel sick. Which of the
following
medications might be alternatively prescribed for mood stabilization in bipolar
disorders?
1. Sertraline (Zoloft)
2. Valproic acid (Depakote)
3. Trazodone (Desyrel)
4. Paroxetine (Paxil)
2. This is correct. Valproic acid (Depakote) is an anticonvulsant. For many years,
the drug of choice for treatment and management of bipolar mania was lithium
carbonate; however, in recent years, anticonvulsant drugs have been found to have
mood-stabilizing effects, either alone or in combination with lithium.
6. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is exhibiting severe manic behaviors.
A
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING CHAPTER 26 2026 EXAM
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED DETAILED
ANSWERS GRADED A+
A highly agitated client paces the unit and states, "I could buy and sell this place."
The client's mood fluctuates from fits of laughter to outbursts of anger. Which is
the most accurate documentation of this client's behavior?
1. "Rates mood 8/10. Exhibiting looseness of association. Euphoric."
2. "Mood euthymic. Exhibiting magical thinking. Restless."
3. "Mood labile. Exhibiting delusions of reference. Hyperactive."
4. "Agitated and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile."
4. This is correct. The nurse should document that this client's behavior is
"Agitated
and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile." The client is exhibiting signs of
irritation accompanied by aggressive behavior. Grandiosity refers to an
exaggerated sense of power, importance, knowledge, or identity.
2. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is distraught over insomnia
experienced
over the past 3 nights and a 12-lb weight loss over the past 2 weeks. Which should
be
this client's priority nursing diagnosis?
1. Knowledge deficit related to (R/T) bipolar disorder as evidenced by (AEB)
concern
,about symptoms
2. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight
loss
3. Risk for suicide R/T powerlessness AEB insomnia and anorexia
4. Altered sleep patterns R/T mania AEB insomnia for the past 3 nights
2. This is correct. The client's weight loss indicates that the body's metabolic needs
have not been met. The nurse should prioritize interventions to ensure proper
nutrition and health. The assessment data does not indicate that the client is at risk
for self-harm.
3. The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic
episode.
Which should be the first priority of the listed client outcomes?
1. Maintains nutritional status
2. Interacts appropriately with peers
3. Remains free from injury
4. Sleeps 6 to 8 hours per night
3. This is correct. Safety of the client and others is the priority over physical and
social
needs.
4. A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive episode intentionally
overdoses
on sertraline (Zoloft). Family reports that the client has experienced anorexia,
insomnia,
, and recent job loss. Which should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client?
1. Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness
2. Anxiety: severe R/T hyperactivity
3. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements R/T refusal to eat
4. Dysfunctional grieving R/T loss of employment
1. This is correct. The priority nursing diagnosis for this client should be risk for
suicide R/T hopelessness. The nurse should prioritize diagnoses based on physical
and safety needs. This client continues to be at risk for suicide related to an
intentional Zoloft overdose.
5. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium
carbonate because he complains that it makes him feel sick. Which of the
following
medications might be alternatively prescribed for mood stabilization in bipolar
disorders?
1. Sertraline (Zoloft)
2. Valproic acid (Depakote)
3. Trazodone (Desyrel)
4. Paroxetine (Paxil)
2. This is correct. Valproic acid (Depakote) is an anticonvulsant. For many years,
the drug of choice for treatment and management of bipolar mania was lithium
carbonate; however, in recent years, anticonvulsant drugs have been found to have
mood-stabilizing effects, either alone or in combination with lithium.
6. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is exhibiting severe manic behaviors.
A
