NUR 256
Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 256
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore
throat and fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer a prescribed antipyretic for the fever.
B. Document the findings and monitor for the next 24 hours.
C. Inform the patient that these are common side effects of the medication.
D. Request a stat white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count.
Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis. A sore throat and fever
are early signs of infection. A stat CBC with ANC is required to check for life-threatening
neutropenia.
2. A client with bipolar I disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A cheeseburger, an apple, and a carton of milk.
B. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad.
C. A large bowl of vegetable soup and crackers.
D. Steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
, Answer: A
Rationale: Patients in acute mania are often hyperactive and unable to sit down to eat.
Portable, high-protein, high-calorie ‘finger foods’ are best to maintain nutrition while on
the move.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing serotonin syndrome. Which of the following
clinical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia.
B. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity and high fever.
C. Hyperreflexia, tremors, and diaphoresis.
D. Hypotension and urinary retention.
Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by neuromuscular excitement
(hyperreflexia, tremors, clonus), autonomic instability (diaphoresis, tachycardia), and
altered mental status. Lead-pipe rigidity is specific to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS).
4. A patient is admitted for MDD and expresses feelings of worthlessness. They state, ‘I’m just
a burden to everyone.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘You shouldn’t feel that way; your family loves you.’
B. ‘Everyone feels that way sometimes when they are down.’
Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Examination
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 256
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 256 Mental Health Nursing Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient taking clozapine (Clozaril) for treatment-resistant schizophrenia reports a sore
throat and fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer a prescribed antipyretic for the fever.
B. Document the findings and monitor for the next 24 hours.
C. Inform the patient that these are common side effects of the medication.
D. Request a stat white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count.
Answer: D
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a risk of agranulocytosis. A sore throat and fever
are early signs of infection. A stat CBC with ANC is required to check for life-threatening
neutropenia.
2. A client with bipolar I disorder is in a state of acute mania. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A cheeseburger, an apple, and a carton of milk.
B. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad.
C. A large bowl of vegetable soup and crackers.
D. Steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
, Answer: A
Rationale: Patients in acute mania are often hyperactive and unable to sit down to eat.
Portable, high-protein, high-calorie ‘finger foods’ are best to maintain nutrition while on
the move.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing serotonin syndrome. Which of the following
clinical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia.
B. Lead-pipe muscle rigidity and high fever.
C. Hyperreflexia, tremors, and diaphoresis.
D. Hypotension and urinary retention.
Answer: C
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome is characterized by neuromuscular excitement
(hyperreflexia, tremors, clonus), autonomic instability (diaphoresis, tachycardia), and
altered mental status. Lead-pipe rigidity is specific to Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS).
4. A patient is admitted for MDD and expresses feelings of worthlessness. They state, ‘I’m just
a burden to everyone.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘You shouldn’t feel that way; your family loves you.’
B. ‘Everyone feels that way sometimes when they are down.’
