NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
ADVANCED ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient taking haloperidol exhibits high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.
Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotics characterized by hyperpyrexia, severe muscle rigidity, and
tachycardia.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse states, ‘You
seem to be feeling frustrated today’?
A. Restating
B. Summarizing
,C. Reflecting
D. Clarifying
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Reflection involves identifying and verbalizing the feelings the
patient is expressing or implying.
3. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder has a lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Hold the dose and notify the physician
C. Encourage increased fluid intake only
D. Request a repeat blood draw in 24 hours
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity, requiring the medication to be held.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Anhedonia
C. Delusions of Grandeur
, D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) is a negative symptom,
which refers to a loss or deficit in normal functioning.
5. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder praises one nurse while demeaning another.
This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. Displacement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism where the person
sees others as all good or all bad, often used by individuals with BPD.
6. When educating a patient on Phenelzine (an MAOI), which food item must be strictly
avoided?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Leafy green vegetables
D. Whole grain bread
ADVANCED ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient taking haloperidol exhibits high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.
Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Agranulocytosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotics characterized by hyperpyrexia, severe muscle rigidity, and
tachycardia.
2. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse states, ‘You
seem to be feeling frustrated today’?
A. Restating
B. Summarizing
,C. Reflecting
D. Clarifying
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Reflection involves identifying and verbalizing the feelings the
patient is expressing or implying.
3. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder has a lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer the next dose as scheduled
B. Hold the dose and notify the physician
C. Encourage increased fluid intake only
D. Request a repeat blood draw in 24 hours
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of
1.8 mEq/L indicates toxicity, requiring the medication to be held.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory Hallucinations
B. Anhedonia
C. Delusions of Grandeur
, D. Disorganized Speech
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) is a negative symptom,
which refers to a loss or deficit in normal functioning.
5. A patient with Borderline Personality Disorder praises one nurse while demeaning another.
This behavior is known as:
A. Projection
B. Reaction Formation
C. Splitting
D. Displacement
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Splitting is a primitive defense mechanism where the person
sees others as all good or all bad, often used by individuals with BPD.
6. When educating a patient on Phenelzine (an MAOI), which food item must be strictly
avoided?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Leafy green vegetables
D. Whole grain bread
