NFDN 2007 MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports hearing voices saying, ‘You are
worthless.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think the voices are saying that to you?’
B. ‘The voices are not real; they are just part of your illness.’
C. ‘I don’t hear the voices, but I understand they are real to you.’
D. ‘You should try to ignore them and focus on our activity.’
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Acknowledging the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination as reality is a key therapeutic communication technique for hallucinations.
2. Which of the following findings is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Anhedonia
D. Echolalia
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of normal behaviors,
such as anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), flat affect, and alogia.
3. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The nurse should instruct the
client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; if sodium levels drop (via sweating or diet), the
kidneys retain lithium to compensate, leading to toxicity.
4. A client taking Haloperidol (Haldol) develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic
instability. The nurse should suspect which life-threatening condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a medical emergency associated with antipsychotic use,
characterized by ‘lead pipe’ rigidity, hyperpyrexia, and tachycardia.
5. When assessing a client for suicide risk, which statement by the client represents the
highest immediate risk?
A. ‘I have a bottle of pills at home and I plan to take them tonight.’
B. ‘I’ve been feeling very down for several weeks now.’
C. ‘I think my family would be better off if I weren’t around.’
D. ‘I’ve started giving away some of my favorite possessions.’
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Having a specific plan, the means to carry it out, and a
designated timeframe indicates the highest level of lethality and intent.
6. A nurse is managing a client in the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder. Which meal choice is
most appropriate?
A. Steak and mashed potatoes
B. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken wrap and an apple
Answer: D
FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS. JUST RELEASED
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports hearing voices saying, ‘You are
worthless.’ Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. ‘Why do you think the voices are saying that to you?’
B. ‘The voices are not real; they are just part of your illness.’
C. ‘I don’t hear the voices, but I understand they are real to you.’
D. ‘You should try to ignore them and focus on our activity.’
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Acknowledging the client’s experience without validating the
hallucination as reality is a key therapeutic communication technique for hallucinations.
2. Which of the following findings is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Anhedonia
D. Echolalia
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of normal behaviors,
such as anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), flat affect, and alogia.
3. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. The nurse should instruct the
client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lithium is a salt; if sodium levels drop (via sweating or diet), the
kidneys retain lithium to compensate, leading to toxicity.
4. A client taking Haloperidol (Haldol) develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic
instability. The nurse should suspect which life-threatening condition?
A. Serotonin Syndrome
B. Agranulocytosis
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: NMS is a medical emergency associated with antipsychotic use,
characterized by ‘lead pipe’ rigidity, hyperpyrexia, and tachycardia.
5. When assessing a client for suicide risk, which statement by the client represents the
highest immediate risk?
A. ‘I have a bottle of pills at home and I plan to take them tonight.’
B. ‘I’ve been feeling very down for several weeks now.’
C. ‘I think my family would be better off if I weren’t around.’
D. ‘I’ve started giving away some of my favorite possessions.’
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Having a specific plan, the means to carry it out, and a
designated timeframe indicates the highest level of lethality and intent.
6. A nurse is managing a client in the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder. Which meal choice is
most appropriate?
A. Steak and mashed potatoes
B. Spaghetti with meatballs and a salad
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken wrap and an apple
Answer: D
