the Life Span 2 Final Exam Questions
and Actual Answers 2025 Updated.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN would expect to assess which of the following as an increased risk for violence among
patients with schizophrenia?
Erratic sleep habits
Lack of exercise
Substance abuse
Unsafe sex - Answer 1) Erratic sleeping habits is not associated with increased risk for violence
in patients with schizophrenia.
2) Lack of exercise is not associated with increased risk for violence in patients with
schizophrenia.
*3) Substance abuse is associated with a variety of negative outcomes such as homelessness,
violence, and suicide in patients with schizophrenia.
4) Unsafe sex is not associated with increased risk for violence in patients with schizophrenia.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN is reviewing dietary restrictions with a patient who is on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI). Which dietary choice indicates that the patient understood the teaching?
Chicken wings and blue cheese
Shrimp and fried rice
Pepperoni pizza
Hamburger and french fries - Answer 1) Blue cheese has high tyramine content; the ingestion
of tyramine with the use of MAOIs will lead to hypertensive crisis.
,3) Pepperoni has a high tyramine content. Patients taking MAOIs should avoid it.
*4) Of the meals listed, hamburger and french fries is the most appropriate option.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN is evaluating care for an outpatient who is receiving lithium carbonate (Lithane). Which
statement reflects the need for further instruction regarding the medication?
"I will report any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea."
"I will adhere to a low-salt diet."
"I will have my blood tested for lithium every month."
"I will not take over-the-counter medications." - Answer 1) The patient should report these
side effects and stop taking the drug, since dehydration can raise lithium levels. Further
instruction is not necessary.
*2) The patient should not follow a low-salt diet. A low-sodium intake causes a relative increase
in lithium retention, which can lead to toxicity. Further instruction is necessary.
3) Lithium levels are monitored very closely (monthly) at first. No further instruction is
necessary.
4) The patient should avoid taking over-the-counter medications. No further instruction is
necessary.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN is assessing a patient presenting with a history of schizophrenia. The RN notes that the
patient smiles while talking about missing family. The RN correctly documents this behavior as a
disturbance in which area of functioning?
Affect
Volition
Perception
,2) Volition is characterized by the inability to carry out goal-directed activity, not by
inconsistency between emotional expression and the circumstances.
3) Disturbances in perceptual function are characterized by the inability to accurately interpret
stimuli, as in the case of an individual experiencing hallucinations.
4) Disturbances in content of thought are characterized by delusions, magical thinking, and
other beliefs that are not grounded in reality.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN is providing information on withdrawal symptoms to a patient who has been abusing
amphetamines. Which statement by the RN is accurate?
"It's still possible to experience symptoms of withdrawal even if you try to take a lower
dosage."
"A loss of appetite after stopping this drug is common, so we may need to provide nutritional
supplements."
"The symptoms associated with amphetamine withdrawal are generally mild and are likely to
resolve within 2 to 4 hours of their onset."
"You're likely to experience an intense period of euphoria, which generally peaks around 48 to
72 hours after stopping the medication." - Answer *1) Symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal
may occur when the substance is stopped completely or when the dose is reduced.
2) Amphetamine withdrawal usually results in feelings of extreme hunger, not a decreased
appetite.
3) The symptoms associated with amphetamine withdrawal are serious and should be managed
under the supervision of health care providers.
4) Amphetamine withdrawal causes extreme dysphoria, not euphoria.
Alterations in Mental Health
An RN is conducting a health history on a newly admitted patient in the eating disorder
, To determine if the family members can become more involved with patient
To determine if the patient has unresolved dependency needs - Answer *1) Family dynamics
of power and control or conflict avoidance may play a role in eating disorders.
2) Hereditary predisposition is considered to be a biological influence, not a psychodynamic
influence.
3) Families may be overinvolved, resulting in enmeshment.
4) Literature suggests unresolved dependency needs may occur in obesity.
Alterations in Mental Health
A patient with schizophrenia exhibits delusional thinking. How will the RN best help the patient
orient to reality?
Challenge the patient's perception by saying, "That's not accurate."
Convey acceptance of the patient's perception by saying, "Oh, yes, I see what you mean."
Reinforce reality by saying, "Did you look outside? It looks like a sunny day."
Explore the patient's perception by saying, "That's fascinating. Tell me more about it." - Answer
1) Arguing with the patient delays development of trust and does not promote reality.
2) Agreeing with the patient reinforces the delusional belief.
*3) Focusing on actual events, such as the weather and people who are real, promotes reality.
4) Encouraging elaboration does not promote reality and may aggravate psychosis.
Alterations in Mental Health
Which behavioral characteristic should the RN expect in a patient who has a diagnosis of
narcissistic personality disorder?