Mental Health Nursing Exam Questions & Rationales –
Psychopharmacology, Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders, Substance
Abuse, and Therapeutic Communication |Complete Exam Questions
with Verified A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
1.
A male client with schizophrenia who is taking fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin decanoate) is
being discharged in the morning. A repeat dose of medication is scheduled for 20 days after
discharge. The client tells the nurse that he is going on vacation in the Bahamas and will return
in 18 days. Which statement by the client indicates a need for health teaching?
A) When I return from my tropical island vacation, I will go to the clinic to get my Prolixin
injection.
B) While I am on vacation and when I return, I will not eat or drink anything that contains
alcohol.
C) I will notify the healthcare provider if I have a sore throat or flu-like symptoms.
D) I will continue to take my benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) every day.
Photosensitivity is a side effect of Prolixin and a vacation in the Bahamas (with its tropical island
climate) increases the client's chance of experiencing this side effect. He should be instructed to
avoid direct sun (A) and wear sunscreen. (B, C, and D) indicate accurate knowledge. Alcohol acts
synergistically with Prolixin (B). (C) lists signs of agranulocytosis, which is also a side effect of
Prolixin. In order to avoid extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), anticholinergic drugs, such as
Cogentin, are often prescribed prophylactically with Prolixin.
Correct Answer(s): A
2.
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he was feeling depressed about the
loss of his wife and job. The client has a history of alcohol dependency and admits that he was
drinking alcohol 12 hours ago. Vital signs are: temperature, 100° F, pulse 100, and BP 142/100.
The nurse plans to give the client lorazepam (Ativan) based on which priority nursing diagnosis?
A) Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation.
B) Risk for injury related to alcohol detoxification.
C) Knowledge deficit related to ineffective coping.
D) Health seeking behaviors related to personal crisis.
The most important nursing diagnosis is related to alcohol detoxification (B) because the client
has elevated vital signs, a sign of alcohol detoxification. Maintaining client safety related to (A)
should be addressed after giving the client Ativan for elevated vital signs secondary to alcohol
,withdrawal. (C and D) can be addressed when immediate needs for safety are met.
Correct Answer(s): B
3.
The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff about the plan of care for a client who is
very depressed. What is the most important intervention to implement during the first 48 hours
after the client's admission to the unit?
A) Monitor appetite and observe intake at meals.
B) Maintain safety in the client's milieu.
C) Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
D) Encourage participation in activities.
The most important reason for closely observing a depressed client immediately after admission
is to maintain safety (B), since suicide is a risk with depression. (A, C, and D) are all important
interventions, but safety is the priority.
Correct Answer(s): B
4.
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. When her
tray is brought to her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you are trying to poison me
with that food." Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?
A) I'll leave your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.
B) You're not being poisoned. Why do you think someone is trying to poison you?
C) No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning. You're safe here.
D) I will talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of changing your diet.
(A) is the best choice cited. The nurse does not argue with the client nor demand that she eat,
but offers support by agreeing to "be there if needed", e.g., to warm the food. (B and C) are
arguing with the client's delusions, and (B) asks "why" which is usually not a good question for a
psychotic client. (D) has nothing to do with the actual problem; i.e., the problem is not the diet
(she thinks any food given to her is poisoned.)
Correct Answer(s): A
5.
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea,
vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for administration of an antidote.
B) Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug.
,C) Record the symptoms as normal side effects and continue administration of the prescribed
dosage.
D) Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of the drug.
Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below 2.0 mEq per
liter) generally follow a progressive pattern beginning with diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, and
muscular weakness. At higher levels, ataxia, tinnitus, blurred vision, and large dilute urine
output may occur. (B) is the best choice. Although these are expected symptoms, the healthcare
provider should be notified prior to the next administration of the drug. (A, C, and D) would not
reflect good nursing judgment.
Correct Answer(s): B
6.
The parents of a 14-year-old boy bring their son to the hospital. He is lethargic, but responsive.
The mother states, "I think he took some of my pain pills." During initial assessment of the
teenager, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents?
A) If he has seemed depressed recently.
B) If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
C) If he might have taken any other drugs.
D) If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.
Knowledge of all substances taken (C) will guide further treatment, such as administration of
antagonists, so obtaining this information has the highest priority. (A and B) are also valuable in
planning treatment. (D) is not appropriate during the acute management of a drug overdose.
Correct Answer(s): C
7.
The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, "What exactly is
schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this
family member?
A) It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's sit down and talk.
B) It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.
C) Your husband will be just fine if he takes his medications regularly.
D) I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist about this question.
The nurse should answer the client's question with factual information and explain that
schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain (B). (A) is a therapeutic response but does
not answer the question, and may be an appropriate response after the nurse answers the
question asked. Although (C) is likely true to some degree, it is also true that some clients
, continue to have disorganized thinking even with antipsychotic medications. Referring the
spouse to the psychologist (D) is avoiding the issue; the nurse can and should answer the
question.
Correct Answer(s): B
8.
The community health nurse talks to a male client who has bipolar disorder. The client explains
that he sleeps 4 to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start two new businesses
and build an empire. The client stopped taking his medications several days ago. What nursing
problem has the highest priority?
A) Excessive work activity.
B) Decreased need for sleep.
C) Medication management.
D) Inflated self-esteem.
The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because compliance with
the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The client is also exhibiting signs of (A,
B, and C); however, these problems do not have the priority of medication management.
Correct Answer(s): C
9.
At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states,
"Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I'm afraid he will commit
suicide." The nurse's response should be based on which information?
A) Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease.
B) Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression.
C) Feelings of depression frequently lead to drug abuse and addiction.
D) Careful monitoring should be provided during withdrawal from the drugs.
The priority is to teach the parents that their son will need monitoring and support during
withdrawal (D) to ensure that he does not attempt suicide. Although (A and C) are true, they are
not as relevant to the parent's expressed concern. There is no information to support (B).
Correct Answer(s): D
10.
The nurse observes a female client with schizophrenia watching the news on TV. She begins to
laugh softly and says, "Yes, my love, I'll do it." When the nurse questions the client about her
comment she states, "The news commentator is my lover and he speaks to me each evening.
Psychopharmacology, Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders, Substance
Abuse, and Therapeutic Communication |Complete Exam Questions
with Verified A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
1.
A male client with schizophrenia who is taking fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin decanoate) is
being discharged in the morning. A repeat dose of medication is scheduled for 20 days after
discharge. The client tells the nurse that he is going on vacation in the Bahamas and will return
in 18 days. Which statement by the client indicates a need for health teaching?
A) When I return from my tropical island vacation, I will go to the clinic to get my Prolixin
injection.
B) While I am on vacation and when I return, I will not eat or drink anything that contains
alcohol.
C) I will notify the healthcare provider if I have a sore throat or flu-like symptoms.
D) I will continue to take my benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) every day.
Photosensitivity is a side effect of Prolixin and a vacation in the Bahamas (with its tropical island
climate) increases the client's chance of experiencing this side effect. He should be instructed to
avoid direct sun (A) and wear sunscreen. (B, C, and D) indicate accurate knowledge. Alcohol acts
synergistically with Prolixin (B). (C) lists signs of agranulocytosis, which is also a side effect of
Prolixin. In order to avoid extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), anticholinergic drugs, such as
Cogentin, are often prescribed prophylactically with Prolixin.
Correct Answer(s): A
2.
A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he was feeling depressed about the
loss of his wife and job. The client has a history of alcohol dependency and admits that he was
drinking alcohol 12 hours ago. Vital signs are: temperature, 100° F, pulse 100, and BP 142/100.
The nurse plans to give the client lorazepam (Ativan) based on which priority nursing diagnosis?
A) Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation.
B) Risk for injury related to alcohol detoxification.
C) Knowledge deficit related to ineffective coping.
D) Health seeking behaviors related to personal crisis.
The most important nursing diagnosis is related to alcohol detoxification (B) because the client
has elevated vital signs, a sign of alcohol detoxification. Maintaining client safety related to (A)
should be addressed after giving the client Ativan for elevated vital signs secondary to alcohol
,withdrawal. (C and D) can be addressed when immediate needs for safety are met.
Correct Answer(s): B
3.
The charge nurse is collaborating with the nursing staff about the plan of care for a client who is
very depressed. What is the most important intervention to implement during the first 48 hours
after the client's admission to the unit?
A) Monitor appetite and observe intake at meals.
B) Maintain safety in the client's milieu.
C) Provide ongoing, supportive contact.
D) Encourage participation in activities.
The most important reason for closely observing a depressed client immediately after admission
is to maintain safety (B), since suicide is a risk with depression. (A, C, and D) are all important
interventions, but safety is the priority.
Correct Answer(s): B
4.
A 38-year-old female client is admitted with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. When her
tray is brought to her, she refuses to eat and tells the nurse, "I know you are trying to poison me
with that food." Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?
A) I'll leave your tray here. I am available if you need anything else.
B) You're not being poisoned. Why do you think someone is trying to poison you?
C) No one on this unit has ever died from poisoning. You're safe here.
D) I will talk to your healthcare provider about the possibility of changing your diet.
(A) is the best choice cited. The nurse does not argue with the client nor demand that she eat,
but offers support by agreeing to "be there if needed", e.g., to warm the food. (B and C) are
arguing with the client's delusions, and (B) asks "why" which is usually not a good question for a
psychotic client. (D) has nothing to do with the actual problem; i.e., the problem is not the diet
(she thinks any food given to her is poisoned.)
Correct Answer(s): A
5.
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea,
vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
A) Notify the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for administration of an antidote.
B) Notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug.
,C) Record the symptoms as normal side effects and continue administration of the prescribed
dosage.
D) Hold the medication and refuse to administer additional amounts of the drug.
Early side effects of lithium carbonate (occurring with serum lithium levels below 2.0 mEq per
liter) generally follow a progressive pattern beginning with diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, and
muscular weakness. At higher levels, ataxia, tinnitus, blurred vision, and large dilute urine
output may occur. (B) is the best choice. Although these are expected symptoms, the healthcare
provider should be notified prior to the next administration of the drug. (A, C, and D) would not
reflect good nursing judgment.
Correct Answer(s): B
6.
The parents of a 14-year-old boy bring their son to the hospital. He is lethargic, but responsive.
The mother states, "I think he took some of my pain pills." During initial assessment of the
teenager, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents?
A) If he has seemed depressed recently.
B) If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
C) If he might have taken any other drugs.
D) If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.
Knowledge of all substances taken (C) will guide further treatment, such as administration of
antagonists, so obtaining this information has the highest priority. (A and B) are also valuable in
planning treatment. (D) is not appropriate during the acute management of a drug overdose.
Correct Answer(s): C
7.
The wife of a male client recently diagnosed with schizophrenia asks the nurse, "What exactly is
schizophrenia? Is my husband all right?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide to this
family member?
A) It sounds like you're worried about your husband. Let's sit down and talk.
B) It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes disorganized thinking.
C) Your husband will be just fine if he takes his medications regularly.
D) I think you should talk to your husband's psychologist about this question.
The nurse should answer the client's question with factual information and explain that
schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain (B). (A) is a therapeutic response but does
not answer the question, and may be an appropriate response after the nurse answers the
question asked. Although (C) is likely true to some degree, it is also true that some clients
, continue to have disorganized thinking even with antipsychotic medications. Referring the
spouse to the psychologist (D) is avoiding the issue; the nurse can and should answer the
question.
Correct Answer(s): B
8.
The community health nurse talks to a male client who has bipolar disorder. The client explains
that he sleeps 4 to 5 hours a night and is working with his partner to start two new businesses
and build an empire. The client stopped taking his medications several days ago. What nursing
problem has the highest priority?
A) Excessive work activity.
B) Decreased need for sleep.
C) Medication management.
D) Inflated self-esteem.
The most important nursing problem is medication management (C) because compliance with
the medication regimen will help prevent hospitalization. The client is also exhibiting signs of (A,
B, and C); however, these problems do not have the priority of medication management.
Correct Answer(s): C
9.
At a support meeting of parents of a teenager with polysubstance dependency, a parent states,
"Each time my son tries to quit taking drugs, he gets so depressed that I'm afraid he will commit
suicide." The nurse's response should be based on which information?
A) Addiction is a chronic, incurable disease.
B) Tolerance to the effects of drugs causes feelings of depression.
C) Feelings of depression frequently lead to drug abuse and addiction.
D) Careful monitoring should be provided during withdrawal from the drugs.
The priority is to teach the parents that their son will need monitoring and support during
withdrawal (D) to ensure that he does not attempt suicide. Although (A and C) are true, they are
not as relevant to the parent's expressed concern. There is no information to support (B).
Correct Answer(s): D
10.
The nurse observes a female client with schizophrenia watching the news on TV. She begins to
laugh softly and says, "Yes, my love, I'll do it." When the nurse questions the client about her
comment she states, "The news commentator is my lover and he speaks to me each evening.
