PNR 200/PNR200 Exam 2 V2 | Mental Health
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting a lack of interest in social activities and limited
emotional expression. How should the nurse document these findings?
A. Negative symptoms
B. Cognitive symptoms
C. Positive symptoms
D. Affective symptoms
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of healthy behaviors, such as social
withdrawal and flat affect. These symptoms are often more difficult to treat than positive
symptoms like hallucinations. Documentation must accurately reflect these deficits to
guide long-term rehabilitation goals.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for this client?
A. Participating in a competitive basketball game
B. Writing in a journal in a quiet room
C. Leading a group therapy discussion
D. Attending a crowded social party
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulation environments to help
decrease agitation. Journaling provides a solitary, focused outlet for their high energy
without the overstimulation of group activities. The nurse’s priority is to provide a safe,
calm milieu that prevents physical exhaustion.
3. Which laboratory value is the priority for a nurse to monitor in a client taking clozapine?
A. Platelet count
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum potassium
D. White blood cell (WBC) count
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis, which is a life-threatening
drop in white blood cells. Clients must have their WBC and Absolute Neutrophil Count
(ANC) monitored weekly or bi-weekly according to protocol. If the count drops below a
certain threshold, the medication must be discontinued immediately to prevent infection.
4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Which of the following
is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encouraging the client to attend group therapy
B. Assisting the client with daily hygiene tasks
, C. Teaching the client about their new SSRI medication
D. Monitoring the client for suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Patient safety is the absolute priority in mental health nursing for those with
depression. Suicide risk assessment must be performed frequently, especially when a
patient begins to feel better and has more energy to act on a plan. The nurse should
implement continuous observation or frequent checks based on the unit’s protocol.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine, an MAOI. Which
food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green beans
B. Cottage cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. Aged cheddar cheese
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods, which can trigger a hypertensive
crisis. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products are high in tyramine and must
be strictly avoided. The nurse should provide a comprehensive list of safe and unsafe foods
to ensure the client’s safety at home.
Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis College
1. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting a lack of interest in social activities and limited
emotional expression. How should the nurse document these findings?
A. Negative symptoms
B. Cognitive symptoms
C. Positive symptoms
D. Affective symptoms
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of healthy behaviors, such as social
withdrawal and flat affect. These symptoms are often more difficult to treat than positive
symptoms like hallucinations. Documentation must accurately reflect these deficits to
guide long-term rehabilitation goals.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for this client?
A. Participating in a competitive basketball game
B. Writing in a journal in a quiet room
C. Leading a group therapy discussion
D. Attending a crowded social party
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulation environments to help
decrease agitation. Journaling provides a solitary, focused outlet for their high energy
without the overstimulation of group activities. The nurse’s priority is to provide a safe,
calm milieu that prevents physical exhaustion.
3. Which laboratory value is the priority for a nurse to monitor in a client taking clozapine?
A. Platelet count
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C. Serum potassium
D. White blood cell (WBC) count
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Clozapine carries a high risk for agranulocytosis, which is a life-threatening
drop in white blood cells. Clients must have their WBC and Absolute Neutrophil Count
(ANC) monitored weekly or bi-weekly according to protocol. If the count drops below a
certain threshold, the medication must be discontinued immediately to prevent infection.
4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. Which of the following
is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Encouraging the client to attend group therapy
B. Assisting the client with daily hygiene tasks
, C. Teaching the client about their new SSRI medication
D. Monitoring the client for suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Patient safety is the absolute priority in mental health nursing for those with
depression. Suicide risk assessment must be performed frequently, especially when a
patient begins to feel better and has more energy to act on a plan. The nurse should
implement continuous observation or frequent checks based on the unit’s protocol.
5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine, an MAOI. Which
food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh green beans
B. Cottage cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. Aged cheddar cheese
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods, which can trigger a hypertensive
crisis. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products are high in tyramine and must
be strictly avoided. The nurse should provide a comprehensive list of safe and unsafe foods
to ensure the client’s safety at home.
