MENTAL HEALTH EXAM
A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who is receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder. the client
tells the nurse “I have not had a drink for 6 hours.” Which findings should the nurse expect during alcohol
withdrawals.
a. Low body temperature
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have an elevated
temperature.
b. Insomnia
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have insomnia
and restlessness.
c. Muscle flaccidity
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have muscle
tremors.
d. Bradycardia
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have tachycardia.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving treatment for alcohol detoxification. Which of the
following medications should the nurse expect to administer during this phase of the client's care?
a. Buprenorphine
The nurse should expect to administer buprenorphine to a client during opiate detoxification.
b. Diazepam
The nurse should expect to administer diazepam to a client during alcohol detoxification.
Anti-anxiety agents, such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, are long-acting CNS
depressants that are used to minimize the manifestations of alcohol withdrawal.
c. Varenicline
The nurse should expect to administer varenicline to a client who has nicotine use disorder.
d. Rimonabant
The nurse should expect to administer rimonabant to a client who has nicotine use disorder.
11. A nurse is speaking to a community group about the diagnosis and treatment of clients who have
Alzheimer's. The nurse should conclude that the members of the group need further teaching when she
identifies the following as manifestations of Alzheimer Disease.
a. Impaired judgment
The nurse should identify impaired judgment as a common manifestation associated with
Alzheimer Disease.
b. Sudden confusion
The nurse should clarify that the client who has Alzheimer’s disease is expected to exhibit
confusion that develops slowly over a period of months. Clients who have delirium exhibit
sudden confusion.
c. Personality change
The nurse should identify that clients who have Alzheimer’s disease are expected to exhibit
changes in personality as the disease progresses.
d. Remote memory loss
The nurse should identify recent and remote memory loss as common manifestations associated
with Alzheimer’s disease.
,12. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a new prescription for
Buspirone. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following manifestations is a common
adverse effect of this medication?
a. Confusion
Confusion is not an adverse effect of buspirone, though the client might experience decreased
concentration and headache.
b. Bradycardia
Tachycardia and palpitations, not bradycardia, are possible adverse effects of buspirone.
c. Dizziness
The nurse should inform the client that dizziness is a common adverse effect of buspirone.
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until the
presence of adverse effects is determined.
d. Insomnia
Drowsiness, not insomnia, is an adverse effect of buspirone.
13. A nurse is reviewing the medications of a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for
lithium. The nurse should identify that it is safe to administer which of the following medications while the
client is taking lithium?
a. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because it can cause increased
kidney absorption of lithium, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
b. Haloperidol
Haloperidol is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because the combination of
these medications increases the client’s risk for extrapyramidal adverse effects and tardive
dyskinesia.
c. Valproic acid
Valproic acid and lithium are both indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is safe for
the nurse to administer both of these medications to the client.
d. Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because it promotes
sodium loss, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
14. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a toddler with a fractured arm. which of the
following finding should the nurse suspect as possible abuse?
a. The parent provides a history that is inconsistent with the child's injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when the child’s injury conflicts with the history of
the injury that is reported by his parent.
b. The child is brought to the emergency department immediately following the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when there is a delay in seeking medical care following
an injury.
c. The parent requests to remain present with the child throughout treatment of the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when the parent leaves the treatment area or facility
after bringing the child in for treatment of an injury.
d. The child clings to the parent when the nurse begins to assess the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse if the child displays fear of the parent.
15. A nurse is evaluating a care plan for a client who has an Antisocial Personality Disorder. Which of the
following client actions indicates he is making progress in treatments? (Select All That Apply)
a. Assisting another client who has depression to fill out a menu.
, Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to lack empathy for others and often display
an inability to connect with others. Assisting another client indicates the client’s willingness to help
and connect with others and demonstrates to the nurse his progress with treatment.
b. Nominating himself to chair the client government meeting.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to see themselves as superior to others.
Providing a self-nomination for chairperson status places him in a position of power over others;
therefore, this behavior does not indicate progress with the treatment.
c. Requesting a weekend pass to go home.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to disregard rules and have a lack of
respect for authority. Requesting a weekend pass indicates the client’s willingness to follow unit
rules and demonstrates to the nurse his progress with the treatment.
d. Serving as the judge for a unit talent show.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to see themselves as superior to others.
Serving as a judge places the client in a position of power over others; therefore, this behavior
does not indicate progress with the treatment.
e. Informing the nurse that the staff provides excellent care to clients.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder often use flattery as a form of manipulation to
promote personal gain; therefore, providing a compliment to the nursing staff does not indicate
progress with the treatment.
16. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking valproic acid. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
a. "You should expect the provider to gradually decrease your dosage of valproic acid."
The nurse should inform the client that the provider will initially prescribe a small dose, and then
gradually increase the dose until a maintenance dosage is achieved.
b. "You should take aspirin for pain you have while taking valproic acid."
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid aspirin while taking valproic acid because of the
increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.
c. "You should undergo thyroid function tests every 6 months while taking valproic acid."
The nurse should identify that hypothyroidism is an adverse effect of lithium rather than valproic
acid.
d. "You should have your liver function levels monitored regularly while taking valproic acid"
The nurse should inform the client of the need to regularly monitor liver function levels due to
the risk for hepatotoxicity while taking valproic acid. It is recommended to obtain baseline
levels and then repeat every 2 months during the first 6 months of therapy.
17. A nurse is teaching a client who has Agoraphobia about Systematic Desensitization. Which of the
following comments should the nurse include in the teaching?
a. "You will watch from a secure location as your therapist goes to public spaces."
The nurse should recognize that encouraging the client to watch as the therapist acts as a role
model in anxiety-provoking situations is an example of modeling, not systematic desensitization.
b. "You will start your therapy by staying in a public space until your anxiety decreases."
The nurse should recognize that sudden exposure of the client to the undesirable stimulus is an
example of flooding, not systematic desensitization.
c. "You will be instructed to say 'Stop!' out loud when you become anxious in public spaces."
The nurse should recognize that saying "Stop!" to interrupt a negative thought is an example of
thought stopping, not systematic desensitization.
d. "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces
A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who is receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder. the client
tells the nurse “I have not had a drink for 6 hours.” Which findings should the nurse expect during alcohol
withdrawals.
a. Low body temperature
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have an elevated
temperature.
b. Insomnia
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have insomnia
and restlessness.
c. Muscle flaccidity
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have muscle
tremors.
d. Bradycardia
The nurse should expect the client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal to have tachycardia.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving treatment for alcohol detoxification. Which of the
following medications should the nurse expect to administer during this phase of the client's care?
a. Buprenorphine
The nurse should expect to administer buprenorphine to a client during opiate detoxification.
b. Diazepam
The nurse should expect to administer diazepam to a client during alcohol detoxification.
Anti-anxiety agents, such as chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, are long-acting CNS
depressants that are used to minimize the manifestations of alcohol withdrawal.
c. Varenicline
The nurse should expect to administer varenicline to a client who has nicotine use disorder.
d. Rimonabant
The nurse should expect to administer rimonabant to a client who has nicotine use disorder.
11. A nurse is speaking to a community group about the diagnosis and treatment of clients who have
Alzheimer's. The nurse should conclude that the members of the group need further teaching when she
identifies the following as manifestations of Alzheimer Disease.
a. Impaired judgment
The nurse should identify impaired judgment as a common manifestation associated with
Alzheimer Disease.
b. Sudden confusion
The nurse should clarify that the client who has Alzheimer’s disease is expected to exhibit
confusion that develops slowly over a period of months. Clients who have delirium exhibit
sudden confusion.
c. Personality change
The nurse should identify that clients who have Alzheimer’s disease are expected to exhibit
changes in personality as the disease progresses.
d. Remote memory loss
The nurse should identify recent and remote memory loss as common manifestations associated
with Alzheimer’s disease.
,12. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and a new prescription for
Buspirone. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following manifestations is a common
adverse effect of this medication?
a. Confusion
Confusion is not an adverse effect of buspirone, though the client might experience decreased
concentration and headache.
b. Bradycardia
Tachycardia and palpitations, not bradycardia, are possible adverse effects of buspirone.
c. Dizziness
The nurse should inform the client that dizziness is a common adverse effect of buspirone.
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until the
presence of adverse effects is determined.
d. Insomnia
Drowsiness, not insomnia, is an adverse effect of buspirone.
13. A nurse is reviewing the medications of a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for
lithium. The nurse should identify that it is safe to administer which of the following medications while the
client is taking lithium?
a. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because it can cause increased
kidney absorption of lithium, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
b. Haloperidol
Haloperidol is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because the combination of
these medications increases the client’s risk for extrapyramidal adverse effects and tardive
dyskinesia.
c. Valproic acid
Valproic acid and lithium are both indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is safe for
the nurse to administer both of these medications to the client.
d. Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide is not safe to administer to a client who is taking lithium because it promotes
sodium loss, which can lead to lithium toxicity.
14. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a toddler with a fractured arm. which of the
following finding should the nurse suspect as possible abuse?
a. The parent provides a history that is inconsistent with the child's injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when the child’s injury conflicts with the history of
the injury that is reported by his parent.
b. The child is brought to the emergency department immediately following the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when there is a delay in seeking medical care following
an injury.
c. The parent requests to remain present with the child throughout treatment of the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse when the parent leaves the treatment area or facility
after bringing the child in for treatment of an injury.
d. The child clings to the parent when the nurse begins to assess the injury.
The nurse should suspect possible abuse if the child displays fear of the parent.
15. A nurse is evaluating a care plan for a client who has an Antisocial Personality Disorder. Which of the
following client actions indicates he is making progress in treatments? (Select All That Apply)
a. Assisting another client who has depression to fill out a menu.
, Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to lack empathy for others and often display
an inability to connect with others. Assisting another client indicates the client’s willingness to help
and connect with others and demonstrates to the nurse his progress with treatment.
b. Nominating himself to chair the client government meeting.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to see themselves as superior to others.
Providing a self-nomination for chairperson status places him in a position of power over others;
therefore, this behavior does not indicate progress with the treatment.
c. Requesting a weekend pass to go home.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to disregard rules and have a lack of
respect for authority. Requesting a weekend pass indicates the client’s willingness to follow unit
rules and demonstrates to the nurse his progress with the treatment.
d. Serving as the judge for a unit talent show.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder tend to see themselves as superior to others.
Serving as a judge places the client in a position of power over others; therefore, this behavior
does not indicate progress with the treatment.
e. Informing the nurse that the staff provides excellent care to clients.
Clients who have antisocial personality disorder often use flattery as a form of manipulation to
promote personal gain; therefore, providing a compliment to the nursing staff does not indicate
progress with the treatment.
16. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is to start taking valproic acid. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
a. "You should expect the provider to gradually decrease your dosage of valproic acid."
The nurse should inform the client that the provider will initially prescribe a small dose, and then
gradually increase the dose until a maintenance dosage is achieved.
b. "You should take aspirin for pain you have while taking valproic acid."
The nurse should instruct the client to avoid aspirin while taking valproic acid because of the
increased risk of spontaneous bleeding.
c. "You should undergo thyroid function tests every 6 months while taking valproic acid."
The nurse should identify that hypothyroidism is an adverse effect of lithium rather than valproic
acid.
d. "You should have your liver function levels monitored regularly while taking valproic acid"
The nurse should inform the client of the need to regularly monitor liver function levels due to
the risk for hepatotoxicity while taking valproic acid. It is recommended to obtain baseline
levels and then repeat every 2 months during the first 6 months of therapy.
17. A nurse is teaching a client who has Agoraphobia about Systematic Desensitization. Which of the
following comments should the nurse include in the teaching?
a. "You will watch from a secure location as your therapist goes to public spaces."
The nurse should recognize that encouraging the client to watch as the therapist acts as a role
model in anxiety-provoking situations is an example of modeling, not systematic desensitization.
b. "You will start your therapy by staying in a public space until your anxiety decreases."
The nurse should recognize that sudden exposure of the client to the undesirable stimulus is an
example of flooding, not systematic desensitization.
c. "You will be instructed to say 'Stop!' out loud when you become anxious in public spaces."
The nurse should recognize that saying "Stop!" to interrupt a negative thought is an example of
thought stopping, not systematic desensitization.
d. "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces
