1|Page
NURS 138 FINAL EXAM 2026 GALEN COLLEGE
LATEST REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Psychosomatic symptoms in depression - CORRECT ANSWER =
headaches, GI discomfort, vague body aches and pains
SSRIs - CORRECT ANSWER = Citalopram
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Nursing considerations for SSRIs - CORRECT ANSWER = - Take in the AM
WITH FOOD to avoid GI upset and insomnia
- If feeling sedated or tired, take in PM
- St. John's Wort & Ginkgo biloba may cause serotonin syndrome
- Instruct related to suicidal ideation and serotonin syndrome.
Seasonal Affective Disorder pharm therapy - CORRECT ANSWER = Light
therapy (phototherapy). Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - more cost-effective
than light therapy and just as effective.
pg. 1
,2|Page
Care for patient reveiving ECT - CORRECT ANSWER = Performed under
general anesthesia. ensure pt is NPO for at least 4hrs prior to tx. Vital
signs and brain activity are monitored throughout the procedure.
Pt may experience confusion and memory loss. Lateral recumbent (side-
lying) position to facilitate drainage & prevent aspiration.
Support head.
Protect the airway.
NPO until fully awake.
ECT is useful for - CORRECT ANSWER = for patients with severe
depression who are resistant to other treatments, those who are
severely suicidal, and those with severe psychomotor retardation
(difficulty or slowness in speaking or in performing tasks).
MDD & Bipolar
Bipolar I - CORRECT ANSWER = Consists of 1 or more manic\mixed
episodes
Usually accompanied by major depressive disorder
Bipolar II - CORRECT ANSWER = Consists of 1 or more major depressive
episodes accompanied by at least 1 hypomanic episode
pg. 2
,3|Page
Interventions to address hallucinations - CORRECT ANSWER = Present
reality by spending time with the patient.
Identify yourself, time & day, location, & other orienting info.
It is not therapeutic to argue or try to reason with patients who are
experiencing delusions or altered thought processes.
Arguing hardens the belief system and can impair the development of
trust.
Typical onset for bipolar - CORRECT ANSWER = 15-30. Often
misdiagnosed. Can be dx as ADHD esp in children
Mania - CORRECT ANSWER = M - Mood Swings
A - Active, Aggressive
N - Nothing is wrong (Denial)
I - Irritable, impulsive, intrusive behavior
C - Can't sit still
E - Euphoric Mood
P - Poor judgment; Provocative behavior
I - Increased sexual interest
S - Substance (stimulants, sleeping pills, alcohol) abuse
O - Omnipotent feelings
pg. 3
, 4|Page
D - Decreased need for sleep
E - Endless energy
Hypomania - CORRECT ANSWER = Less extreme form of mania
Not severe enough to markedly impair functioning or require hosp.
Toxicity symptoms with Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = begins appearing
at blood levels above 1.5 mEq/L
Increased reflexes
Altered LOC
Tremors - may show when levels are normal
Diarrhea
Hypotension
Slurred speech
Sodium and Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = decreased sodium =
increased lithium
increased sodium = decreased lithium
Onset of action for Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = ranges from 1-3wks
pg. 4
NURS 138 FINAL EXAM 2026 GALEN COLLEGE
LATEST REAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Psychosomatic symptoms in depression - CORRECT ANSWER =
headaches, GI discomfort, vague body aches and pains
SSRIs - CORRECT ANSWER = Citalopram
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Nursing considerations for SSRIs - CORRECT ANSWER = - Take in the AM
WITH FOOD to avoid GI upset and insomnia
- If feeling sedated or tired, take in PM
- St. John's Wort & Ginkgo biloba may cause serotonin syndrome
- Instruct related to suicidal ideation and serotonin syndrome.
Seasonal Affective Disorder pharm therapy - CORRECT ANSWER = Light
therapy (phototherapy). Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - more cost-effective
than light therapy and just as effective.
pg. 1
,2|Page
Care for patient reveiving ECT - CORRECT ANSWER = Performed under
general anesthesia. ensure pt is NPO for at least 4hrs prior to tx. Vital
signs and brain activity are monitored throughout the procedure.
Pt may experience confusion and memory loss. Lateral recumbent (side-
lying) position to facilitate drainage & prevent aspiration.
Support head.
Protect the airway.
NPO until fully awake.
ECT is useful for - CORRECT ANSWER = for patients with severe
depression who are resistant to other treatments, those who are
severely suicidal, and those with severe psychomotor retardation
(difficulty or slowness in speaking or in performing tasks).
MDD & Bipolar
Bipolar I - CORRECT ANSWER = Consists of 1 or more manic\mixed
episodes
Usually accompanied by major depressive disorder
Bipolar II - CORRECT ANSWER = Consists of 1 or more major depressive
episodes accompanied by at least 1 hypomanic episode
pg. 2
,3|Page
Interventions to address hallucinations - CORRECT ANSWER = Present
reality by spending time with the patient.
Identify yourself, time & day, location, & other orienting info.
It is not therapeutic to argue or try to reason with patients who are
experiencing delusions or altered thought processes.
Arguing hardens the belief system and can impair the development of
trust.
Typical onset for bipolar - CORRECT ANSWER = 15-30. Often
misdiagnosed. Can be dx as ADHD esp in children
Mania - CORRECT ANSWER = M - Mood Swings
A - Active, Aggressive
N - Nothing is wrong (Denial)
I - Irritable, impulsive, intrusive behavior
C - Can't sit still
E - Euphoric Mood
P - Poor judgment; Provocative behavior
I - Increased sexual interest
S - Substance (stimulants, sleeping pills, alcohol) abuse
O - Omnipotent feelings
pg. 3
, 4|Page
D - Decreased need for sleep
E - Endless energy
Hypomania - CORRECT ANSWER = Less extreme form of mania
Not severe enough to markedly impair functioning or require hosp.
Toxicity symptoms with Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = begins appearing
at blood levels above 1.5 mEq/L
Increased reflexes
Altered LOC
Tremors - may show when levels are normal
Diarrhea
Hypotension
Slurred speech
Sodium and Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = decreased sodium =
increased lithium
increased sodium = decreased lithium
Onset of action for Lithium - CORRECT ANSWER = ranges from 1-3wks
pg. 4
