NSG322 Exam 2 Behavioral Health Nursing Questions with Detailed
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version
- Grand Canyon University
1. A client diagnosed with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
Which nursing intervention is a priority?
A. Argue with the client about the reality of the voices.
B. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
C. Leave the client alone to provide a quiet environment.
D. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
Answer: D
Explanation: Assessment of the content of hallucinations is the priority to determine if
they are command hallucinations, which could lead to self-harm or violence.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which serum
lithium level indicates early lithium toxicity?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 1.6 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L
D. 0.4 mEq/L
Answer: B
Explanation: The therapeutic range is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are
considered toxic; 1.6 mEq/L indicates early toxicity.
,3. Which of the following symptoms is categorized as a ‘negative symptom’ of
Schizophrenia?
A. Flat affect
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Auditory hallucinations
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: A
Explanation: Negative symptoms represent a loss or diminution of normal function, such
as flat affect, alogia, and avolition. Positive symptoms are ‘add-ons’ like hallucinations and
delusions.
4. A client taking an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) should avoid which
food to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh chicken
B. Apples
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. White bread
Answer: C
Explanation: Aged cheeses contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact with MAOIs
to cause a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
5. A client is experiencing a manic episode. What is the most appropriate diet to
offer?
A. A full-course steak dinner
B. Clear liquids only
C. A large salad with dressing
D. High-calorie finger foods
Answer: D
, Explanation: Clients in mania are often too hyperactive to sit for meals; high-calorie finger
foods allow them to eat on the move.
6. Which side effect of typical antipsychotics is considered a medical emergency
characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: A
Explanation: NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs, involving
hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who has recently
started antidepressants. Why is the risk of suicide highest at this time?
A. The medication causes immediate suicidal ideation.
B. The client has more energy to carry out a suicide plan.
C. The medication is not working yet.
D. The client is experiencing severe side effects.
Answer: B
Explanation: As depression lifts, energy levels often increase before mood fully improves,
giving the client the physical ability to execute a suicide plan.
8. A client is admitted involuntarily (Section/Commitment). Which right does
the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time.
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications (in most cases).
C. The right to possess dangerous items.
D. The right to refuse to see a judge.
Answer: B
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version
- Grand Canyon University
1. A client diagnosed with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
Which nursing intervention is a priority?
A. Argue with the client about the reality of the voices.
B. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
C. Leave the client alone to provide a quiet environment.
D. Ask the client what the voices are saying.
Answer: D
Explanation: Assessment of the content of hallucinations is the priority to determine if
they are command hallucinations, which could lead to self-harm or violence.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which serum
lithium level indicates early lithium toxicity?
A. 0.8 mEq/L
B. 1.6 mEq/L
C. 1.2 mEq/L
D. 0.4 mEq/L
Answer: B
Explanation: The therapeutic range is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are
considered toxic; 1.6 mEq/L indicates early toxicity.
,3. Which of the following symptoms is categorized as a ‘negative symptom’ of
Schizophrenia?
A. Flat affect
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Auditory hallucinations
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: A
Explanation: Negative symptoms represent a loss or diminution of normal function, such
as flat affect, alogia, and avolition. Positive symptoms are ‘add-ons’ like hallucinations and
delusions.
4. A client taking an MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor) should avoid which
food to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh chicken
B. Apples
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. White bread
Answer: C
Explanation: Aged cheeses contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact with MAOIs
to cause a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.
5. A client is experiencing a manic episode. What is the most appropriate diet to
offer?
A. A full-course steak dinner
B. Clear liquids only
C. A large salad with dressing
D. High-calorie finger foods
Answer: D
, Explanation: Clients in mania are often too hyperactive to sit for meals; high-calorie finger
foods allow them to eat on the move.
6. Which side effect of typical antipsychotics is considered a medical emergency
characterized by high fever and muscle rigidity?
A. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
B. Akathisia
C. Tardive Dyskinesia
D. Pseudoparkinsonism
Answer: A
Explanation: NMS is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs, involving
hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability.
7. A nurse is caring for a client with Major Depressive Disorder who has recently
started antidepressants. Why is the risk of suicide highest at this time?
A. The medication causes immediate suicidal ideation.
B. The client has more energy to carry out a suicide plan.
C. The medication is not working yet.
D. The client is experiencing severe side effects.
Answer: B
Explanation: As depression lifts, energy levels often increase before mood fully improves,
giving the client the physical ability to execute a suicide plan.
8. A client is admitted involuntarily (Section/Commitment). Which right does
the client still retain?
A. The right to leave the hospital at any time.
B. The right to refuse psychotropic medications (in most cases).
C. The right to possess dangerous items.
D. The right to refuse to see a judge.
Answer: B
