NSG322 Exam 3 Behavioral Health Nursing Questions with Detailed
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports hearing voices
telling them to hurt others. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client to describe the voices in detail
B. Assess for command hallucinations and the client’s intent to act
C. Provide a quiet environment with low stimulation
D. Administer a PRN dose of an antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
Explanation: The priority is safety; the nurse must determine if the hallucinations are
command in nature and if the client intends to follow the commands.
2. Which medication is most commonly associated with the risk of
agranulocytosis, requiring weekly WBC monitoring?
A. Risperidone
B. Quetiapine
C. Olanzapine
D. Clozapine
Answer: D
Explanation: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that carries a significant risk of
agranulocytosis, necessitating frequent blood draws to monitor white blood cell counts.
,3. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.
B. I will make sure to consume a consistent amount of salt in my diet.
C. I will stop taking the medication if I feel better.
D. I need to have my blood levels checked regularly.
Answer: C
Explanation: Lithium is a maintenance medication; stopping it abruptly can lead to a
relapse of manic symptoms.
4. A client is experiencing a manic episode. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A. Steak and baked potato
B. Spaghetti with meatballs
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken nuggets and an apple
Answer: D
Explanation: Clients in a manic state benefit from ‘finger foods’ that allow them to eat
while moving, as they often cannot sit still for a full meal.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
Which finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?
A. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
B. Muscle flaccidity
C. Hypotension
D. Hypothermia
Answer: A
Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by high
fever (hyperpyrexia) and lead-pipe muscle rigidity.
, 6. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Histrionic Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves an inflated sense of self-
importance and a lack of empathy for others.
7. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is ‘splitting’ staff members. How
should the nurse manager intervene?
A. Allow the client to choose their favorite nurse for every shift
B. Isolate the client from the rest of the unit
C. Hold a staff meeting to ensure consistent communication and limits
D. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior
Answer: C
Explanation: Consistency and limit-setting among the entire treatment team are essential
to counteract splitting and maintain a therapeutic environment.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Phenelzine (an
MAOI). Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken
B. White bread
C. Spinach salad
D. Aged Swiss cheese
Answer: D
Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and
red wine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis.
Verified Answers with Explanation| Latest Version Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia who reports hearing voices
telling them to hurt others. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Ask the client to describe the voices in detail
B. Assess for command hallucinations and the client’s intent to act
C. Provide a quiet environment with low stimulation
D. Administer a PRN dose of an antipsychotic medication
Answer: B
Explanation: The priority is safety; the nurse must determine if the hallucinations are
command in nature and if the client intends to follow the commands.
2. Which medication is most commonly associated with the risk of
agranulocytosis, requiring weekly WBC monitoring?
A. Risperidone
B. Quetiapine
C. Olanzapine
D. Clozapine
Answer: D
Explanation: Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that carries a significant risk of
agranulocytosis, necessitating frequent blood draws to monitor white blood cell counts.
,3. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.
B. I will make sure to consume a consistent amount of salt in my diet.
C. I will stop taking the medication if I feel better.
D. I need to have my blood levels checked regularly.
Answer: C
Explanation: Lithium is a maintenance medication; stopping it abruptly can lead to a
relapse of manic symptoms.
4. A client is experiencing a manic episode. Which meal choice is most
appropriate for the nurse to provide?
A. Steak and baked potato
B. Spaghetti with meatballs
C. Soup and crackers
D. Chicken nuggets and an apple
Answer: D
Explanation: Clients in a manic state benefit from ‘finger foods’ that allow them to eat
while moving, as they often cannot sit still for a full meal.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
Which finding is a hallmark sign of this condition?
A. Severe muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
B. Muscle flaccidity
C. Hypotension
D. Hypothermia
Answer: A
Explanation: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by high
fever (hyperpyrexia) and lead-pipe muscle rigidity.
, 6. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Histrionic Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves an inflated sense of self-
importance and a lack of empathy for others.
7. A client with Borderline Personality Disorder is ‘splitting’ staff members. How
should the nurse manager intervene?
A. Allow the client to choose their favorite nurse for every shift
B. Isolate the client from the rest of the unit
C. Hold a staff meeting to ensure consistent communication and limits
D. Confront the client about their manipulative behavior
Answer: C
Explanation: Consistency and limit-setting among the entire treatment team are essential
to counteract splitting and maintain a therapeutic environment.
8. A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for Phenelzine (an
MAOI). Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken
B. White bread
C. Spinach salad
D. Aged Swiss cheese
Answer: D
Explanation: MAOIs interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, and
red wine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis.
