NURS 546 EXAM 2 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
Q &A 2026 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a
patient experiencing acute anxiety?
A. Encourage the patient to ignore feelings
B. Teach deep-breathing exercises
C. Administer a high-dose stimulant
D. Avoid discussing the anxiety
Answer: B. Teach deep-breathing exercises
Rationale: Deep-breathing helps reduce physiological
symptoms of anxiety and promotes relaxation. Avoidance or
stimulants can worsen anxiety.
2. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is
prescribed buspirone. Which statement indicates effective
teaching?
A. “I will feel immediate relief after the first dose.”
B. “I may need several weeks for the full effect.”
C. “I should double my dose if anxious.”
D. “I must avoid all protein in my diet.”
Answer: B. “I may need several weeks for the full effect.”
Rationale: Buspirone has a delayed onset (2–4 weeks).
Immediate relief is unlikely, and dosing instructions must be
followed precisely.
,3. Which is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A. Risk for injury related to compulsive behaviors
B. Impaired verbal communication
C. Altered nutrition
D. Risk for infection
Answer: A. Risk for injury related to compulsive behaviors
Rationale: Compulsive rituals may pose physical risk (e.g.,
excessive hand washing can cause skin breakdown).
4. Which of the following are common side effects of SSRIs?
(Select all that apply)
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Nausea
C. Sedation
D. Hypertension
Answer: A. Sexual dysfunction, B. Nausea, C. Sedation
Rationale: SSRIs often cause gastrointestinal upset, sexual
dysfunction, and mild sedation. They typically do not cause
hypertension.
5. A patient taking MAOIs should avoid which food to prevent
hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh fruits
,B. Aged cheese
C. Brown rice
D. Chicken
Answer: B. Aged cheese
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, leading to
dangerous reactions with tyramine-rich foods such as aged
cheese, cured meats, and fermented products.
6. Which cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique helps
patients with panic disorder?
A. Exposure therapy
B. Free association
C. Electroconvulsive therapy
D. Biofeedback
Answer: A. Exposure therapy
Rationale: Exposure therapy gradually desensitizes patients to
feared situations, reducing panic attacks.
7. What is the priority assessment for a patient starting
lithium therapy?
A. Liver function tests
B. Baseline renal function and electrolytes
C. Complete blood count
D. Chest X-ray
, Answer: B. Baseline renal function and electrolytes
Rationale: Lithium is nephrotoxic and affects sodium balance;
baseline renal function and electrolytes are essential.
8. Which symptom indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Mild tremor
B. Diarrhea, vomiting, confusion
C. Insomnia
D. Dry mouth
Answer: B. Diarrhea, vomiting, confusion
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms
indicate toxicity. Mild tremors can occur at therapeutic levels.
9. A patient with bipolar mania requires which priority nursing
intervention?
A. Encourage long group therapy sessions
B. Maintain a low-stimulation environment
C. Administer high-sugar snacks to increase energy
D. Leave the patient alone to rest
Answer: B. Maintain a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Reducing stimuli prevents overstimulation and
decreases risk of impulsive or aggressive behaviors.
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
Q &A 2026 |INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a
patient experiencing acute anxiety?
A. Encourage the patient to ignore feelings
B. Teach deep-breathing exercises
C. Administer a high-dose stimulant
D. Avoid discussing the anxiety
Answer: B. Teach deep-breathing exercises
Rationale: Deep-breathing helps reduce physiological
symptoms of anxiety and promotes relaxation. Avoidance or
stimulants can worsen anxiety.
2. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is
prescribed buspirone. Which statement indicates effective
teaching?
A. “I will feel immediate relief after the first dose.”
B. “I may need several weeks for the full effect.”
C. “I should double my dose if anxious.”
D. “I must avoid all protein in my diet.”
Answer: B. “I may need several weeks for the full effect.”
Rationale: Buspirone has a delayed onset (2–4 weeks).
Immediate relief is unlikely, and dosing instructions must be
followed precisely.
,3. Which is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A. Risk for injury related to compulsive behaviors
B. Impaired verbal communication
C. Altered nutrition
D. Risk for infection
Answer: A. Risk for injury related to compulsive behaviors
Rationale: Compulsive rituals may pose physical risk (e.g.,
excessive hand washing can cause skin breakdown).
4. Which of the following are common side effects of SSRIs?
(Select all that apply)
A. Sexual dysfunction
B. Nausea
C. Sedation
D. Hypertension
Answer: A. Sexual dysfunction, B. Nausea, C. Sedation
Rationale: SSRIs often cause gastrointestinal upset, sexual
dysfunction, and mild sedation. They typically do not cause
hypertension.
5. A patient taking MAOIs should avoid which food to prevent
hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh fruits
,B. Aged cheese
C. Brown rice
D. Chicken
Answer: B. Aged cheese
Rationale: MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, leading to
dangerous reactions with tyramine-rich foods such as aged
cheese, cured meats, and fermented products.
6. Which cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique helps
patients with panic disorder?
A. Exposure therapy
B. Free association
C. Electroconvulsive therapy
D. Biofeedback
Answer: A. Exposure therapy
Rationale: Exposure therapy gradually desensitizes patients to
feared situations, reducing panic attacks.
7. What is the priority assessment for a patient starting
lithium therapy?
A. Liver function tests
B. Baseline renal function and electrolytes
C. Complete blood count
D. Chest X-ray
, Answer: B. Baseline renal function and electrolytes
Rationale: Lithium is nephrotoxic and affects sodium balance;
baseline renal function and electrolytes are essential.
8. Which symptom indicates lithium toxicity?
A. Mild tremor
B. Diarrhea, vomiting, confusion
C. Insomnia
D. Dry mouth
Answer: B. Diarrhea, vomiting, confusion
Rationale: Severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms
indicate toxicity. Mild tremors can occur at therapeutic levels.
9. A patient with bipolar mania requires which priority nursing
intervention?
A. Encourage long group therapy sessions
B. Maintain a low-stimulation environment
C. Administer high-sugar snacks to increase energy
D. Leave the patient alone to rest
Answer: B. Maintain a low-stimulation environment
Rationale: Reducing stimuli prevents overstimulation and
decreases risk of impulsive or aggressive behaviors.
