NUR 255 Exam 2: Aging and Mental Health Nursing Study Guide 2026
Galen College
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for delirium. Which characteristic is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Sudden onset of confusion and altered level of consciousness
B. Slow, progressive decline in cognitive function
C. Persistent impairment of long-term memory
D. Stable mood throughout the day
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of confusion, fluctuating
consciousness, and reversible symptoms, unlike the slow progression of dementia.
2. Which medication is commonly prescribed to slow the progression of mild to
moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium carbonate
C. Donepezil
D. Lorazepam
Answer: C
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to improve cognitive function and
slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
,3. A client is diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Which
neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by
inhibiting its reabsorption.
4. When a client is taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder, which serum level is
considered within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
5. A client experiencing a manic episode is running around the unit. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
C. Ask the client to explain why they are running
D. Restrict the client to their room indefinitely
Answer: B
, Rationale: Manic clients often cannot sit still to eat; high-calorie finger foods help maintain
nutrition and hydration while they are mobile.
6. Which of the following is a ‘negative’ symptom of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as flat affect,
anhedonia, or avolition. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms.
7. A patient on Chlorpromazine develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and
tachycardia. What complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Serotonin Syndrome
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by fever,
‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, and autonomic instability.
8. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is late for breakfast due to
handwashing rituals. How should the nurse respond?
A. Forbid the client from washing their hands before meals
B. Tell the client that their behavior is irrational
C. Allow the client extra time to complete the ritual early in treatment
D. Offer a reward if they skip the ritual
Answer: C
Galen College
1. A nurse is assessing an older adult client for delirium. Which characteristic is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Sudden onset of confusion and altered level of consciousness
B. Slow, progressive decline in cognitive function
C. Persistent impairment of long-term memory
D. Stable mood throughout the day
Answer: A
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of confusion, fluctuating
consciousness, and reversible symptoms, unlike the slow progression of dementia.
2. Which medication is commonly prescribed to slow the progression of mild to
moderate Alzheimer’s disease?
A. Haloperidol
B. Lithium carbonate
C. Donepezil
D. Lorazepam
Answer: C
Rationale: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to improve cognitive function and
slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
,3. A client is diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Which
neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
A. Dopamine
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. GABA
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by
inhibiting its reabsorption.
4. When a client is taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder, which serum level is
considered within the therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: The standard therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.
Levels above 1.5 mEq/L indicate toxicity.
5. A client experiencing a manic episode is running around the unit. What is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the client to join a group therapy session
B. Provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids
C. Ask the client to explain why they are running
D. Restrict the client to their room indefinitely
Answer: B
, Rationale: Manic clients often cannot sit still to eat; high-calorie finger foods help maintain
nutrition and hydration while they are mobile.
6. Which of the following is a ‘negative’ symptom of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as flat affect,
anhedonia, or avolition. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms.
7. A patient on Chlorpromazine develops a high fever, muscle rigidity, and
tachycardia. What complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Agranulocytosis
B. Serotonin Syndrome
C. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
D. Tardive Dyskinesia
Answer: C
Rationale: NMS is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by fever,
‘lead-pipe’ rigidity, and autonomic instability.
8. A client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is late for breakfast due to
handwashing rituals. How should the nurse respond?
A. Forbid the client from washing their hands before meals
B. Tell the client that their behavior is irrational
C. Allow the client extra time to complete the ritual early in treatment
D. Offer a reward if they skip the ritual
Answer: C
