NR 326 Mental Health Nursing Exam 2 Practice 2026 |Chamberlain
College
1. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum
level indicates a therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
2. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of intense and
unstable relationships, impulsivity, and a fear of abandonment?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in interpersonal
relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity.
,3. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is admitted to the unit. Which physical
assessment finding is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Lanugo
B. Hypertension
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a common physical finding in Anorexia Nervosa as
the body attempts to insulate itself due to lack of body fat.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which
medication is the gold standard for preventing seizures and delirium tremens?
A. Haloperidol
B. Disulfiram
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide are the primary
medications used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures.
5. A client taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) should avoid which of
the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. White rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Aged cheeses contain high levels of tyramine, which can cause a life-threatening
hypertensive crisis when consumed by patients on MAOIs.
, 6. What is the priority nursing intervention for a client in a manic phase of
Bipolar Disorder?
A. Encouraging group therapy participation
B. Teaching the client about medication side effects
C. Providing high-calorie finger foods
D. Allowing the client to lead a community meeting
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and nutrition are priorities. High-calorie finger foods allow the
hyperactive manic patient to eat on the move and maintain energy.
7. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
symptoms should the nurse expect?
A. Muscle rigidity, fever, and tachycardia
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Hypotension and urinary retention
D. Extreme thirst and polyuria
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome symptoms include autonomic instability (tachycardia,
hyperthermia), neuromuscular hyperactivity (rigidity, hyperreflexia), and mental status
changes.
8. Which defense mechanism is being used when a client who is angry at their
boss comes home and yells at their spouse?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Displacement
Answer: D
College
1. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum
level indicates a therapeutic range for maintenance?
A. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
B. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Levels
above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic.
2. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of intense and
unstable relationships, impulsivity, and a fear of abandonment?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in interpersonal
relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity.
,3. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is admitted to the unit. Which physical
assessment finding is most characteristic of this disorder?
A. Lanugo
B. Hypertension
C. Tachycardia
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: A
Rationale: Lanugo (fine, downy hair) is a common physical finding in Anorexia Nervosa as
the body attempts to insulate itself due to lack of body fat.
4. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which
medication is the gold standard for preventing seizures and delirium tremens?
A. Haloperidol
B. Disulfiram
C. Fluoxetine
D. Lorazepam
Answer: D
Rationale: Benzodiazepines like Lorazepam or Chlordiazepoxide are the primary
medications used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures.
5. A client taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) should avoid which of
the following foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Fresh apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Grilled chicken breast
D. White rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Aged cheeses contain high levels of tyramine, which can cause a life-threatening
hypertensive crisis when consumed by patients on MAOIs.
, 6. What is the priority nursing intervention for a client in a manic phase of
Bipolar Disorder?
A. Encouraging group therapy participation
B. Teaching the client about medication side effects
C. Providing high-calorie finger foods
D. Allowing the client to lead a community meeting
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety and nutrition are priorities. High-calorie finger foods allow the
hyperactive manic patient to eat on the move and maintain energy.
7. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following
symptoms should the nurse expect?
A. Muscle rigidity, fever, and tachycardia
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Hypotension and urinary retention
D. Extreme thirst and polyuria
Answer: A
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome symptoms include autonomic instability (tachycardia,
hyperthermia), neuromuscular hyperactivity (rigidity, hyperreflexia), and mental status
changes.
8. Which defense mechanism is being used when a client who is angry at their
boss comes home and yells at their spouse?
A. Sublimation
B. Projection
C. Reaction Formation
D. Displacement
Answer: D
