NURS 222: Mental Health and Wellness - Week 6 Comprehensive Quiz
2026 |WCU
1. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which
laboratory result must the nurse review before administering the next dose?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a high risk of agranulocytosis. The Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) must be monitored weekly initially to ensure the patient’s immune
system is not compromised.
2. A patient is exhibiting ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity, a temperature of 104°F, and
autonomic instability. The nurse suspects Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS). Which medication is most likely responsible?
A. Haloperidol
B. Sertraline
C. Lithium Carbonate
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a life-threatening reaction to dopamine-
blocking agents, most commonly first-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol.
,3. The nurse is assessing a patient for Serotonin Syndrome. Which finding is a
hallmark sign that differentiates it from Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
A. Hyperreflexia and myoclonus
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Altered mental status
Answer: A
Rationale: While both conditions involve fever and tachycardia, Serotonin Syndrome is
characterized by hyperreflexia and muscle clonus, whereas NMS involves lead-pipe rigidity
and hyporeflexia.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which
clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Polyuria and weight gain
C. Increased energy and pressured speech
D. Persistent GI upset and blurred vision
Answer: D
Rationale: A level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates early to moderate lithium toxicity. Symptoms
include persistent nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and ataxia. Levels below 1.2 are
therapeutic.
5. Which teaching point is most critical for a patient newly prescribed
Phenelzine (an MAOI)?
A. Maintain a consistent intake of sodium.
B. Avoid foods like aged cheese and red wine.
C. Expect a full therapeutic effect within 24 hours.
D. Stop the medication immediately if a headache occurs.
Answer: B
, Rationale: Phenelzine interacts with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, fermented meats,
wine) to cause a hypertensive crisis.
6. A patient experiencing a manic episode is started on Valproic Acid. Which
organ system requires baseline and ongoing monitoring?
A. Renal system
B. Pulmonary system
C. Musculoskeletal system
D. Hepatic system
Answer: D
Rationale: Valproic acid carries a black-box warning for hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis;
therefore, liver function tests (LFTs) are mandatory.
7. Which symptom of schizophrenia is categorized as a ‘negative symptom’?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Anhedonia
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as anhedonia
(inability to feel pleasure), alogia, and affective flattening.
8. A nurse observes a patient with schizophrenia standing in the same rigid
position for several hours. This is documented as:
A. Akathisia
B. Dystonia
C. Echopraxia
D. Waxy flexibility
Answer: D
2026 |WCU
1. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Which
laboratory result must the nurse review before administering the next dose?
A. Serum potassium level
B. Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Answer: B
Rationale: Clozapine is associated with a high risk of agranulocytosis. The Absolute
Neutrophil Count (ANC) must be monitored weekly initially to ensure the patient’s immune
system is not compromised.
2. A patient is exhibiting ‘lead-pipe’ muscle rigidity, a temperature of 104°F, and
autonomic instability. The nurse suspects Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS). Which medication is most likely responsible?
A. Haloperidol
B. Sertraline
C. Lithium Carbonate
D. Lorazepam
Answer: A
Rationale: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a life-threatening reaction to dopamine-
blocking agents, most commonly first-generation antipsychotics like Haloperidol.
,3. The nurse is assessing a patient for Serotonin Syndrome. Which finding is a
hallmark sign that differentiates it from Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
A. Hyperreflexia and myoclonus
B. Tachycardia
C. Hyperthermia
D. Altered mental status
Answer: A
Rationale: While both conditions involve fever and tachycardia, Serotonin Syndrome is
characterized by hyperreflexia and muscle clonus, whereas NMS involves lead-pipe rigidity
and hyporeflexia.
4. A patient with bipolar disorder has a serum lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L. Which
clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Polyuria and weight gain
C. Increased energy and pressured speech
D. Persistent GI upset and blurred vision
Answer: D
Rationale: A level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates early to moderate lithium toxicity. Symptoms
include persistent nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and ataxia. Levels below 1.2 are
therapeutic.
5. Which teaching point is most critical for a patient newly prescribed
Phenelzine (an MAOI)?
A. Maintain a consistent intake of sodium.
B. Avoid foods like aged cheese and red wine.
C. Expect a full therapeutic effect within 24 hours.
D. Stop the medication immediately if a headache occurs.
Answer: B
, Rationale: Phenelzine interacts with tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, fermented meats,
wine) to cause a hypertensive crisis.
6. A patient experiencing a manic episode is started on Valproic Acid. Which
organ system requires baseline and ongoing monitoring?
A. Renal system
B. Pulmonary system
C. Musculoskeletal system
D. Hepatic system
Answer: D
Rationale: Valproic acid carries a black-box warning for hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis;
therefore, liver function tests (LFTs) are mandatory.
7. Which symptom of schizophrenia is categorized as a ‘negative symptom’?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Anhedonia
Answer: D
Rationale: Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal function, such as anhedonia
(inability to feel pleasure), alogia, and affective flattening.
8. A nurse observes a patient with schizophrenia standing in the same rigid
position for several hours. This is documented as:
A. Akathisia
B. Dystonia
C. Echopraxia
D. Waxy flexibility
Answer: D
