NURS 222: Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing - Week 4 Quiz 2026
|WCU
1. A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is starting on
Phenelzine. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following
foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Cottage cheese and apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
C. Grilled chicken and steamed broccoli
D. Fresh salmon and white rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients taking MAOIs must avoid tyramine-rich foods
like aged cheeses and red wine because they can cause a life-threatening hypertensive
crisis.
2. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is experiencing an acute manic episode.
Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Ensuring the patient remains hydrated and consumes high-calorie finger foods
B. Encouraging the patient to participate in group therapy sessions
C. Allowing the patient to lead a community meeting to boost self-esteem
D. Providing a detailed explanation of the facility rules and regulations
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and physiological needs are priorities in mania. Manic patients are often
too busy to sit for meals; finger foods provide necessary calories while they are on the
move.
,3. A nurse is monitoring a client on Lithium Carbonate. Which of the following
laboratory results indicates a potential for toxicity?
A. Serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L
B. Serum lithium level of 1.1 mEq/L
C. Serum lithium level of 0.4 mEq/L
D. Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.5 mEq/L or
higher is considered toxic.
4. Which statement by a client starting Fluoxetine (Prozac) indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. I will call my doctor if I feel more irritable or suicidal.
B. I should expect the full effects of this medicine in about 2 to 4 weeks.
C. I can stop taking this medication immediately if my mood improves.
D. I will avoid taking St. John’s Wort while on this medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs must be tapered gradually to avoid discontinuation syndrome; they
should never be stopped abruptly.
5. A client is admitted for Somatic Symptom Disorder. What is the most
appropriate nursing response when the client complains of severe pain despite
no medical cause found?
A. Remind the client that the pain is purely psychological.
B. Ignore the complaint to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
C. Request a repeat of all diagnostic imaging to reassure the client.
D. Acknowledge the pain is real to the client but shift the focus to activities.
Answer: D
, Rationale: The pain is real to the patient. The nurse should acknowledge the discomfort
but limit the time spent discussing physical symptoms to focus on coping and socialization.
6. A patient is scheduled for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering to dry secretions and prevent
bradycardia?
A. Succinylcholine
B. Lorazepam
C. Propofol
D. Atropine Sulfate
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine or glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic given pre-ECT to decrease
secretions and counteract vagal stimulation (bradycardia).
7. A nurse is assessing a client for suicide risk. Which of the following factors
represents the highest immediate risk?
A. The client expresses feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
B. The client has a specific plan and access to a lethal weapon.
C. The client has a history of depression in their family.
D. The client has been diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Answer: B
Rationale: Having a specific plan, high lethality method, and immediate access to that
method indicates the highest risk for immediate suicide.
|WCU
1. A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is starting on
Phenelzine. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following
foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis?
A. Cottage cheese and apples
B. Aged cheddar cheese and red wine
C. Grilled chicken and steamed broccoli
D. Fresh salmon and white rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Phenelzine is an MAOI. Patients taking MAOIs must avoid tyramine-rich foods
like aged cheeses and red wine because they can cause a life-threatening hypertensive
crisis.
2. A patient with Bipolar I Disorder is experiencing an acute manic episode.
Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?
A. Ensuring the patient remains hydrated and consumes high-calorie finger foods
B. Encouraging the patient to participate in group therapy sessions
C. Allowing the patient to lead a community meeting to boost self-esteem
D. Providing a detailed explanation of the facility rules and regulations
Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and physiological needs are priorities in mania. Manic patients are often
too busy to sit for meals; finger foods provide necessary calories while they are on the
move.
,3. A nurse is monitoring a client on Lithium Carbonate. Which of the following
laboratory results indicates a potential for toxicity?
A. Serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L
B. Serum lithium level of 1.1 mEq/L
C. Serum lithium level of 0.4 mEq/L
D. Serum lithium level of 1.6 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. A level of 1.5 mEq/L or
higher is considered toxic.
4. Which statement by a client starting Fluoxetine (Prozac) indicates a need for
further teaching?
A. I will call my doctor if I feel more irritable or suicidal.
B. I should expect the full effects of this medicine in about 2 to 4 weeks.
C. I can stop taking this medication immediately if my mood improves.
D. I will avoid taking St. John’s Wort while on this medication.
Answer: C
Rationale: SSRIs must be tapered gradually to avoid discontinuation syndrome; they
should never be stopped abruptly.
5. A client is admitted for Somatic Symptom Disorder. What is the most
appropriate nursing response when the client complains of severe pain despite
no medical cause found?
A. Remind the client that the pain is purely psychological.
B. Ignore the complaint to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
C. Request a repeat of all diagnostic imaging to reassure the client.
D. Acknowledge the pain is real to the client but shift the focus to activities.
Answer: D
, Rationale: The pain is real to the patient. The nurse should acknowledge the discomfort
but limit the time spent discussing physical symptoms to focus on coping and socialization.
6. A patient is scheduled for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Which medication
should the nurse anticipate administering to dry secretions and prevent
bradycardia?
A. Succinylcholine
B. Lorazepam
C. Propofol
D. Atropine Sulfate
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine or glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic given pre-ECT to decrease
secretions and counteract vagal stimulation (bradycardia).
7. A nurse is assessing a client for suicide risk. Which of the following factors
represents the highest immediate risk?
A. The client expresses feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
B. The client has a specific plan and access to a lethal weapon.
C. The client has a history of depression in their family.
D. The client has been diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Answer: B
Rationale: Having a specific plan, high lethality method, and immediate access to that
method indicates the highest risk for immediate suicide.
