NUR2459 Final Exam V2 | NUR 2459 Mental
and Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
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This study guide is intended to help students consolidate foundational and advanced concepts
related to behavioral health nursing, psychiatric patient management, and evidence-based
mental health interventions. The material reflects the style and complexity commonly
encountered in nursing final examinations.
This version contains realistic final exam-style questions covering psychiatric disorders,
therapeutic interventions, and behavioral health prioritization strategies. Detailed expert
explanations are included to support deeper understanding and comprehensive exam
preparation.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Psychiatric medication management
• Crisis and suicide intervention
• Family and group therapy concepts
• Psychiatric ethics and patient rights
• Community psychiatric resources
• Therapeutic communication review
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1. A nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted voluntarily for depression. The patient
suddenly demands to be discharged. What is the nurse’s most appropriate initial action?
A. Allow the patient to leave immediately since they were a voluntary admission.
B. Contact the provider to initiate an involuntary commitment process.
,C. Notify the psychiatrist and prepare for a clinical assessment for safety.
D. Restrain the patient until they agree to stay for the duration of treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: This assessment evaluates key competencies in mental health
nursing, specifically the ethical and legal rights of voluntary patients. While voluntary
patients have the right to request discharge, the facility has a duty to ensure they are safe
before leaving. The medical team must assess for danger to self or others before proceeding
with discharge or legal hold.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which laboratory value
should the nurse prioritize monitoring to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium levels
B. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Serum Sodium levels
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Sodium and Lithium are handled similarly by the kidneys; low
sodium levels can lead to decreased lithium excretion and subsequent toxicity. Patients
should maintain consistent salt intake.
, 3. A patient with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and is visibly agitated.
Which is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A. What are the voices telling you to do right now?
B. Just ignore the voices; they are not real and cannot hurt you.
C. I do not hear the voices, but I can see that they are making you upset.
D. Why do you think the voices are bothering you today?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Acknowledging the patient’s feelings while presenting reality without
arguing is a fundamental therapeutic communication technique in psychiatric nursing.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is
characteristic of this condition?
A. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
B. Urinary retention and constipation
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is a life-threatening emergency characterized by
autonomic instability, hyperpyrexia, and muscle rigidity, often occurring after starting or
increasing SSRIs.
and Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students consolidate foundational and advanced concepts
related to behavioral health nursing, psychiatric patient management, and evidence-based
mental health interventions. The material reflects the style and complexity commonly
encountered in nursing final examinations.
This version contains realistic final exam-style questions covering psychiatric disorders,
therapeutic interventions, and behavioral health prioritization strategies. Detailed expert
explanations are included to support deeper understanding and comprehensive exam
preparation.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Psychiatric medication management
• Crisis and suicide intervention
• Family and group therapy concepts
• Psychiatric ethics and patient rights
• Community psychiatric resources
• Therapeutic communication review
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted voluntarily for depression. The patient
suddenly demands to be discharged. What is the nurse’s most appropriate initial action?
A. Allow the patient to leave immediately since they were a voluntary admission.
B. Contact the provider to initiate an involuntary commitment process.
,C. Notify the psychiatrist and prepare for a clinical assessment for safety.
D. Restrain the patient until they agree to stay for the duration of treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: This assessment evaluates key competencies in mental health
nursing, specifically the ethical and legal rights of voluntary patients. While voluntary
patients have the right to request discharge, the facility has a duty to ensure they are safe
before leaving. The medical team must assess for danger to self or others before proceeding
with discharge or legal hold.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which laboratory value
should the nurse prioritize monitoring to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Potassium levels
B. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Serum Sodium levels
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Sodium and Lithium are handled similarly by the kidneys; low
sodium levels can lead to decreased lithium excretion and subsequent toxicity. Patients
should maintain consistent salt intake.
, 3. A patient with Schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and is visibly agitated.
Which is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
A. What are the voices telling you to do right now?
B. Just ignore the voices; they are not real and cannot hurt you.
C. I do not hear the voices, but I can see that they are making you upset.
D. Why do you think the voices are bothering you today?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Acknowledging the patient’s feelings while presenting reality without
arguing is a fundamental therapeutic communication technique in psychiatric nursing.
4. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is
characteristic of this condition?
A. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
B. Urinary retention and constipation
C. Extreme thirst and polyuria
D. Muscle rigidity and hyperpyrexia
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is a life-threatening emergency characterized by
autonomic instability, hyperpyrexia, and muscle rigidity, often occurring after starting or
increasing SSRIs.
