PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 3 V2 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I Disorder who is experiencing a manic episode.
Which of the following activities is most appropriate for this client?
A. A high-stakes competitive board game with other clients.
B. Watching a fast-paced action movie in the day room.
C. Walking with the nurse on the grounds of the facility.
D. Participating in a group therapy session focusing on trauma.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clients in a manic state require activities that channel excess energy
without excessive stimulation. Walking provides physical exercise and one-on-one
interaction while avoiding the overstimulation of group settings or competition. This
intervention helps maintain safety and reduces the risk of agitation or social conflict.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The nurse
should instruct the client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Calcium
,D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt and is handled by the kidneys in a manner similar to
sodium. If sodium intake is significantly decreased or if the body loses sodium through
sweating or diarrhea, the kidneys will retain lithium, leading to toxicity. Maintaining a
steady sodium intake and adequate hydration is essential for therapeutic stability.
3. A client with Major Depressive Disorder is started on Phenelzine, an MAOI. Which food
item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Cottage cheese
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Whole wheat bread
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Phenelzine is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) that interacts
with tyramine-rich foods. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products contain high
levels of tyramine which can trigger a hypertensive crisis. Educating the client on a low-
tyramine diet is a critical safety intervention for those taking MAOIs.
4. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for
admiration, and lack of empathy?
A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
, B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Histrionic Personality Disorder
D. Borderline Personality Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined by an inflated sense of
self-importance and a deep need for excessive attention. These individuals often exhibit a
lack of empathy for others and have fragile self-esteem beneath their confident exterior.
They are often perceived as arrogant and demanding in clinical settings.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is a
characteristic finding of this condition?
A. Muscle rigidity, fever, and diaphoresis
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Constipation and urinary retention
D. Weight gain and sedation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening emergency
caused by excessive serotonergic activity. Key symptoms include autonomic instability
such as tachycardia and fever, as well as neuromuscular hyperactivity like tremors and
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar I Disorder who is experiencing a manic episode.
Which of the following activities is most appropriate for this client?
A. A high-stakes competitive board game with other clients.
B. Watching a fast-paced action movie in the day room.
C. Walking with the nurse on the grounds of the facility.
D. Participating in a group therapy session focusing on trauma.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clients in a manic state require activities that channel excess energy
without excessive stimulation. Walking provides physical exercise and one-on-one
interaction while avoiding the overstimulation of group settings or competition. This
intervention helps maintain safety and reduces the risk of agitation or social conflict.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar Disorder. The nurse
should instruct the client to maintain a consistent intake of which substance?
A. Potassium
B. Magnesium
C. Calcium
,D. Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt and is handled by the kidneys in a manner similar to
sodium. If sodium intake is significantly decreased or if the body loses sodium through
sweating or diarrhea, the kidneys will retain lithium, leading to toxicity. Maintaining a
steady sodium intake and adequate hydration is essential for therapeutic stability.
3. A client with Major Depressive Disorder is started on Phenelzine, an MAOI. Which food
item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Cottage cheese
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Whole wheat bread
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Phenelzine is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) that interacts
with tyramine-rich foods. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products contain high
levels of tyramine which can trigger a hypertensive crisis. Educating the client on a low-
tyramine diet is a critical safety intervention for those taking MAOIs.
4. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for
admiration, and lack of empathy?
A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
, B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Histrionic Personality Disorder
D. Borderline Personality Disorder
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder is defined by an inflated sense of
self-importance and a deep need for excessive attention. These individuals often exhibit a
lack of empathy for others and have fragile self-esteem beneath their confident exterior.
They are often perceived as arrogant and demanding in clinical settings.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for Serotonin Syndrome. Which of the following symptoms is a
characteristic finding of this condition?
A. Muscle rigidity, fever, and diaphoresis
B. Hyporeflexia and bradycardia
C. Constipation and urinary retention
D. Weight gain and sedation
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening emergency
caused by excessive serotonergic activity. Key symptoms include autonomic instability
such as tachycardia and fever, as well as neuromuscular hyperactivity like tremors and
