PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 2 V3 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is experiencing acute mania. Which
of the following nutritional interventions is most appropriate?
A. Provide a large, three-course meal in the dining room.
B. Provide a low-protein diet to decrease energy levels.
C. Schedule the client for a private dinner with a calm peer.
D. Offer high-calorie finger foods and juices.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Clients in acute mania have difficulty sitting still for full meals and
need high-calorie intake to compensate for high activity levels. Finger foods allow them to
eat while moving around the unit safely. This intervention ensures the client maintains
adequate nutrition without forcing them to remain stationary for long periods.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. The nurse
should identify which of the following as an early sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
B. Severe hypotension and tachycardia.
C. Coarse hand tremors and ataxia.
,D. Hyperpyrexia and muscle rigidity.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
are common early indicators that lithium levels are exceeding the therapeutic range. These
symptoms should be reported immediately to prevent progression to more severe
neurological complications. The nurse must educate the client to monitor for these signs
and maintain consistent salt intake.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Borderline Personality Disorder. Which of the following
behaviors is characteristic of this disorder?
A. Emotional detachment and lack of interest in social relationships.
B. Excessive perfectionism and preoccupation with orderliness.
C. Arrogance, grandiosity, and a need for constant admiration.
D. Extreme instability in interpersonal relationships and splitting.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of
unstable relationships, self-image, and affect. Splitting is a common defense mechanism
where the client views individuals as either ‘all good’ or ‘all bad.’ The nurse must maintain
clear boundaries and a consistent approach among the treatment team to manage these
behaviors.
, 4. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to an inpatient unit. Which of the
following physical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypertension and tachycardia.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea.
C. Moist, warm skin and high body temperature.
D. Lanugo, bradycardia, and hypotension.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to
starvation such as lanugo, which is fine, downy hair grown to keep the body warm.
Bradycardia and hypotension occur as the body’s metabolic rate slows down significantly.
The nurse must prioritize cardiovascular monitoring during the initial stages of refeeding.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting Amitriptyline, a Tricyclic Antidepressant
(TCA). Which side effect should the nurse emphasize?
A. Urinary frequency and diarrhea.
B. Hypertensive crisis with cheese intake.
C. Orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic effects.
D. Significant weight loss and insomnia.
Correct Answer: C
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with Bipolar Disorder who is experiencing acute mania. Which
of the following nutritional interventions is most appropriate?
A. Provide a large, three-course meal in the dining room.
B. Provide a low-protein diet to decrease energy levels.
C. Schedule the client for a private dinner with a calm peer.
D. Offer high-calorie finger foods and juices.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Clients in acute mania have difficulty sitting still for full meals and
need high-calorie intake to compensate for high activity levels. Finger foods allow them to
eat while moving around the unit safely. This intervention ensures the client maintains
adequate nutrition without forcing them to remain stationary for long periods.
2. A client is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for the treatment of Bipolar I Disorder. The nurse
should identify which of the following as an early sign of lithium toxicity?
A. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
B. Severe hypotension and tachycardia.
C. Coarse hand tremors and ataxia.
,D. Hyperpyrexia and muscle rigidity.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
are common early indicators that lithium levels are exceeding the therapeutic range. These
symptoms should be reported immediately to prevent progression to more severe
neurological complications. The nurse must educate the client to monitor for these signs
and maintain consistent salt intake.
3. A nurse is assessing a client with Borderline Personality Disorder. Which of the following
behaviors is characteristic of this disorder?
A. Emotional detachment and lack of interest in social relationships.
B. Excessive perfectionism and preoccupation with orderliness.
C. Arrogance, grandiosity, and a need for constant admiration.
D. Extreme instability in interpersonal relationships and splitting.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pattern of
unstable relationships, self-image, and affect. Splitting is a common defense mechanism
where the client views individuals as either ‘all good’ or ‘all bad.’ The nurse must maintain
clear boundaries and a consistent approach among the treatment team to manage these
behaviors.
, 4. A client with Anorexia Nervosa is being admitted to an inpatient unit. Which of the
following physical findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hypertension and tachycardia.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea.
C. Moist, warm skin and high body temperature.
D. Lanugo, bradycardia, and hypotension.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Anorexia Nervosa often leads to physiological adaptations to
starvation such as lanugo, which is fine, downy hair grown to keep the body warm.
Bradycardia and hypotension occur as the body’s metabolic rate slows down significantly.
The nurse must prioritize cardiovascular monitoring during the initial stages of refeeding.
5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client starting Amitriptyline, a Tricyclic Antidepressant
(TCA). Which side effect should the nurse emphasize?
A. Urinary frequency and diarrhea.
B. Hypertensive crisis with cheese intake.
C. Orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic effects.
D. Significant weight loss and insomnia.
Correct Answer: C
