PRN 1562/PRN1562 Exam 2 V2 | Principles
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Lithium level 0.8 mEq/L
B. Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L
C. Sodium level 140 mEq/L
D. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range of 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L and indicates moderate toxicity. The nurse must report this immediately to
prevent further complications such as seizures or coma. Clinical manifestations of toxicity
often include blurred vision, ataxia, and severe hypotension.
2. A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
Which food item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Grilled chicken breast
C. Cheddar cheese
,D. Boiled potatoes
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clients taking MAOIs must avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged
cheeses, to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Tyramine causes the release of norepinephrine,
which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when MAOIs are present. The nurse
should provide a comprehensive list of restricted foods, including smoked meats and red
wine.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Feelings of impending doom
B. Enhanced perception of surroundings
C. Effective problem-solving skills
D. Slight muscle tension
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significant reduction in the
perceptual field and feelings of dread or impending doom. The client may also experience
physical symptoms such as tachycardia, hyperventilation, and loud, rapid speech. At this
level of anxiety, the client is unable to follow directions or problem-solve effectively.
, 4. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘It sounds like
you are feeling frustrated because your family hasn’t visited’?
A. Restating
B. Reflecting
C. Summarizing
D. Exploring
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Reflecting involves directing the client’s feelings and ideas back to
them to encourage recognition of those feelings. This technique validates the client’s
emotional experience and encourages further expression. It differs from restating, which
involves repeating the exact words the client used.
5. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). What is the primary purpose of the client’s ritualistic behavior?
A. To manipulate the staff
B. To gain attention from others
C. To decrease anxiety
D. To express anger toward parents
Correct Answer: C
of Mental Health Nursing Q&A with
Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which of
the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider immediately?
A. Lithium level 0.8 mEq/L
B. Lithium level 1.8 mEq/L
C. Sodium level 140 mEq/L
D. Potassium level 4.2 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range of 0.6 to
1.2 mEq/L and indicates moderate toxicity. The nurse must report this immediately to
prevent further complications such as seizures or coma. Clinical manifestations of toxicity
often include blurred vision, ataxia, and severe hypotension.
2. A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
Which food item should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Grilled chicken breast
C. Cheddar cheese
,D. Boiled potatoes
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Clients taking MAOIs must avoid foods high in tyramine, such as aged
cheeses, to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Tyramine causes the release of norepinephrine,
which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when MAOIs are present. The nurse
should provide a comprehensive list of restricted foods, including smoked meats and red
wine.
3. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following
findings should the nurse expect?
A. Feelings of impending doom
B. Enhanced perception of surroundings
C. Effective problem-solving skills
D. Slight muscle tension
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significant reduction in the
perceptual field and feelings of dread or impending doom. The client may also experience
physical symptoms such as tachycardia, hyperventilation, and loud, rapid speech. At this
level of anxiety, the client is unable to follow directions or problem-solve effectively.
, 4. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using when saying, ‘It sounds like
you are feeling frustrated because your family hasn’t visited’?
A. Restating
B. Reflecting
C. Summarizing
D. Exploring
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Reflecting involves directing the client’s feelings and ideas back to
them to encourage recognition of those feelings. This technique validates the client’s
emotional experience and encourages further expression. It differs from restating, which
involves repeating the exact words the client used.
5. A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). What is the primary purpose of the client’s ritualistic behavior?
A. To manipulate the staff
B. To gain attention from others
C. To decrease anxiety
D. To express anger toward parents
Correct Answer: C
