NSG 322/NSG322 Exam 2 V3 | Behavioral
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
A. Walking with the nurse on the grounds
B. Writing in a journal in a quiet area
C. Participating in a group debate
D. Attending a crowded concert
C. A game of competitive basketball
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulation environments and
activities that help channel their high energy levels safely. Walking with the nurse provides
physical exercise without the overstimulation or frustration of competitive games. It also
allows the nurse to maintain supervision while engaging in a non-threatening activity.
,2. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum glucose
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Liver enzymes
D. Serum sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely linked to sodium levels in
the body. When sodium levels are low, the kidneys retain lithium, which can lead to toxic
accumulations. The nurse must educate the client on maintaining a consistent salt and fluid
intake to avoid this complication.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the absence or
reduction of normal functions, such as emotional expression. Flat affect, alogia, and
avolition are classic examples of negative symptoms. In contrast, hallucinations and
,delusions are categorized as positive symptoms because they represent an excess or
distortion of normal function.
4. A client being treated with haloperidol (Haldol) develops muscle rigidity, fever, and
autonomic instability. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotic medications. Key clinical indicators include high fever, lead-pipe
muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. Immediate discontinuation of the medication and
supportive care are required to manage this emergency.
5. Which of the following is a priority intervention for a client experiencing a panic attack?
A. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack
B. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences
C. Instruct the client to join a support group immediately
D. Administer an oral antidepressant
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is
severely limited due to extreme anxiety. Staying with the client provides a sense of safety
, and reduces the fear of being alone. Using short, simple sentences ensures that the client
can understand instructions despite their cognitive narrowing.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is the priority
nursing intervention during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Identifying childhood traumas
B. Stabilizing the client’s nutritional status
C. Encouraging the client to cook for others
D. Discussing the client’s body image perceptions
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The physiological stability of a client with anorexia nervosa is the
most urgent concern due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and organ failure. Once the
client is medically stable, the underlying psychological issues can be addressed. Nutritional
rehabilitation is essential for restoring cognitive function required for therapy.
7. A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil). Which food choice by the client indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Cottage cheese
C. Fresh grilled chicken
D. Apple slices
Correct Answer: A
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Grand Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following
activities is most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
A. Walking with the nurse on the grounds
B. Writing in a journal in a quiet area
C. Participating in a group debate
D. Attending a crowded concert
C. A game of competitive basketball
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Clients in a manic state require low-stimulation environments and
activities that help channel their high energy levels safely. Walking with the nurse provides
physical exercise without the overstimulation or frustration of competitive games. It also
allows the nurse to maintain supervision while engaging in a non-threatening activity.
,2. A client is prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder. Which laboratory value should
the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum glucose
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Liver enzymes
D. Serum sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely linked to sodium levels in
the body. When sodium levels are low, the kidneys retain lithium, which can lead to toxic
accumulations. The nurse must educate the client on maintaining a consistent salt and fluid
intake to avoid this complication.
3. A nurse is assessing a client for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Flat affect
C. Delusions of grandeur
D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the absence or
reduction of normal functions, such as emotional expression. Flat affect, alogia, and
avolition are classic examples of negative symptoms. In contrast, hallucinations and
,delusions are categorized as positive symptoms because they represent an excess or
distortion of normal function.
4. A client being treated with haloperidol (Haldol) develops muscle rigidity, fever, and
autonomic instability. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Anticholinergic toxicity
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening
reaction to antipsychotic medications. Key clinical indicators include high fever, lead-pipe
muscle rigidity, and tachycardia. Immediate discontinuation of the medication and
supportive care are required to manage this emergency.
5. Which of the following is a priority intervention for a client experiencing a panic attack?
A. Ask the client to explain what triggered the attack
B. Stay with the client and use short, simple sentences
C. Instruct the client to join a support group immediately
D. Administer an oral antidepressant
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s ability to process information is
severely limited due to extreme anxiety. Staying with the client provides a sense of safety
, and reduces the fear of being alone. Using short, simple sentences ensures that the client
can understand instructions despite their cognitive narrowing.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following is the priority
nursing intervention during the initial phase of treatment?
A. Identifying childhood traumas
B. Stabilizing the client’s nutritional status
C. Encouraging the client to cook for others
D. Discussing the client’s body image perceptions
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The physiological stability of a client with anorexia nervosa is the
most urgent concern due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and organ failure. Once the
client is medically stable, the underlying psychological issues can be addressed. Nutritional
rehabilitation is essential for restoring cognitive function required for therapy.
7. A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil). Which food choice by the client indicates a need
for further teaching?
A. Aged cheddar cheese
B. Cottage cheese
C. Fresh grilled chicken
D. Apple slices
Correct Answer: A
