NSG 322/NSG322 Final Exam V1 |
Behavioral Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. A patient with schizophrenia is hearing voices telling them to ‘hurt the nurse.’ Which of the
following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Ask the patient to describe what the voices look like.
B. Place the patient in immediate seclusion for safety.
C. Monitor the patient for aggressive behavior and maintain
safety.
D. Tell the patient that the voices are not real and to ignore
them.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Safety is the highest priority when a patient experiences command
hallucinations. The nurse must assess the potential for violence and intervene to prevent
harm to self or others. Acknowledging the patient’s experience while maintaining a safe
environment is the standard of care.
,2. Which therapeutic communication technique is most effective when a patient states, ‘I
don’t think I can go on anymore’?
A. Asking an open-ended question such as ‘Tell me more about how you are
feeling.’
B. Giving advice like ‘You should think of your family.’
C. Providing false reassurance by saying ‘Everything will be fine.’
D. Changing the subject to a more positive topic.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to express their feelings
and provide more information for assessment. Giving advice or false reassurance blocks
communication and minimizes the patient’s distress. This technique helps the nurse assess
for suicidal ideation effectively.
3. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum lithium level
indicates a therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is narrow and typically falls
between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require
immediate intervention. Regular blood monitoring is essential to ensure efficacy and
prevent toxicity complications.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a panic attack. What is the most appropriate
action?
A. Speak in short, simple sentences and stay with the patient.
B. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
C. Encourage the patient to perform strenuous exercise.
D. Explain the physiology of a panic attack in detail.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, a patient’s ability to process information is
severely limited. Staying with the patient provides a sense of security and safety. Short,
simple instructions are easier to follow than complex explanations during high-anxiety
states.
5. Which of the following is a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Flat affect
D. Disorganized speech
Behavioral Health Nursing Q&A
with Rationale | Grand Canyon
University
1. A patient with schizophrenia is hearing voices telling them to ‘hurt the nurse.’ Which of the
following is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Ask the patient to describe what the voices look like.
B. Place the patient in immediate seclusion for safety.
C. Monitor the patient for aggressive behavior and maintain
safety.
D. Tell the patient that the voices are not real and to ignore
them.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Safety is the highest priority when a patient experiences command
hallucinations. The nurse must assess the potential for violence and intervene to prevent
harm to self or others. Acknowledging the patient’s experience while maintaining a safe
environment is the standard of care.
,2. Which therapeutic communication technique is most effective when a patient states, ‘I
don’t think I can go on anymore’?
A. Asking an open-ended question such as ‘Tell me more about how you are
feeling.’
B. Giving advice like ‘You should think of your family.’
C. Providing false reassurance by saying ‘Everything will be fine.’
D. Changing the subject to a more positive topic.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Open-ended questions encourage the patient to express their feelings
and provide more information for assessment. Giving advice or false reassurance blocks
communication and minimizes the patient’s distress. This technique helps the nurse assess
for suicidal ideation effectively.
3. A patient is prescribed Lithium Carbonate for Bipolar Disorder. Which serum lithium level
indicates a therapeutic range?
A. 0.2 - 0.5 mEq/L
B. 0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
C. 1.5 - 2.0 mEq/L
D. 2.5 - 3.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
, Expert Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is narrow and typically falls
between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. Levels above 1.5 mEq/L are considered toxic and require
immediate intervention. Regular blood monitoring is essential to ensure efficacy and
prevent toxicity complications.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a panic attack. What is the most appropriate
action?
A. Speak in short, simple sentences and stay with the patient.
B. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
C. Encourage the patient to perform strenuous exercise.
D. Explain the physiology of a panic attack in detail.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, a patient’s ability to process information is
severely limited. Staying with the patient provides a sense of security and safety. Short,
simple instructions are easier to follow than complex explanations during high-anxiety
states.
5. Which of the following is a ‘negative symptom’ of schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Flat affect
D. Disorganized speech
