NUR 208/NUR208 Exam 2 V1 | Mental
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication only when I feel an attack coming on.
B. I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on this medication.
C. It might take 2 to 4 weeks before I feel the full effect of the medicine.
D. This medication does not cause the same sedation as Xanax.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Buspirone is not an ‘as needed’ (PRN) medication and must be taken
daily to maintain therapeutic levels. Unlike benzodiazepines, it lacks immediate sedative
effects and requires several weeks to reach full efficacy. The nurse must ensure the patient
understands that consistency is vital for managing chronic anxiety symptoms.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises for future use.
B. Encourage the client to discuss the source of their fear.
C. Administer an SSRI immediately to reduce symptoms.
,D. Stay with the client and remain calm while using short sentences.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s perceptual field is severely limited,
making complex communication or teaching impossible. Staying with the client ensures
safety and provides a calming presence to help de-escalate the situation. Short, simple
sentences are necessary because the client cannot process complex information during
high-anxiety states.
3. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a client with a serum
Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Seizures and cardiovascular collapse
C. Normal cognitive function and polyuria
D. Confusion, coarse tremors, and GI distress
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, and
a level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates moderate toxicity. Symptoms at this level typically include
coarse tremors, persistent gastrointestinal upset, and mental confusion. The nurse must
recognize these signs early to prevent progression to severe toxicity or multi-organ failure.
, 4. A patient is admitted for Major Depressive Disorder and expresses feelings of
hopelessness. What is the most important question for the nurse to ask during the
assessment?
A. How long have you been feeling this way?
B. What kind of support system do you have at home?
C. Are you having any thoughts of harming yourself?
D. Have you noticed any changes in your sleep patterns?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Assessing for suicide risk is the absolute priority for any patient
presenting with depression or hopelessness. Directly asking about suicidal ideation allows
the nurse to implement safety precautions and determine the level of supervision needed.
This proactive approach is essential for maintaining client safety in a psychiatric setting.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about a newly prescribed Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
(MAOI). Which food choice should the client be instructed to avoid?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Steamed green beans
C. Mashed potatoes with butter
D. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
Correct Answer: D
Health Nursing Q&A with Rationale | Fortis
College
1. A patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is prescribed Buspirone. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I will take this medication only when I feel an attack coming on.
B. I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while on this medication.
C. It might take 2 to 4 weeks before I feel the full effect of the medicine.
D. This medication does not cause the same sedation as Xanax.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Buspirone is not an ‘as needed’ (PRN) medication and must be taken
daily to maintain therapeutic levels. Unlike benzodiazepines, it lacks immediate sedative
effects and requires several weeks to reach full efficacy. The nurse must ensure the patient
understands that consistency is vital for managing chronic anxiety symptoms.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Teach the client deep breathing exercises for future use.
B. Encourage the client to discuss the source of their fear.
C. Administer an SSRI immediately to reduce symptoms.
,D. Stay with the client and remain calm while using short sentences.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: During a panic attack, the client’s perceptual field is severely limited,
making complex communication or teaching impossible. Staying with the client ensures
safety and provides a calming presence to help de-escalate the situation. Short, simple
sentences are necessary because the client cannot process complex information during
high-anxiety states.
3. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a client with a serum
Lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L?
A. Fine hand tremors and mild thirst
B. Seizures and cardiovascular collapse
C. Normal cognitive function and polyuria
D. Confusion, coarse tremors, and GI distress
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The therapeutic range for Lithium is generally 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L, and
a level of 1.8 mEq/L indicates moderate toxicity. Symptoms at this level typically include
coarse tremors, persistent gastrointestinal upset, and mental confusion. The nurse must
recognize these signs early to prevent progression to severe toxicity or multi-organ failure.
, 4. A patient is admitted for Major Depressive Disorder and expresses feelings of
hopelessness. What is the most important question for the nurse to ask during the
assessment?
A. How long have you been feeling this way?
B. What kind of support system do you have at home?
C. Are you having any thoughts of harming yourself?
D. Have you noticed any changes in your sleep patterns?
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Assessing for suicide risk is the absolute priority for any patient
presenting with depression or hopelessness. Directly asking about suicidal ideation allows
the nurse to implement safety precautions and determine the level of supervision needed.
This proactive approach is essential for maintaining client safety in a psychiatric setting.
5. A nurse is teaching a client about a newly prescribed Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
(MAOI). Which food choice should the client be instructed to avoid?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Steamed green beans
C. Mashed potatoes with butter
D. Aged cheddar cheese and pepperoni
Correct Answer: D
