NUR180/NUR 180 Exam 2 V1 | Concepts of
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A client is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium level
B. Serum Potassium level
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Blood Glucose level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lithium is a salt that is handled by the body similarly to sodium. If sodium
levels are low, the kidneys will retain lithium, potentially leading to toxic accumulation.
Nurses must educate patients on maintaining consistent salt and fluid intake.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which intervention is the highest
priority during the acute phase?
A. Stay with the client and provide a calm, quiet environment
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques
C. Encourage the client to discuss the source of their anxiety
,D. Administer a long-acting antidepressant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and immediate comfort are the priorities during an active panic attack.
Staying with the client prevents further escalation and ensures they are not left alone in a
state of terror. Discussing causes or teaching new skills is only effective after the acute
symptoms subside.
3. A client is prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Which food item must the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Whole grain bread
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Steamed broccoli
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: MAOIs interact dangerously with tyramine-rich foods, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products are high in
tyramine and must be strictly avoided. The nurse should provide a comprehensive list of
safe and unsafe foods to the patient.
4. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink because my
spouse is so demanding’?
A. Projection
, B. Sublimation
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with logical-sounding
excuses to avoid true self-examination. In this case, the client is blaming an external factor
for their own maladaptive behavior. This mechanism helps the individual reduce guilt and
maintain their current habits.
5. A nurse is observing a client with Schizophrenia who remains in a fixed position for several
hours. This behavior is documented as:
A. Waxy Flexibility
B. Echolalia
C. Neologism
D. Anhedonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom where the patient allows their limbs
to be moved into and then maintain strange positions. It is often associated with catatonic
schizophrenia. Monitoring for skin breakdown and circulation is essential for these clients.
Mental Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A client is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and prescribed Lithium Carbonate. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum Sodium level
B. Serum Potassium level
C. White Blood Cell count
D. Blood Glucose level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lithium is a salt that is handled by the body similarly to sodium. If sodium
levels are low, the kidneys will retain lithium, potentially leading to toxic accumulation.
Nurses must educate patients on maintaining consistent salt and fluid intake.
2. A nurse is caring for a client experiencing a panic attack. Which intervention is the highest
priority during the acute phase?
A. Stay with the client and provide a calm, quiet environment
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques
C. Encourage the client to discuss the source of their anxiety
,D. Administer a long-acting antidepressant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety and immediate comfort are the priorities during an active panic attack.
Staying with the client prevents further escalation and ensures they are not left alone in a
state of terror. Discussing causes or teaching new skills is only effective after the acute
symptoms subside.
3. A client is prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Which food item must the
nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh chicken breast
B. Whole grain bread
C. Aged cheddar cheese
D. Steamed broccoli
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: MAOIs interact dangerously with tyramine-rich foods, which can cause a
hypertensive crisis. Aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products are high in
tyramine and must be strictly avoided. The nurse should provide a comprehensive list of
safe and unsafe foods to the patient.
4. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink because my
spouse is so demanding’?
A. Projection
, B. Sublimation
C. Rationalization
D. Reaction Formation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with logical-sounding
excuses to avoid true self-examination. In this case, the client is blaming an external factor
for their own maladaptive behavior. This mechanism helps the individual reduce guilt and
maintain their current habits.
5. A nurse is observing a client with Schizophrenia who remains in a fixed position for several
hours. This behavior is documented as:
A. Waxy Flexibility
B. Echolalia
C. Neologism
D. Anhedonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Waxy flexibility is a psychomotor symptom where the patient allows their limbs
to be moved into and then maintain strange positions. It is often associated with catatonic
schizophrenia. Monitoring for skin breakdown and circulation is essential for these clients.
