NUR2459 Exam 2 V3 | NUR 2459 Mental and
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
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This comprehensive exam-style resource is designed to prepare students for psychiatric nursing
assessments related to serious mental illness, psychopharmacology, and advanced behavioral
health nursing care. The material emphasizes safe psychiatric interventions and evidence-based
patient management practices.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course exams while reinforcing
prioritization, clinical reasoning, and psychiatric nursing strategies. Detailed expert
explanations support understanding and successful exam performance.
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The Exam Covers:
• Schizophrenia nursing management
• Bipolar disorder interventions
• Antidepressant medication nursing care
• Psychiatric emergency management
• Delusion and paranoia interventions
• Therapeutic communication for psychosis
• Patient education for psychiatric medications
• Safety measures in psychiatric care
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1. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing
intervention is the most appropriate first step?
A. Tell the patient that the voices are not real and they are part of their illness.
B. Agree with the patient that the voices are scary to build rapport.
,C. Leave the patient alone to minimize external stimuli and reduce stress.
D. Ask the patient directly what the voices are saying to assess for command hallucinations.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the content of hallucinations is a safety priority to
determine if the voices are commanding the patient to harm themselves or others. This
assessment guides further intervention. Once safety is established, the nurse can then focus
on reality-based interactions.
2. A patient is prescribed Lithium carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Serum Potassium
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels. If
sodium levels are low (e.g., due to dehydration or sweating), the kidneys will retain lithium,
leading to toxic levels in the blood. Patients must maintain a consistent salt and fluid intake.
3. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘negative’ symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions of grandeur
, B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of healthy behaviors or
emotions. Flat affect (lack of emotional expression) is a classic negative symptom, whereas
delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech are positive symptoms (additions to
normal behavior).
4. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode. Which diet choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A low-calorie, low-fat meal served in the dining hall.
B. A large breakfast with multiple coffee refills.
C. A hot soup and salad meal requiring utensils.
D. A high-calorie, high-protein finger food meal.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients in a manic state are often hyperactive and unable to sit down
for a meal. High-calorie finger foods allow them to consume necessary nutrients while
moving around. Caffeine should be avoided as it increases agitation.
Behavioral Health Nursing Exam Q&A |
Rasmussen University
────────────────────────────────────
This comprehensive exam-style resource is designed to prepare students for psychiatric nursing
assessments related to serious mental illness, psychopharmacology, and advanced behavioral
health nursing care. The material emphasizes safe psychiatric interventions and evidence-based
patient management practices.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course exams while reinforcing
prioritization, clinical reasoning, and psychiatric nursing strategies. Detailed expert
explanations support understanding and successful exam performance.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Schizophrenia nursing management
• Bipolar disorder interventions
• Antidepressant medication nursing care
• Psychiatric emergency management
• Delusion and paranoia interventions
• Therapeutic communication for psychosis
• Patient education for psychiatric medications
• Safety measures in psychiatric care
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing
intervention is the most appropriate first step?
A. Tell the patient that the voices are not real and they are part of their illness.
B. Agree with the patient that the voices are scary to build rapport.
,C. Leave the patient alone to minimize external stimuli and reduce stress.
D. Ask the patient directly what the voices are saying to assess for command hallucinations.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Assessing the content of hallucinations is a safety priority to
determine if the voices are commanding the patient to harm themselves or others. This
assessment guides further intervention. Once safety is established, the nurse can then focus
on reality-based interactions.
2. A patient is prescribed Lithium carbonate for Bipolar I Disorder. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Hemoglobin A1c
B. Serum Potassium
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Serum Sodium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lithium is a salt, and its excretion is closely tied to sodium levels. If
sodium levels are low (e.g., due to dehydration or sweating), the kidneys will retain lithium,
leading to toxic levels in the blood. Patients must maintain a consistent salt and fluid intake.
3. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘negative’ symptom of schizophrenia?
A. Delusions of grandeur
, B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Disorganized speech
D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Negative symptoms refer to the absence of healthy behaviors or
emotions. Flat affect (lack of emotional expression) is a classic negative symptom, whereas
delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech are positive symptoms (additions to
normal behavior).
4. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing a manic episode. Which diet choice is most
appropriate for this patient?
A. A low-calorie, low-fat meal served in the dining hall.
B. A large breakfast with multiple coffee refills.
C. A hot soup and salad meal requiring utensils.
D. A high-calorie, high-protein finger food meal.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients in a manic state are often hyperactive and unable to sit down
for a meal. High-calorie finger foods allow them to consume necessary nutrients while
moving around. Caffeine should be avoided as it increases agitation.
