Mental Health Exam 2 Review Questions
1. Which statement about the development of bipolar disorder is from a biochemical
perspective?
a. Family studies have shown that if one parent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the
risk that a child will have the disorder is around 28%.
b. In bipolar disorder, there may be possible alterations in normal electrolyte transfer
across cell membranes, resulting in elevated levels of intracellular calcium and sodium.
c. Magnetic resonance imaging studies have revealed enlarged third ventricles,
subcortical white matter, and periventricular hyperintensity in individuals diagnosed with
bipolar disorder.
d. Twin studies have indicated a concordance rate among monozygotic twins of 60% to
80%. - Correct Answer b
2. Which nursing charting entry is documentation of a behavioral symptom of mania?
a. "Thoughts fragmented, flight of ideas noted."
b. "Mood euphoric and expansive. Rates mood a 10/10."
c. "Pacing halls throughout the day. Exhibits poor impulse control."
d. "Easily distracted, unable to focus on goals." - Correct Answer c
3. A client diagnosed with cyclothymia is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.
A client has a history of irritability and grandiosity and is currently sleeping 2 hours a
night. Which nursing diagnoses take priority?
a. Altered thought processes related to biochemical alterations.
b. Social isolation related to grandiosity.
c. Disturbed sleep patterns related to agitation.
d. Risk for violence: self-directed related to depressive symptoms. - Correct Answer c
4. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and experiencing a manic episode is newly
admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Which nursing diagnosis is a priority at this
time?
a. Risk for violence: other-directed related to poor impulse control.
b. Disturbed sensory perception related to hallucinations.
c. Social isolation related to manic excitement.
d. Low self-esteem related to guilt about promiscuity. - Correct Answer a
5. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has a nursing diagnosis of disturbed thought
process related to biochemical alterations. Based on this diagnosis, which outcome
would be appropriate?
a. The client will not experience injury throughout the shift.
, 2
b. The client will interact appropriately with others by day 3.
c. The client will be compliant with prescribed medications.
d. The client will distinguish reality from delusions by day 6. - Correct Answer d
6. A client diagnosed with bipolar II disorder has a nursing diagnosis of impaired social
interactions related to egocentrism. Which short-term outcome is an appropriate
expectation for this client problem?
a. The client will have an appropriate one-on-one interaction with a peer by day 4.
b. The client will exchange personal information with peers at lunchtime.
c. The client will verbalize the desire to interact with peers by day 2.
d. The client will initiate an appropriate social relationship with a peer. - Correct Answer
a
7. A client experiencing mania states, "Everything I do is great." Using a cognitive
approach, which nursing response would be most appropriate?
a. "Is there a time in your life when things didn't go as planned?"
b. "Everything you do is great."
c. "What are some other things you do well?"
d. "Let's talk about the feelings you have about your childhood." - Correct Answer a
8. A client newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit is experiencing a manic
episode. The client's nursing diagnosis is imbalanced nutrition, less than body
requirements. Which meal is most appropriate for this client?
a. Chicken fingers and sweet potato fries
b. Grilled chicken and a baked potato
c. Spaghetti and meatballs
d. Chili and crackers - Correct Answer a
9. A provocatively dressed client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is observed laughing
loudly with peers in the milieu. Which nursing action is a priority in this situation?
a. Join the milieu to assess the appropriateness of the laughter.
b. Redirect clients in the milieu to structured social activities, such as cards.
c. Privately discuss with the client the inappropriateness of provocative dress during
hospitalization.
d. Administer PRN antianxiety medication to calm the client. - Correct Answer c
10. A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder in the manic phase is yelling at another
peer in the milieu. Which nursing intervention takes priority?
a. Calmly redirect and remove the client from the milieu.
b. Administer prescribed PRN intramuscular injection for agitation.
c. Notify the client to lower his/her voice.
d. Obtain an order for seclusion to help decrease external stimuli. - Correct Answer a
11. A client newly admitted with bipolar I disorder has a nursing diagnosis of risk for
injury related to extreme hyperactivity. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
a. Place the client in a room with another client experiencing similar symptoms.