RPN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 2

Question 1

A client is newly prescribed phenelzine (Nardil), an MAOI. Which dietary teaching is most important?

Accepted Answer

Avoid tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheese and cured meats

Answer

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods can cause a hypertensive crisis, which is potentially life-threatening.

Question 2

Which of the following is the therapeutic serum level for lithium carbonate in maintenance therapy?

Accepted Answer

0.6–1.2 mEq/L

Answer

The therapeutic range for lithium maintenance is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L; levels above 1.5 mEq/L are associated with toxicity.

Question 3

A client with borderline personality disorder becomes verbally aggressive when the nurse mentions a limit on phone calls. Which nursing response is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

'I understand you're upset. The limit remains in place, and I'm here to support you.'

Answer

Consistent, calm limit-setting while acknowledging the client's emotions is therapeutic for borderline personality disorder and prevents reinforcing splitting or manipulation.

Question 4

A client taking haloperidol (Haldol) develops muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and altered consciousness. The nurse suspects:

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics, characterized by the classic tetrad of hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability.

Question 5

A client with dementia becomes increasingly confused and agitated after sundown each evening. The nurse documents this as:

Accepted Answer

Sundowner's syndrome (sundowning)

Answer

Sundowning is a well-recognized pattern in dementia where confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes worsen in the late afternoon and evening.

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN - Registered Practical Nurse Practice Test

RPN Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing 2