NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of bipolar disorder. The nurse should give priority to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring mood stability is critical in bipolar disorder to assess for manic or depressive episodes.
Question 2 of 5
A 56-year-old psychiatric inpatient has had recurring episodes of depression and chronic low self-esteem. She feels that her family does not want her around, experiences a sense of helplessness, and has a negative view of herself. To assist the client in focusing on her strengths and positive traits, a strategy used by the nurse would be to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should encourage activities gradually, as client's energy level and tolerance for shared activities improve. Activities that focus on strengths and accomplishments, with uncomplicated tasks, minimize failure and increase self-worth. Asking a client to set a goal to make all decisions about attending group activities is unrealistic, and such decisions are not always under the client's control; this sets up the client for further failure and possibly decreased self-worth. Encouragement toward independence does promote increased feelings of self-worth; however, clients may need assistance with decision making and problem solving for various situations and on an individual basis.
Question 3 of 5
A 33-year-old client is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, acute phase. This is her first psychiatric hospitalization, and she is being evaluated for treatment with lithium. Which of the following diagnostic tests are essential prior to the initiation of lithium therapy with this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: These are general diagnostic blood studies (usually done on admission), but they are not reliable indicators of lithium therapy clearance. These are the primary diagnostic tests to determine kidney functioning. Because lithium is excreted through the kidneys and because it can be very toxic, adequate renal function must be ascertained before therapy begins. These are diagnostic blood tests used to determine the presence of endocrine (not renal) dysfunction. These are other types of diagnostic procedures used to determine musculoskeletal, neural, and cardiac (rather than renal) functioning.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has been asked to present a lecture on the prevention of West Nile virus in the community setting. Which does the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Wearing protective clothing outside reduces exposure. Midday avoidance (
B) is less effective, DEET repellant (
C) is recommended, and the virus affects all ages, not just under 18 (
D).
Question 5 of 5
The day following his admission, the nurse sits down by a male client on the sofa in the dayroom. He was admitted for depression and thoughts of suicide. He looks at the nurse and says, 'My life is so bad no one can do anything to help me.' The most helpful initial response by the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response does not acknowledge the client's feelings and may increase his feelings of guilt. This response denotes false reassurance. This response acknowledges the client's feelings and invites a response. This response changes the subject and does not allow the client to talk about his feelings.