ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with multi-infarct dementia lashes out and kicks at people who walk past in the hall of a skilled nursing facility. Intervention by the nurse should begin by
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reassuring the patient that the environment is safe can help reduce their feelings of anxiety or fear, which may be causing the aggressive behavior. This approach focuses on creating a calming and supportive atmosphere, which is essential in managing challenging behaviors in dementia patients.
A: Gently touching the patient's arm may escalate the situation and provoke a negative response.
B: Asking the patient 'What do you need?' may not address the underlying cause of the behavior and could be perceived as confrontational.
D: Directing the patient to cease the behavior may be seen as threatening and could lead to further aggression.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Which client statement indicates the client is at risk for self-injurious behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because impulsivity is a common characteristic of borderline personality disorder and can lead to self-injurious behaviors. The statement "It is almost as if as soon as I think of doing something, I immediately do it" indicates a lack of impulse control and potential for engaging in harmful behaviors without considering consequences.
A: This statement expresses feelings of depression but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
B: This statement suggests a lack of autonomy but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
C: This statement describes dissociation, which is common in borderline personality disorder but does not directly indicate self-injurious behavior risk.
In summary, choice D is the correct answer as it directly implies impulsivity and potential for self-injurious behavior, while the other choices do not clearly indicate this risk.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family with a 10-year-old child after the death of a favorite uncle. The nurse provides guidance to the parents, informing them that the child may exhibit which of the following as a response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because children often express grief through physical symptoms like aches and pains. This is known as somatic complaints. Children may find it difficult to articulate their emotions verbally, so physical symptoms may manifest instead. Option A is incorrect as talking about scary novels is not a common response to grief in children. Option C is incorrect as fear of leaving home is more associated with separation anxiety. Option D is incorrect as becoming obsessed with religious rituals is not a typical response to grief in children.
Question 4 of 5
Graciela is a sixty-three-year-old woman who recently became the primary caregiver for her husband who had a stroke. She tells her husband's nurse that she has been feeling lonely and sad lately and that none of her friends seem to understand what she is going through. What community resource would best benefit Graciela?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: a support group for adult caregivers. Graciela is experiencing feelings of loneliness and sadness due to her new role as a caregiver for her husband. A support group for adult caregivers would provide her with a community of individuals who are going through similar experiences, offering emotional support, understanding, and coping strategies. This resource can help Graciela feel less isolated and more supported in her caregiving journey.
Choice A (the local food pantry) does not address Graciela's emotional needs and is not directly related to her situation as a caregiver.
Choice B (a rideshare service) is focused on transportation to church and does not address Graciela's feelings of loneliness and sadness.
Choice C (a social worker for subsidized housing) does not specifically address Graciela's emotional well-being and may not provide the necessary support for her current situation as a caregiver.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been admitted to the detoxification unit after binge drinking. Even though the patient is not currently intoxicated, he is combative and exhibits altered thought processes. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Correct Answer: C: Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal
Rationale:
1. The patient is exhibiting combative behavior and altered thought processes, indicating potential for violent behavior towards others.
2. Other-directed violence encompasses harm towards others, making it a priority to ensure the safety of both the patient and others.
3. This diagnosis addresses the immediate safety concern and allows for interventions to prevent harm to others.
Incorrect
Choices:
A: Risk for Injury - Focuses on self-injury, not directed towards others.
B: Risk for Self-Mutilation - Similar to choice A, does not address potential harm towards others.
D: Risk for Delayed Development - Not relevant to the current situation of altered thought processes and combative behavior.