Mental Health RN NCLEX Questions

Question 1 of 5

After a period of unsuccessful treatment with Elavil (amitriptyline), a woman diagnosed with depression is switched to Parnate (tranylcypromine). Which statement by the client indicates the client understands the side effects of Parnate?

A. I must do increase my intake of sodium.'B. I must refrain from strenuous exercise.'C. I must refrain from eating aged cheese or yeast products.'D. I should decrease my intake of foods containing sugar.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Parnate is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and clients must avoid tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese and yeast products to prevent hypertensive crisis.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is conducting a psychoeducational group for family members of clients hospitalized with depression. Which family member's statement indicates a need for additional teaching?

A. My husband will slowly feel better as his medicine takes effect over the next 2 to 4 weeks.'B. My wife will need to take her antidepressant medicine and go to group to stay well.'C. My son will only need to attend outpatient appointments when he starts to feel depressed again.'D. My mother might need help with grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning for a while.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Depression requires ongoing outpatient care to prevent relapse, not just when symptoms reappear.

Question 3 of 5

A client is receiving paroxetine (Paxil) 20 mg every morning. After taking the first three doses, the client tells the nurse that the medication upsets his stomach. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the client?

A. Take the medication an hour before breakfast.'B. Take the medication with some food.'C. Take the medication at bedtime.'D. Take the medication with 4 oz of orange juice.'

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Taking paroxetine with food can reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea.

Question 4 of 5

A client who is depressed states, 'I'm an awful person. Everything about me is bad. I can't do anything right.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?

A. Everybody around here likes you.'B. I can see many good qualities in you.'C. Let's discuss what you've done correctly.'D. You were able to bathe today.'

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Discussing specific accomplishments challenges negative self-perceptions and promotes cognitive restructuring.

Question 5 of 5

The client with depression who is taking imipramine (Tofranil) states to the nurse, 'My doctor wants me to have an electrocardiogram (ECG) in 2 weeks, but my heart is fine.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. It's routine practice to have ECGs periodically because there is a slight chance that the drug may affect the heart.'B. It's probably a precautionary measure because I'm not aware that you have a cardiac condition.'C. You don't need to worry about this. Your doctor is just being very thorough in monitoring your condition.'D. You had an ECG before you were prescribed imipramine and the procedure will be the same.'

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Imipramine can cause cardiac side effects, so periodic ECGs are standard to monitor heart function.

Mental Health RN NCLEX Questions | Nurselytic

Nurselytic

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX-RN