NCLEX-RN
Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient is being seen in the crisis unit reporting that poison letters are coming in the mail. The patient has no history of psychiatric illness. Which group of the following medications would the patient most likely be started on?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aripiprazole (Abilify). In this scenario, the patient is experiencing paranoid delusions, a symptom commonly associated with psychotic disorders. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that is often used to treat symptoms of psychosis, including delusions. It is a preferred choice because it has a lower risk of side effects compared to typical antipsychotics like fluphenazine. Risperidone, another atypical antipsychotic, could also be considered, but aripiprazole is often preferred due to its side effect profile. Fluoxetine, an antidepressant, is not the ideal choice for treating psychotic symptoms.
Therefore, aripiprazole is the most appropriate medication in this case.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following types of antipsychotic medications is most likely to produce extrapyramidal effects?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: First-generation antipsychotic drugs. These medications primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to extrapyramidal effects such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. These side effects are less common with atypical antipsychotic drugs (choice
A) due to their different receptor profiles. Third-generation antipsychotic drugs (choice
C) and dopamine system stabilizers (choice
D) are newer classes of medications with reduced extrapyramidal effects compared to first-generation drugs.
Therefore, the most likely culprit for producing extrapyramidal effects among the options provided is the first-generation antipsychotic drugs.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a mild anxiety disorder has been referred to treatment in a community mental health center. Treatment most likely provided by the center includes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Medical management of symptoms. In mild anxiety disorders, medication like SSRIs or benzodiazepines are commonly used to alleviate symptoms. Psychotherapy may be helpful but is not daily. Constant staff supervision is not necessary for mild cases. Psychological stabilization is too broad and not specific to treatment.
Question 4 of 5
Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates a suspicion that a depressed adolescent client may be suicidal?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because giving away cherished possessions can be a sign of preparing for suicide. This behavior may indicate a lack of concern for material possessions due to a belief that they won't be needed in the future.
Choice B shows anger and isolation, not necessarily suicidal ideation.
Choice C demonstrates anger but no indication of suicidal thoughts.
Choice D shows anger towards the roommate, not self-harm intentions.
Question 5 of 5
A client asks a nurse, 'Do you think I should move back home after this procedure?' and the nurse responds by saying, 'Do you think you should move back home?' What type of therapeutic communication is the nurse representing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reflection. Reflection involves paraphrasing the client's words to help them explore their feelings and thoughts. In this scenario, the nurse is reflecting the client's question back to them, encouraging self-exploration. Observation (
A) involves stating what the nurse sees or hears without interpretation. Summarizing (
C) involves condensing information. Validating (
D) involves confirming the client's feelings or experiences. The nurse's response does not align with the other options, making reflection the best choice.