ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 73-year-old man was diagnosed with a serious mental illness at age 20. Subsequently, he was frequently hospitalized. Two years ago, he was transferred to a group home. When considering the effects of institutionalization, which behavior demonstrates adaptation to the new environment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Makes himself lunch when he is hungry. This behavior demonstrates adaptation to the new environment as it shows independence and self-care skills. Choosing to prepare a meal when hungry indicates the individual is adjusting to living in the group home by taking care of his basic needs. Options A, B, and D are not necessarily indicative of adaptation to the new environment as they could be influenced by external factors or personal preferences without necessarily reflecting effective adjustment to the group home setting.
Question 2 of 5
Nurse Simon has just completed a psychosocial assessment of his client Juan. During the assessment, Nurse Simon listens to Juan and tries to make Juan feel respected by showing compassion and empathy. What method is Nurse Simon using?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the therapeutic relationship. Nurse Simon is using the therapeutic relationship method by actively listening to Juan, showing compassion, and empathy. This method focuses on building trust, respect, and rapport with the client to facilitate effective communication and promote positive outcomes in the therapeutic process. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Risk assessment is not the method being used here as Nurse Simon is focused on building a therapeutic relationship, not assessing potential risks. C: Spiritual awareness is not the method being used here as the scenario describes Nurse Simon showing compassion and empathy, not specifically focusing on spiritual beliefs or practices. D: Resilience strategy is not the method being used here as Nurse Simon is focused on establishing a therapeutic relationship, not implementing strategies to build resilience in the client.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in an inpatient setting formulates an outcome for a client who has a nursing diagnosis of altered social interaction R/T paranoid thinking AEB aggressive behaviors. Which initial, correctly written outcome would the nurse expect the client to achieve?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is correct because it focuses on addressing the nursing diagnosis of altered social interaction due to paranoid thinking. Listing triggers to angry outbursts shows an understanding of personal patterns and promotes self-awareness. This outcome aligns with the client's current state and is measurable within a specific timeframe. Summary of other choices: A: This choice is incorrect as it does not address the specific issue of paranoid thinking and aggressive behaviors. B: While adaptive coping strategies are important, this choice does not directly target the altered social interaction aspect of the nursing diagnosis. D: Walking away from confrontation may be a coping strategy, but it does not address the underlying issue of paranoid thinking and altered social interaction.
Question 4 of 5
A client's husband is visiting his wife during visiting hours. A nurse walking by hears him verbally abuse the client. Which nursing response is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reminding the client's husband of the unit rules is the appropriate nursing response in this situation. This action sets clear boundaries and addresses the inappropriate behavior directly. Asking the client to ask her husband to leave (Option A) puts the burden on the client and may escalate the situation. Asking the husband to come to the nurse's station (Option C) may not address the immediate need to address the abusive behavior. Sitting with the client and her husband to discuss anger issues (Option D) is not appropriate at this time as it does not address the immediate need to stop the verbal abuse.
Question 5 of 5
A suspicious, socially isolated patient lives alone, eats one meal a day at a local shelter, and spends the remaining daily food allowance on cigarettes. Select a community psychiatric nurse's best initial action.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C. Assess the patient's weight; determine foods and amounts eaten. Rationale: The best initial action is to assess the patient's nutritional status by evaluating weight and food intake. This step helps identify potential malnutrition or other health issues related to the patient's eating habits. By understanding the patient's dietary patterns, the nurse can develop a targeted intervention plan to address the patient's physical health needs. This approach focuses on gathering essential information before making any further decisions or interventions. Summary of Other Choices: A: Exploring ways to help the patient stop smoking is important but addressing the patient's nutritional needs takes precedence. B: Reporting to the shelter manager may not directly address the patient's health concerns and may not lead to appropriate intervention. D: Hospitalization should be considered only if there is an immediate threat to the patient's health and after a comprehensive assessment has been conducted.