ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A couple is concerned that the husband's father may be developing depression. In questioning the couple, which of the following statements would support their concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is C because it indicates a prolonged period of over 2 months of persistent symptoms such as crying, inability to eat or sleep. Step 2: This prolonged duration of symptoms is indicative of a potential depressive episode. Step 3: The inability to eat or sleep are common symptoms of depression. Step 4: This statement highlights a significant change in the father's behavior following the mother's death, suggesting a possible depressive disorder. Summary: Choice A: The duration of symptoms is not as prolonged as in choice C. Choice B: While agitation and anxiety can be symptoms of depression, they are not as specific or severe as the symptoms in choice C. Choice D: The timeframe of symptoms mentioned here is not as long as in choice C, making it less concerning for depression.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction. Which following intervention should the nurse include in the point of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Draw a troponin level every four hours. Troponin levels are important indicators of myocardial infarction. Drawing troponin levels every four hours allows the nurse to closely monitor the client's cardiac enzyme levels for any signs of ongoing myocardial damage. This frequent monitoring helps in early detection of complications and guides further treatment decisions. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: B: Performance EKG every 12 hours - While EKG monitoring is important in assessing cardiac function, performing it every 12 hours may not be as frequent as needed in the acute phase post-myocardial infarction. C: Plant oxygen tent fell over minutes via rebreather mask - This intervention does not directly address the client's recovery from myocardial infarction and is not a standard post-MI care measure. D: Obtain a cardiac rehabilitation consult - While cardiac rehabilitation is essential for long-term recovery, it is not a point-of-care intervention immediately post-my
Question 3 of 5
When should a nurse be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Change of shift report. During this time, vital patient information is transferred between nurses, making it crucial to be alert to communication errors. Patient safety relies on accurate and clear communication. Other choices (B, C, D) involve important communication opportunities, but the handover of information during shift change is when critical details can be missed or misunderstood, leading to potential harm. It is essential for nurses to focus on effective communication during this transition to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.
Question 4 of 5
When considering the pathophysiology responsible for both delirium and dementia, which intervention is appropriate for delirium specifically?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor neurological status on an ongoing basis. Delirium is characterized by acute changes in cognition and attention, necessitating continuous monitoring of neurological status to detect any fluctuations or worsening. This allows for prompt intervention and management to prevent complications. A: Assisting with basic needs is important but not specific to delirium management. C: Placing an identification bracelet does not directly address the cognitive changes seen in delirium. D: Giving simple directions is helpful, but monitoring neurological status is more crucial for managing delirium.
Question 5 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.