ATI RN
Practice Nclex Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
A female patient, who is in her late 30s, is describing her home life to the nurse. The nurse determines that the patient is a member of the sandwich generation based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the term "sandwich generation" refers to individuals who are simultaneously caring for their own young children and aging parents. In this scenario, the patient has a young adult child at home and an elderly parent to care for, indicating that she fits the definition of the sandwich generation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not meet the criteria for being part of the sandwich generation. Choice B states that the young adult child is married and living away from home, which means the patient is not actively caring for the child. Choice C mentions that the patient's young adult child is away at college and without living parents, which also does not align with the sandwich generation definition. Choice D indicates that the patient has no responsibilities regarding her children or parents, which would not qualify her as part of the sandwich generation.
Question 2 of 9
A staff nurse completes orientation to a psychiatric unit. This nurse may expect an advanced practice nurse to perform which additional intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because prescribing psychotropic medication is within the scope of practice of an advanced practice nurse (APN), such as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. APNs have advanced education and training that allows them to diagnose and prescribe medications for mental health conditions. A: Conducting mental health assessments is a common role for staff nurses and does not require advanced practice training. C: Establishing therapeutic relationships is a fundamental nursing skill that staff nurses and APNs both perform. D: Individualizing nursing care plans is also a standard nursing practice that does not necessarily require advanced practice skills.
Question 3 of 9
A community mental health nurse has worked for months to establish a relationship with a delusional, suspicious patient. The patient recently lost employment and could no longer afford prescribed medications. The patient says, "Only a traitor would make me go to the hospital." Select the nurse's best initial intervention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and builds trust in the nurse-patient relationship. By contacting resources to provide medications without charge, the nurse addresses the patient's financial constraint while honoring their wishes to avoid the hospital. This intervention promotes continuity of care and supports the patient's well-being. Option B is incorrect because it does not address the patient's immediate need for medications and may not align with the patient's preferences. Option C is inappropriate as hospitalization should be a last resort and may not be necessary in this case. Option D is not the best initial intervention as it does not directly address the patient's concerns about being perceived as a traitor.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is planning to provide teaching to a young adult client with insomnia. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C - Keep bedroom cool at night. This is important because a cool environment promotes better sleep by helping the body lower its core temperature, which is essential for falling and staying asleep. Choice A is incorrect as exercising close to bedtime can actually stimulate the body and make it harder to fall asleep. Choice B is incorrect as taking a nap during the day can interfere with the ability to fall asleep at night. Choice D is incorrect as consuming a high carbohydrate snack at bedtime may disrupt sleep due to potential indigestion or fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In summary, maintaining a cool bedroom temperature is crucial for promoting quality sleep in individuals with insomnia.
Question 5 of 9
What statement best describes the development of user groups in the digital age?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because user groups in the digital age have indeed evolved to utilize digital platforms for broader reach and acquiring digital health information. This evolution allows users to connect with a wider audience and access a vast amount of health-related information online. User groups are no longer limited by geographic boundaries and can provide support and resources to individuals regardless of their location. Choice A is incorrect because user groups have not decreased in number but rather expanded due to technology. Choice B is incorrect as user groups can serve various purposes, including health-care support. Choice D is incorrect as user groups continue to play a significant role in providing support and information to individuals seeking help in the digital age.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is part of a team working with hurricane victims. One of the hurricane victims is staying in a temporary shelter provided by the Red Cross. To determine the extent to which this victim can cognitively cope with his situation and how much support he needs, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "What are your thoughts about what you will do during the next few days?" This question is appropriate as it assesses the victim's cognitive coping abilities and future planning, providing insight into their mental state and need for support. It focuses on the victim's thoughts and intentions, which are crucial in understanding their coping mechanisms. Choice A is too broad and may not directly assess cognitive coping abilities. Choice C focuses on emotions rather than cognitive coping strategies. Choice D introduces the concept of survivor's guilt, which may not be relevant or suitable for initial assessment of cognitive coping.
Question 7 of 9
As part of an interdisciplinary team, a nurse is assisting in developing the plan of care for a client with a delusional disorder. Which of the following would the team be least likely to include in the plan?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Insight-oriented therapy. This type of therapy focuses on exploring the underlying causes of behavior, emotions, and thoughts, which may not be effective for clients with delusional disorder. Clients with delusional disorder often have fixed false beliefs that are not amenable to insight-oriented therapy. B: Psychoeducation is important in helping clients and their families understand the disorder, its symptoms, and treatment options. C: Cognitive therapy helps clients identify and challenge irrational beliefs and thought patterns, which can be beneficial in managing delusions. D: Support therapy provides emotional support and coping strategies for clients, which is crucial in managing symptoms of delusional disorder. In summary, insight-oriented therapy may not be as effective for clients with delusional disorder compared to psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, and support therapy, which are more suitable interventions for this population.
Question 8 of 9
Which characteristic presents the greatest risk for injury to others by the patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Paranoia. Paranoia in patients with schizophrenia poses the greatest risk for injury to others as it can lead to aggressive behavior, violence, or harm towards others due to the patient's irrational belief that others are trying to harm them. This can result in dangerous situations where the patient may act out in self-defense or in an attempt to protect themselves from perceived threats. Explanation of other choices: A: Depersonalization does not typically lead to physical harm to others but rather a sense of detachment from oneself. B: Pressured speech may be a symptom of mania or anxiety disorders, but it is not directly linked to physical harm towards others. C: Negative symptoms refer to a decrease in normal emotional responses or other functions, which do not inherently pose a direct risk of injury to others.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is reviewing the medical records of several patients receiving antipsychotic agents. Which factors, if noted, would the nurse identify as placing a patient at greater risk for tardive dyskinesia?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C (History of depression) being the correct answer: 1. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use. 2. Patients with a history of depression may have been on antipsychotics for a longer duration. 3. Longer exposure increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia. 4. Other choices are not directly related to increased risk of tardive dyskinesia. Summary: Choice C is correct due to the longer duration of antipsychotic use in patients with a history of depression, leading to increased risk of tardive dyskinesia. Other choices do not have a direct correlation with tardive dyskinesia risk.