ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A patient says, "People should be allowed to commit suicide without interference from others." A nurse replies, "You're wrong. Nothing is bad enough to justify death." What is the best analysis of this interchange?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Identify the conflicting viewpoints - The patient believes in the right to die, while the nurse opposes this view. Step 2: Analyze the underlying values - The patient prioritizes autonomy, while the nurse emphasizes the sanctity of life. Step 3: Evaluate the correctness of each viewpoint - Both perspectives have validity based on individual values and beliefs. Step 4: Determine the best analysis - Choice D, "Differing values are reflected in the two statements," is correct as it acknowledges the clash of values without dismissing either perspective.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with multi-infarct dementia lashes out and kicks at people who walk past in the hall of a skilled nursing facility. Intervention by the nurse should begin by
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reassuring the patient that the environment is safe can help reduce their feelings of anxiety or fear, which may be causing the aggressive behavior. This approach focuses on creating a calming and supportive atmosphere, which is essential in managing challenging behaviors in dementia patients. A: Gently touching the patient's arm may escalate the situation and provoke a negative response. B: Asking the patient 'What do you need?' may not address the underlying cause of the behavior and could be perceived as confrontational. D: Directing the patient to cease the behavior may be seen as threatening and could lead to further aggression.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is providing in-home mental health care and determines that the care was effective when the patient demonstrated which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a decrease in admission frequency to inpatient psychiatric hospitals indicates improved mental health stability and reduced need for acute care. This outcome shows that the in-home mental health care has been effective in managing the patient's condition. A: Need for continued intensive monitoring in the home suggests ongoing high risk and lack of progress. B: Need for crisis intervention services on an ongoing basis indicates persistent instability and inability to manage symptoms effectively. D: Dependence on parents to participate in care may imply lack of independence and personal growth in managing one's mental health.