ATI RN
Nclex Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse says, "I am the only one who truly understands this patient. Other staff members are too critical." The nurse's statement indicates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: boundary blurring. The nurse's statement suggests an inappropriate emotional involvement with the patient, crossing professional boundaries. This can lead to biased decision-making and hinder teamwork. Sexual harassment (B) and positive regard (C) are not applicable in this context. Advocacy (D) involves supporting and promoting the patient's best interests, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse who is working as part of an interdisciplinary team is looking at potential outpatient services for a patient. The patient requires a setting that provides a program of about 4 hours per day, three times per week with a 24-hour crisis and consultation service. The nurse would identify which of the following as appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ambulatory level two. This setting provides a structured program of about 4 hours per day, three times per week, which aligns with the patient's needs. Additionally, it offers a 24-hour crisis and consultation service, ensuring comprehensive support. A: Primary care setting does not typically offer the intensity and frequency of services required for this patient. B: Ambulatory level one may not provide the necessary duration and frequency of the program. D: Multimodal outpatient setting does not specify the intensity and frequency of services needed for this patient.
Question 3 of 5
A hospitalized patient who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 2 weeks begins pacing and walking throughout the unit. He tells the nurse that he 'cannot sit still.' The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Akathisia. Akathisia is a common extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by an inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of pacing and walking throughout the unit, along with feeling like he 'cannot sit still,' align with the definition of akathisia. A: Akinesia refers to a lack of movement and is not consistent with the patient's hyperactivity. B: Dystonia presents with sustained muscle contractions, causing abnormal postures or repetitive movements. C: Pseudoparkinsonism manifests as symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and rigidity, which are not present in the patient's case.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family with a child who has been abused by an adult family friend in the past. When explaining about the child's needs, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: A supportive relationship with an adult is crucial for the child to rebuild trust and feel safe after experiencing abuse. Step 2: Long-term psychotherapy may be beneficial, but establishing a supportive relationship is the primary focus. Step 3: Antidepressant medications may be used if necessary, but the primary need is emotional support. Step 4: Short-term separation from parents can further traumatize the child; maintaining a supportive family environment is key. Summary: Choice A is correct because it addresses the immediate emotional needs of the child post-abuse, while the other choices focus on secondary or potentially harmful interventions.
Question 5 of 5
While interviewing a patient, a nurse asks, 'What do you do when you get angry?' Which patient response would indicate to the nurse that the patient engages in anger suppression?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because withdrawing and pouting about the problem indicates a passive-aggressive behavior associated with anger suppression. This response suggests that the patient avoids direct confrontation and attempts to mask their anger by withdrawing and internalizing their emotions. A: "I've been known to fly off the handle when I'm angry." - This response indicates explosive anger expression, not suppression. C: "I usually approach the person directly to talk about it." - This response suggests open communication, not suppression. D: "I try to discuss how I'm feeling about it with a close friend." - This response implies seeking support and emotional expression, not suppression.