ATI RN
Nclex Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 2 of 9
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 9
A female consumer with severe and recurrent mania argues with outpatient staff about her medication. She does not believe she has a mental illness. Although she takes medication during hospitalizations, she stops taking them after discharge. Which intervention is most helpful in promoting medication adherence?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it focuses on exploring the patient's perceptions and experiences regarding medication and linking medication adherence to her personal goals. By understanding the patient's beliefs and motivations, the healthcare provider can tailor interventions to address her specific concerns and increase her willingness to take medication. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and empowers her to make informed decisions about her treatment. Choice A is incorrect because changing staff members may not address the underlying issues contributing to medication non-adherence. Choice B is not as effective as it focuses solely on explaining the benefits and side effects of medication without considering the patient's individual beliefs and concerns. Choice C, while providing education, does not address the patient's personal experiences and motivations, which are crucial in promoting medication adherence.
Question 4 of 9
A client with a mental disorder is being discharged from the inpatient unit. During the client's stay in the hospital, the client eventually was able to get an adequate night's sleep even though the client had experienced chronic insomnia over the years. The client's spouse asks the nurse what the family can do in the client's home environment to promote healthy sleep. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is C: "Remember to keep stimulating activities at a minimum before he goes to bed." This is the correct answer because engaging in stimulating activities before bedtime can disrupt sleep. It is essential to create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote healthy sleep patterns. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the importance of avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime or promoting a calming environment for sleep. Option A puts the responsibility solely on the client, missing the opportunity for the family to support healthy sleep habits. Option B suggests alcohol consumption before bed, which can negatively impact sleep quality. Option D recommends a spicy snack and tea before bed, which can lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep. Ultimately, choice C is the best option as it focuses on creating a conducive environment for restful sleep.
Question 5 of 9
Mrs. Rodriguez, a sixty-year-old female, is struggling with an addiction to alcohol. What community services could support Mrs. Rodriguez?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, a community program for substance use, as it offers specialized support for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. These programs provide counseling, therapy, and resources tailored to address addiction issues. State hospitalization (A) is not appropriate for Mrs. Rodriguez unless she is in immediate danger. Family support groups (B) may not address Mrs. Rodriguez's specific needs. Narcotics Anonymous (D) is geared towards drug addiction, not alcohol addiction. In summary, choice C is the best option for Mrs. Rodriguez as it offers comprehensive support and resources specifically for alcohol addiction.
Question 6 of 9
Which medication from the medication administration record should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient whose aggressive behavior continues to escalate despite verbal intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Olanzapine. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication that acts quickly to help manage aggressive behavior in psychotic patients. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to reduce agitation and aggression. A: Lithium is used for mood stabilization in conditions like bipolar disorder, not for immediate intervention in escalating aggression. B: Trazodone is an antidepressant often used for sleep disturbances, not typically indicated for acute aggression. D: Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant used for seizure disorders, not typically used for immediate aggression control. In summary, Olanzapine is the most appropriate choice for immediate intervention in managing escalating aggressive behavior in a psychotic patient due to its rapid onset and effectiveness in reducing agitation and aggression.
Question 7 of 9
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 8 of 9
Which statement by the nurse expresses respect for the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates respect for the client's confidentiality and privacy, which are essential in maintaining trust and therapeutic relationships. By assuring the client that discussions will remain within the healthcare team, the nurse upholds the client's autonomy and dignity. Option A lacks respect as it involves blaming and restricting the client. Option C shows empathy but implies judgment towards the client. Option D downplays the client's feelings and fails to acknowledge their individuality.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The nurse has instructed the client about using the communication triad. The nurse determines that the client has understood this technique when he states which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. "I should start by stating my feelings as an 'I' statement" is correct because using 'I' statements helps the client express their feelings without blaming others. 2. By starting with their own feelings, the client takes ownership of their emotions and promotes effective communication. 3. This approach also helps in avoiding conflict and promotes empathy and understanding between the client and the other person. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because starting with describing the situation may lead to blaming or accusing the other person. - Option C is incorrect because starting with what the client wants to change may come across as demanding or aggressive. - Option D is incorrect because starting with what triggered the emotion may focus on external factors rather than the client's feelings.