ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A patient is prescribed medication for a psychiatric disorder. After 3 days, the patient tells the nurse that he or she has been constipated. Which instruction would the nurse give the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because constipation is a common side effect of psychiatric medications, often due to decreased gastrointestinal motility. Eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more water can help alleviate constipation by increasing fiber intake and hydration. Option A is incorrect as high-protein foods can worsen constipation. Option C is unnecessary as dietary adjustments should be tried first. Option D is incorrect as constipation may persist and needs active management.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family with a 10-year-old child after the death of a favorite uncle. The nurse provides guidance to the parents, informing them that the child may exhibit which of the following as a response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because children often express grief through physical symptoms like aches and pains. This is known as somatic complaints. Children may find it difficult to articulate their emotions verbally, so physical symptoms may manifest instead. Option A is incorrect as talking about scary novels is not a common response to grief in children. Option C is incorrect as fear of leaving home is more associated with separation anxiety. Option D is incorrect as becoming obsessed with religious rituals is not a typical response to grief in children.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has been admitted to the detoxification unit after binge drinking. Even though the patient is not currently intoxicated, he is combative and exhibits altered thought processes. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C: Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal Rationale: 1. The patient is exhibiting combative behavior and altered thought processes, indicating potential for violent behavior towards others. 2. Other-directed violence encompasses harm towards others, making it a priority to ensure the safety of both the patient and others. 3. This diagnosis addresses the immediate safety concern and allows for interventions to prevent harm to others. Incorrect Choices: A: Risk for Injury - Focuses on self-injury, not directed towards others. B: Risk for Self-Mutilation - Similar to choice A, does not address potential harm towards others. D: Risk for Delayed Development - Not relevant to the current situation of altered thought processes and combative behavior.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with schizophrenia. Which method would the nurse use to be most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having the client write down information after being directly given the correct information is most effective for clients with schizophrenia. This method helps reinforce learning through repetition and aids memory retention. Writing down information also allows the client to refer back to it for reinforcement. A: Engaging the client in trial and error learning can be frustrating and overwhelming for someone with schizophrenia, leading to confusion. C: Asking the client to guess at the correct answer may increase anxiety and decrease confidence, which can hinder the learning process. D: Using colorful visual aids may be distracting and overwhelming for a client with schizophrenia, making it harder to focus on the information being presented.