ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Nclex Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older adult is complaining of anxiety is prescribed diazepam (Valium) by a family physician. The physician asks the office nurse to explain the problematic side effects of this medication to the patient. Which instruction would be most important for the nurse to emphasize about this drug?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "You may feel dizzy and be prone to falls after taking this medication." Rationale: 1. Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine known to cause dizziness and drowsiness as common side effects. 2. Dizziness can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults who may already have balance issues. 3. Falls can lead to serious injuries in older adults, making it crucial for the nurse to emphasize this risk. 4. Minor urine incontinence (choice A) is not a common side effect of diazepam. 5. Temporary memory disturbances (choice B) are possible but not as critical as the risk of falls. 6. Dependence (choice C) is a potential issue with benzodiazepines but may not be the most immediate concern in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A son brings his father to the clinic and tells the nurse that his father has begun to act strangely in the past few days and has unprovoked outbursts of anger. After the incidents, the father expresses remorse for his outburst. The son says, 'I've never seen him act this way.' Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Has your father suffered any traumatic injury to his brain recently?" This question is most appropriate because sudden changes in behavior, unprovoked anger outbursts, and subsequent remorse could be indicative of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs can lead to various cognitive and emotional changes. It is crucial to investigate if there has been any recent head trauma that could explain the sudden behavioral changes. Choice A is incorrect because panic disorder typically presents with recurrent panic attacks and not necessarily unprovoked anger outbursts. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on anger expression issues rather than potential brain injury. Choice D is incorrect as it only pertains to a recent physical injury to the head or neck, which may not necessarily explain the behavioral changes observed.
Question 3 of 5
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine because other prescribed medications have been ineffective. After teaching the client and family about the drug, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when they state which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "We'll need to make sure that he has his blood count checked at least weekly." Rationale: 1. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells. 2. Monitoring blood counts weekly is crucial to detect early signs of agranulocytosis and intervene promptly. 3. Regular blood count monitoring allows for timely adjustments in medication dosage to prevent serious complications. Summary: A: Although monitoring the client's heart is important, regular electrocardiograms are not specifically required for clozapine. C: Smoking does affect clozapine levels, but this choice does not address the crucial need for blood count monitoring. D: Weight loss is a potential side effect of clozapine, but it is not the most critical monitoring parameter for this medication.
Question 4 of 5
A woman diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder comes to the clinic with her husband. During the visit, the husband states, She's always checking and rechecking to make sure that all of the appliances are turned off before we go out. It's nerve-wracking. We can never get out of the house on time. Isn't checking once enough? An understanding of which of the following would the nurse need to incorporate into the response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client performs the ritual to relieve anxiety temporarily. In obsessive-compulsive disorder, repetitive behaviors such as checking are done to alleviate distress or anxiety, providing temporary relief. This behavior is a coping mechanism to manage overwhelming feelings of anxiety. The husband's observation of the wife's constant checking behavior indicates that she is engaging in this ritual to reduce her anxiety. Understanding this aspect is crucial for the nurse to provide appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage her symptoms effectively. Choice A (The client is attempting to exert control over the situation) is incorrect because the primary motivation behind compulsive behaviors in OCD is not about exerting control but rather reducing anxiety. Choice C (The woman's behavior reflects a need for safety) is incorrect as the main driver behind OCD behaviors is not necessarily related to safety concerns but rather to managing anxiety. Choice D (The woman is attempting to use thought stopping to decrease her behavior) is incorrect because thought stopping is a cognitive technique that is
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disturbed Body Image. This is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client with body dysmorphic disorder because it directly addresses the client's preoccupation and distress related to perceived flaws in appearance. By addressing the disturbed body image, the nurse can help the client work through these feelings and improve self-perception. Choice B: Ineffective Coping may be relevant but addressing the underlying body image distortion is crucial. Choice C: Low Self-Esteem is a common issue with body dysmorphic disorder but improving body image perception is more specific. Choice D: Risk for Other-Directed Violence is not directly related to body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. In summary, addressing the core issue of distorted body image is the priority in caring for a client with body dysmorphic disorder.