ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Nurse Simon has just completed a psychosocial assessment of his client Juan. During the assessment, Nurse Simon listens to Juan and tries to make Juan feel respected by showing compassion and empathy. What method is Nurse Simon using?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the therapeutic relationship. Nurse Simon is using the therapeutic relationship method by actively listening to Juan, showing compassion, and empathy. This method focuses on building trust, respect, and rapport with the client to facilitate effective communication and promote positive outcomes in the therapeutic process. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Risk assessment is not the method being used here as Nurse Simon is focused on building a therapeutic relationship, not assessing potential risks. C: Spiritual awareness is not the method being used here as the scenario describes Nurse Simon showing compassion and empathy, not specifically focusing on spiritual beliefs or practices. D: Resilience strategy is not the method being used here as Nurse Simon is focused on establishing a therapeutic relationship, not implementing strategies to build resilience in the client.
Question 2 of 5
A client's husband is visiting his wife during visiting hours. A nurse walking by hears him verbally abuse the client. Which nursing response is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reminding the client's husband of the unit rules is the appropriate nursing response in this situation. This action sets clear boundaries and addresses the inappropriate behavior directly. Asking the client to ask her husband to leave (Option A) puts the burden on the client and may escalate the situation. Asking the husband to come to the nurse's station (Option C) may not address the immediate need to address the abusive behavior. Sitting with the client and her husband to discuss anger issues (Option D) is not appropriate at this time as it does not address the immediate need to stop the verbal abuse.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.