ATI RN
Nclex Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 9
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 3 of 9
A couple is concerned that the husband's father may be developing depression. In questioning the couple, which of the following statements would support their concern?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is C because it indicates a prolonged period of over 2 months of persistent symptoms such as crying, inability to eat or sleep. Step 2: This prolonged duration of symptoms is indicative of a potential depressive episode. Step 3: The inability to eat or sleep are common symptoms of depression. Step 4: This statement highlights a significant change in the father's behavior following the mother's death, suggesting a possible depressive disorder. Summary: Choice A: The duration of symptoms is not as prolonged as in choice C. Choice B: While agitation and anxiety can be symptoms of depression, they are not as specific or severe as the symptoms in choice C. Choice D: The timeframe of symptoms mentioned here is not as long as in choice C, making it less concerning for depression.
Question 4 of 9
When should a nurse be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Change of shift report. During this time, vital patient information is transferred between nurses, making it crucial to be alert to communication errors. Patient safety relies on accurate and clear communication. Other choices (B, C, D) involve important communication opportunities, but the handover of information during shift change is when critical details can be missed or misunderstood, leading to potential harm. It is essential for nurses to focus on effective communication during this transition to ensure continuity of care and patient safety.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is working with a client who is a survivor of violence on developing a safety plan. Which of the following would the nurse address first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, recognizing the signs of danger, as it is crucial to be able to identify potential threats before devising an escape plan or identifying safe places. By recognizing signs of danger, the client can proactively assess risky situations and take necessary precautions. This step is vital in ensuring the client's safety and preventing harm. Option A, devising an escape route, would be ineffective if the client cannot recognize the signs of danger to know when to use the route. Option C, identifying a safe place to hide, is not as effective as recognizing signs of danger since hiding may not always be a viable solution. Option D, identifying a signal to indicate it is safe to leave, would not be effective if the client cannot accurately assess when it is safe to leave. Recognizing signs of danger is the foundational step in creating a comprehensive safety plan.
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
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 8 of 9
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 9 of 9
A 73-year-old man was diagnosed with a serious mental illness at age 20. Subsequently, he was frequently hospitalized. Two years ago, he was transferred to a group home. When considering the effects of institutionalization, which behavior demonstrates adaptation to the new environment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Makes himself lunch when he is hungry. This behavior demonstrates adaptation to the new environment as it shows independence and self-care skills. Choosing to prepare a meal when hungry indicates the individual is adjusting to living in the group home by taking care of his basic needs. Options A, B, and D are not necessarily indicative of adaptation to the new environment as they could be influenced by external factors or personal preferences without necessarily reflecting effective adjustment to the group home setting.