ATI LPN
Pediatric Mental Health NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Several months ago, a 12-year-old male client was involved in an exploitative homosexual relationship with an older adolescent. Now in therapy, the client expresses feelings of helplessness and fantasizes about 'getting even' with the older youth. The child/adolescent psychiatric and mental health clinical nurse specialist encourages the client to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using a punching bag (C) safely displaces hostility, a therapeutic way to manage anger from trauma. Age-appropriate activities (A) are supportive but indirect, karate (B) risks aggression, and writing (D) may escalate rumination without closure.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child for indications of autism spectrum disorder. For which of the following manifestations should the nurse assess?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features repetitive behaviors, such as (B) repetitive counting, a classic sign of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior per DSM-5 criteria. (A) impulsivity is more typical of ADHD, (C) destructiveness aligns with conduct issues, and (D) somatic problems (e.g., physical complaints) are less specific to ASD.
Question 3 of 9
Which of Yalom’s curative factors in group therapy applies to female adolescents who have sustained incest?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Universality (D) helps incest survivors feel less alone by sharing common experiences in group therapy. Altruism (A), cohesiveness (B), and imitation (C) are beneficial but less specific to this trauma.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is distinguishing characteristics of schizotypal personality disorder from schizoid personality disorder. What is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Schizotypal PD features magical thinking and perceptual distortions (D), distinguishing it from schizoid PD, which involves detachment (A), disinterest in relationships (B), and indifference to praise (C).
Question 5 of 9
A teen should be checked for depression at physician visit(s).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Routine screening for depression at every physician visit (A) aligns with guidelines to catch mental health issues early in adolescents, who may not self-report symptoms.
Question 6 of 9
An adult client with a tentative diagnosis of Antisocial PD refuses to participate in unit activities. When he is on the unit, he makes fun of the other clients. Considering the client’s diagnosis and behavior, which one of the following nursing plans would be most effective for the nursing staff to follow?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing of rules (A) sets clear expectations for antisocial PD, countering manipulation. Isolation (B) avoids accountability, conferring (C) delays action, and forcing participation (D) may escalate resistance.
Question 7 of 9
A child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired play. The health care provider prescribed amphetamine salts (Adderall). The nurse should monitor for which desired behavior?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adderall aims to reduce ADHD symptoms, improving focus and impulse control, leading to (C) cooperative play as a key social outcome. (A), (B), and (D) are less directly tied to the medication’s primary effects.
Question 8 of 9
Several months ago, a 12-year-old male client was involved in an exploitative homosexual relationship with an older adolescent. Now in therapy, the client expresses feelings of helplessness and fantasizes about 'getting even' with the older youth. The child/adolescent psychiatric and mental health clinical nurse specialist encourages the client to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using a punching bag (C) safely displaces hostility, a therapeutic way to manage anger from trauma. Age-appropriate activities (A) are supportive but indirect, karate (B) risks aggression, and writing (D) may escalate rumination without closure.
Question 9 of 9
The client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is in an inpatient locked unit. The client begins to yell loudly at another client who is also sitting in the dayroom. In order to provide a safe environment for both clients, the nurse should first take which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Redirecting calmly and firmly (C) de-escalates the situation safely and therapeutically, prioritizing verbal intervention. Distraction (A) is less direct, medication (B) or restraints (D) are escalations not yet warranted.