ATI RN
Nclex Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Based on the nurse's understanding of this disorder, the nurse develops a plan of care to address which issue as the top priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Suicide. Schizoaffective disorder is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Addressing suicide prevention is the top priority to ensure the client's safety. Suicide risk assessment and intervention are crucial in managing this disorder. Aggression (B), substance abuse (C), and eating disorder (D) may also be present but addressing suicide takes precedence due to the high risk associated with this disorder.
Question 2 of 5
A client with a mental disorder is being discharged from the inpatient unit. During the client's stay in the hospital, the client eventually was able to get an adequate night's sleep even though the client had experienced chronic insomnia over the years. The client's spouse asks the nurse what the family can do in the client's home environment to promote healthy sleep. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is C: "Remember to keep stimulating activities at a minimum before he goes to bed." This is the correct answer because engaging in stimulating activities before bedtime can disrupt sleep. It is essential to create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote healthy sleep patterns. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the importance of avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime or promoting a calming environment for sleep. Option A puts the responsibility solely on the client, missing the opportunity for the family to support healthy sleep habits. Option B suggests alcohol consumption before bed, which can negatively impact sleep quality. Option D recommends a spicy snack and tea before bed, which can lead to discomfort and disrupt sleep. Ultimately, choice C is the best option as it focuses on creating a conducive environment for restful sleep.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse has used the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form) to assess an older adult client for depression. Which score would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is mildly depressed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (5). The Geriatric Depression Scale short form ranges from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. A score of 5 falls within the mild depression range (0-9), suggesting the client is mildly depressed. Scores of 3 (A), 8 (C), and 13 (D) would indicate minimal or no depression (0-4), moderate depression (10-14), and severe depression (15), respectively. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate score to suspect mild depression in this case.
Question 4 of 5
When preparing the plan of care for a forensic client, a nurse determines not to investigate the details of the crime. Which of the following best supports the rationale for the nurse's decision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because not investigating the crime details will help the nurse maintain unbiased attitudes towards the client and provide care without being influenced by personal opinions or judgments. By avoiding learning about the crime, the nurse can focus on the client's health needs and promote a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect. A: This choice is incorrect because the nurse's personal feelings of fear should not dictate the decision-making process in providing care for the client. B: This choice is incorrect because protecting the nurse from anxiety is not the primary reason for not investigating the crime details. The focus should be on providing effective care for the client. D: This choice is incorrect because maintaining professional boundaries is important, but the primary reason for not investigating the crime details is to ensure impartiality and quality care for the client.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is preparing his advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of advanced directives?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: I have the right to refuse treatment. This statement indicates an understanding of advance directives as it acknowledges the client's autonomy in making decisions about their healthcare, including the option to refuse treatment. This aligns with the purpose of advance directives, which is to allow individuals to express their healthcare preferences in advance. Explanation of incorrect choices: A: I can't change my instructions once a minute - This statement is incorrect because individuals have the right to update or change their advance directives at any time. B: My doctor will need to approve my advance directives - This is incorrect as advance directives are the patient's own preferences and do not require approval from the doctor. C: I need an attorney to witness my signature on the advance directives - While having a witness is recommended, it does not necessarily have to be an attorney. This choice implies a misunderstanding of the requirements for advance directives.