ATI RN
Nclex Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which medication from the medication administration record should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient whose aggressive behavior continues to escalate despite verbal intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Olanzapine. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication that acts quickly to help manage aggressive behavior in psychotic patients. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to reduce agitation and aggression. A: Lithium is used for mood stabilization in conditions like bipolar disorder, not for immediate intervention in escalating aggression. B: Trazodone is an antidepressant often used for sleep disturbances, not typically indicated for acute aggression. D: Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant used for seizure disorders, not typically used for immediate aggression control. In summary, Olanzapine is the most appropriate choice for immediate intervention in managing escalating aggressive behavior in a psychotic patient due to its rapid onset and effectiveness in reducing agitation and aggression.
Question 2 of 5
A hospitalized patient who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 2 weeks begins pacing and walking throughout the unit. He tells the nurse that he 'cannot sit still.' The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Akathisia. Akathisia is a common extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by an inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of pacing and walking throughout the unit, along with feeling like he 'cannot sit still,' align with the definition of akathisia. A: Akinesia refers to a lack of movement and is not consistent with the patient's hyperactivity. B: Dystonia presents with sustained muscle contractions, causing abnormal postures or repetitive movements. C: Pseudoparkinsonism manifests as symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and rigidity, which are not present in the patient's case.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family with a child who has been abused by an adult family friend in the past. When explaining about the child's needs, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: A supportive relationship with an adult is crucial for the child to rebuild trust and feel safe after experiencing abuse. Step 2: Long-term psychotherapy may be beneficial, but establishing a supportive relationship is the primary focus. Step 3: Antidepressant medications may be used if necessary, but the primary need is emotional support. Step 4: Short-term separation from parents can further traumatize the child; maintaining a supportive family environment is key. Summary: Choice A is correct because it addresses the immediate emotional needs of the child post-abuse, while the other choices focus on secondary or potentially harmful interventions.
Question 4 of 5
While interviewing a patient, a nurse asks, 'What do you do when you get angry?' Which patient response would indicate to the nurse that the patient engages in anger suppression?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because withdrawing and pouting about the problem indicates a passive-aggressive behavior associated with anger suppression. This response suggests that the patient avoids direct confrontation and attempts to mask their anger by withdrawing and internalizing their emotions. A: "I've been known to fly off the handle when I'm angry." - This response indicates explosive anger expression, not suppression. C: "I usually approach the person directly to talk about it." - This response suggests open communication, not suppression. D: "I try to discuss how I'm feeling about it with a close friend." - This response implies seeking support and emotional expression, not suppression.
Question 5 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.