NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Psychiatric Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client admitted for assaulting a neighbor says, 'I didn't mean to hurt him.' Which nursing intervention is the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Teaching conflict resolution skills addresses the client's violent behavior by providing tools to manage disputes nonviolently. Medication, a no harm contract, or support groups are secondary without first building skills to prevent recurrence.
Question 2 of 5
When asked about her stresses before admission, an anxious client stares blankly at the nurse and mutters unintelligibly. Which of the following descriptions of the client's behaviors should the nurse document in the client's chart?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Describing the client's behavior objectively as a blank look and incomprehensible mumble accurately reflects the observation without assuming uncooperativeness or disorientation.
Question 3 of 5
A client with dementia who prefers to stay in his room has been brought to the dayroom. After 10 minutes, the client becomes agitated and retreats to his room again. The nurse decides to assess the conditions in the dayroom. Which is the most likely occurrence that is disturbing to this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conflicting stimuli, such as a relaxation tape and a crime show on TV, can overwhelm a client with dementia, causing agitation due to difficulty processing multiple inputs.
Question 4 of 5
A client who has been stabilized on medications for several months is at the clinic for a medication check. During a conversation with the nurse, the client suddenly jumps up, begins pacing, and wrings her hands. In what order should the nurse do the following interventions from first to last?
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: C,D,A,B
Rationale: First, sharing observations helps the client recognize her anxiety behaviors. Asking about sources identifies triggers. Walking with the client reduces anxiety physically, and discussing solutions is most effective once anxiety is lowered.
Question 5 of 5
When developing appropriate short-term goals with clients who are inpatients, which of the following is most realistic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Writing a list of strengths and needs is a realistic, achievable short-term goal for an inpatient, promoting self-awareness and planning. Demonstrating a positive self-image is too broad, planning for school is long-term, and practicing assertiveness in a specific confrontation may be too complex for short-term inpatient care.