NCLEX-RN
Psychiatric NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder is hospitalized for physically threatening his wife because he suspects her of having an affair with a coworker. Which of the following approaches should the nurse employ with this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A matter-of-fact approach is best for a client with paranoid personality disorder, as it is neutral, non-confrontational, and avoids escalating suspicion or defensiveness, fostering trust and communication.
Question 2 of 5
A client experiencing a manic episode has been talking loudly, pacing the unit and trying to draw other clients into debates about the value of self-determination. Arrange in order the steps a nurse should take to help calm this client.
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: C, B, A, D
Rationale: First reduce stimuli, then discuss feelings, administer medication if needed, and teach coping strategies.
Question 3 of 5
A client in the emergency department is diagnosed as having amphetamine psychosis. The nurse should take all of the following actions in which order of priority from first to last?
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: B, C, D, A
Rationale: The order is: 1) Monitor cardiac and respiratory status for stability (
B). 2) Place seizure pads for safety (
C). 3) Administer haloperidol to manage psychosis (
D). 4) Transfer to the psychiatric unit for ongoing care (
A). This prioritizes immediate physiological safety and symptom management.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse on the Geropsychiatric unit receives a call from the son of a recently discharged client. He reports that his father just got a prescription for memantine (Namenda) to take 'on top of his donepezil (Aricept).' The son then asks, 'Why does he have to take extra medicines?' The nurse should tell the son:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Memantine and donepezil are often combined to target different aspects of dementia (cholinesterase inhibition and NMDA receptor regulation), slowing progression more effectively together.
Question 5 of 5
A client is entering rehabilitation for alcohol dependency as an alternative to going to jail for multiple DUI's (driving under the influence). While obtaining the client's history, the nurse asks about the amount of alcohol he consumes daily. He responds, 'I just have a few drinks with the guys after work.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'You say you have a few drinks, but you have multiple arrests' is therapeutic, as it gently confronts the client's minimization, linking his behavior to consequences and encouraging reflection.