NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client has been in the critical care unit for 3 days following a severe myocardial infarction. Although he is medically stable, he has begun to have fluctuating episodes of consciousness, illogical thinking, and anxiety. He is picking at the air to 'catch these baby angels flying around my head.' While waiting for medical and psychiatric results, the nurse must intervene with the client's needs. Which of the following needs have the highest priority? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Reducing stimuli (
A) minimizes confusion, avoiding challenges to hallucinations (
B) prevents agitation, and gently presenting reality (
D) supports orientation without confrontation. Assuming dementia (E) is premature, and orienting to medical condition (
C) may overwhelm the client.
Question 2 of 5
A 15-year-old girl is sent to the school nurse with complaints of dizziness and nausea. While assessing the girl, who denies any health problems, the nurse smells alcohol on her breath. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response gathers information non-judgmentally, allowing the nurse to assess the situation further.
Question 3 of 5
A client with schizophrenia states, 'The government is spying on me through my TV.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's belief without agreeing and focusing on reality is therapeutic and non-confrontational.
Question 4 of 5
A female client in an anger management group states, 'My doctor tells me I need to get mad more often and not let people tell me what to do. Maybe she thinks I should be more aggressive.' What information should the nurse incorporate in the response to this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should explain that denying anger and lacking assertiveness can be as problematic as aggressiveness, as it may lead to suppressed emotions and poor coping, aligning with the doctor's advice to express anger appropriately.
Question 5 of 5
A client is receiving haloperidol decanoate (Haldol decanoate). He begins to complain of stiff muscles, restlessness, and internal jumpiness. The client has all of the following medications ordered as needed. Which one would be most appropriate for the nurse to administer to decrease the client's symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms described (stiff muscles, restlessness, internal jumpiness) indicate extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) from haloperidol, which benztropine, an anticholinergic, effectively treats.