NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Psychiatric Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client in a general hospital is to undergo surgery in 2 days. He is experiencing moderate anxiety about the procedure and its outcome. To help the client reduce his anxiety, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An explanation of what to expect decreases anxiety about upcoming events that could be seen as traumatic by the client. Distraction, such as games or television, may not address the specific anxiety related to the surgery. Reassuring the client without providing information may seem dismissive and does not empower the client with knowledge. Referring to a psychiatrist is unnecessary for moderate anxiety and may delay immediate anxiety reduction.
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 schizophrenia is started on paliperidone (Invega). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paliperidone can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, including elevated blood glucose, making monitoring blood glucose levels essential.
Question 4 of 5
An outpatient client who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and chronic alcohol dependency has been taking risperidone (Risperdal) for several months. She reports that she stopped drinking 4 days ago, the client is a very satisfied by the tactile hallucinations of bugs crawling under her skin. Which of the following factors should the nurse incorporate into the plan of care when explaining the tactile hallucinations?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tactile hallucinations, such as feeling bugs crawling under the skin, are commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal, especially 4 days after cessation, and should be addressed in the care plan.
Question 5 of 5
A client who experienced sleep disturbances, feelings of worthlessness, and an inability to concentrate for the past 3 months was fired from her job a month ago. The client tells the nurse, 'My boss was wonderful! He was understanding and a really nice man.' The nurse interprets the client's statement as representing the defense mechanism of reaction formation. Which of the following would be the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the client to discuss difficulties at work may uncover underlying feelings masked by reaction formation.