NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client is brought to the emergency department (ED) by a friend who states that the client recently ran out of his phenytoin (Dilantin) and has been having a grand mal seizure for the last 10 minutes. The nurse observes that the client is still seizing. The nurse should do the following in which order of priority from first to last?
Correct Answer: A, C, B, D
Rationale: The order is: 1) Monitor safety with seizure pads (
A). 2) Page physician and prepare diazepam (
C). 3) Record seizure details (
B). 4) Ask about medical history (
D). Safety and treatment are prioritized, followed by documentation and history.
Question 2 of 5
A 45-year-old client has been rehospitalized with a severe exacerbation of lupus that affects her central nervous system. After visiting with the client, her husband approaches the nurse. He says, 'My wife is scaring me. She says she does not want to live with this illness anymore. Our kids are grown and she feels useless as a mother and a wife.' Which of the following statements are the most important responses to the husband? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: The nurse should assess for suicidality (
A) due to the wife's statements, acknowledge the husband's fear (
C) to build trust, and discuss supportive communication strategies (E) to empower him. Advising optimism (
B) may dismiss his feelings, and assuming she'll feel differently (
D) minimizes the current concern.
Question 3 of 5
When the client is involuntarily committed to a hospital because he is assessed as being dangerous to himself or others, which of the following rights are lost?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Involuntary commitment results in the loss of the right to leave the hospital against medical advice, as the client is deemed a danger. Rights to refuse treatment, send/receive mail, and freedom from seclusion/restraints are generally retained unless specific conditions apply.
Question 4 of 5
A female client with acute mania brings six suitcases and three shopping bags of personal belongings on admission to the unit. When informed that some of the suitcases and bags need to be returned home with her husband because of a lack of storage space, the client begins to use profanity against the nurse. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clearly stating that profanity is unacceptable sets boundaries without escalating the situation.
Question 5 of 5
When a client who exhibits feelings of inferiority is asked to attend group activities, she gets more anxious. Within 10 minutes, she begins ridiculing others in the group and receives negative attention. Which of the following statements best reflects the nurse's interpretation of the client's behavior? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Increased anxiety can lead to defensive behaviors like ridiculing others (
A). Negative attention can reinforce such behaviors (
B), and for some clients, any attention is preferable to none (
C). Excluding the client (
D) or assuming medication is needed (E) does not address the underlying behavior dynamics.