NCLEX-RN
Psychiatric NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A newly admitted client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is pacing rapidly and wringing his hands. He states that another client is out to get him. Then he says, 'Protect me, select me, reject me.' The nurse should next:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Removing other clients from the area reduces stimuli and potential triggers for the client's paranoia, promoting safety without immediately resorting to medication, seclusion, or restraints.
Question 3 of 5
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is brought to the hospital from a group home where he became agitated, threw a chair at another client, and has been refusing medication for 8 weeks. The client exhibits a flat affect, is not caring for his hygiene, and has become increasingly withdrawn and asocial. The physician orders treatment with risperidone (Risperdal) to improve the client's negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. When evaluating the drug's effectiveness on the client's negative symptoms, the nurse should expect improvement in which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is effective for negative symptoms like apathy, lack of motivation, and asocial behavior, which are evident in the client's presentation.
Question 4 of 5
When administering antipsychotics to a client with paranoid schizophrenia, the nurse understands that the newer atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal), are more effective than the older medications in treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia because of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine and risperidone block both dopamine and serotonin receptors, which contributes to their effectiveness in treating negative symptoms, unlike older antipsychotics that primarily target dopamine.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is essential when caring for a client who is experiencing delirium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Identifying and treating the underlying cause (e.g., infection, intoxication) is essential for resolving delirium, as it addresses the root of the condition.