NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A client is entering the chemical dependency unit for treatment of alcohol dependency. Which of the client's possessions should the nurse place in a locked area?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Antiseptic mouthwash should be locked, as it often contains alcohol, which could be misused by a client with alcohol dependency, posing a risk to recovery.
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
The friend of a client brought to the emergency department states, 'I guess she had some bad junk (heroin) today.' The client is drowsy and verbally nonresponsive. Which of the following assessment findings is of immediate concern to the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 9 breaths/minute is of immediate concern, as heroin overdose can cause respiratory depression, posing a life-threatening risk requiring urgent intervention.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is reviewing incident reports on a psychiatric unit and notes an increase in client falls. Which of the following should be the nurse's first action to address this issue?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Implementing a fall risk assessment protocol is the first step to identify at-risk clients and prevent falls, addressing the root cause. Increasing staff, training on restraints, or adding lighting are secondary and less directly tied to fall prevention without initial assessment.