NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Mental Health Questions 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 77-year-old client is brought to the emergency department by her son. The client is complaining to assess the number of the questions, 'I'm so worried about everything.' Her son says that she has heart failure and chronic schizophrenia. 'In addition to all of her heart medicines, she is on aripiprazole (Abilify), which was increased to 30 mg by her family doctor 3 days ago.' In addition to documenting all of the client's medications and exact dosages, the nurse should particularly investigate which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Investigating schizophrenia symptoms (
B) assesses the need for aripiprazole; checking the dose (
C) is critical, as 30 mg is high for an elderly patient; and evaluating heart failure symptoms (
D) ensures medical stability, as aripiprazole can affect cardiac function.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse observes a male client who is hyperactive and intrusive sitting very close to a female client with his arm around her shoulders. The nurse hears the male client tell a sexually explicit joke. The nurse approaches the client and asks him to walk down the hallway. Which of the following statements by the nurse should benefit the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Setting clear boundaries about inappropriate behavior promotes a safe environment.
Question 4 of 5
As an angry client becomes more agitated while talking about his problems, the nurse decides to ask for staff assistance in taking control of the situation when the client demonstrates which of the following behaviors?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Picking up a pool cue stick and telling the nurse to get out indicates a potential for violence, necessitating immediate staff assistance to ensure safety. Swearing, pounding the table, or leaving time-out are concerning but less immediately threatening.
Question 5 of 5
A young client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is talking with the nurse. 'You know, when I thought everyone was out to get me, I was staying in my apartment all the time. Now, I'd like to get out and do things again.' What is the best initial response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Focusing on the client's interests encourages engagement and supports their desire to reintegrate socially, aligning with their expressed goal of wanting to 'do things again.'