NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Psychiatric Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client was admitted to the inpatient unit 3 days ago with a flat affect, psychomotor retardation, anorexia, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. The physician prescribed 75 mg of venlafaxine extended release (Effexor XR) to be given every morning. The client interacted minimally with the staff and spent most of the day in his room. As the nurse enters the unit at the beginning of the evening shift, the client is smiling and cheerfully greets the nurse. He appears to be relaxed and joins the group for community meeting before supper. What should the nurse interpret as the most likely cause of the client's behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden improvement in a suicidal client may indicate a resolved decision to act on suicidal thoughts, requiring close observation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse manager overhears two staff members talking in the snack room. One of the staff members states, 'Her superficial cuts are just a means of getting our attention. She never should have been admitted. I hope she's out of here soon.' Which of the following responses by the nurse manager is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: All suicidal behaviors, even superficial ones, require serious assessment due to potential escalation.
Question 3 of 5
A client is complaining about blurred vision after 4 days of taking haloperidol (Haldol), benztropine (Cogentin), quetiapine (Seroquel), and buspirone (Buspar). Which of the following medications should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of this adverse effect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Benztropine, an anticholinergic, is most likely to cause blurred vision due to its effects on the eyes (e.g., mydriasis and cycloplegia), a common side effect of this medication class.
Question 4 of 5
A client is entering the alcohol treatment program for the fourth time in 5 years. Which of the following statements by the nurse will be most helpful to the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'The staff and I will help you through the program' is most helpful, as it offers support, fosters collaboration, and avoids judgment about past attempts.
Question 5 of 5
The wife of a client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, states to the nurse, 'He's acting so crazy. What did he do to get this way?' The nurse bases the response on the understanding of which of the following about this disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bipolar disorder is primarily due to neurotransmitter imbalances, though genetics may contribute.