NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client who was diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia 8 years ago is admitted to a unit because of increasingly severe mood swings. His diagnosis is changed to schizoaffective disorder. He asks the nurse, 'So now what? My friend is the 'I have to be the...' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Providing a clear, concise explanation of schizoaffective disorder helps the client understand the change in diagnosis and its implications, addressing his question directly.
Question 2 of 5
A client with major depression is prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro) 10 mg daily. The client asks the nurse, 'How long will it take for me to feel better?' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Escitalopram, an SSRI, typically takes 2–4 weeks to show therapeutic effects, setting realistic expectations.
Question 3 of 5
A client ashamedly tells the nurse that he hit his wife while intoxicated and asks the nurse if his wife will ever forgive him. The nurse should reply to the client by saying:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Saying 'That's something you can explore in family therapy' is most therapeutic, as it encourages addressing the issue constructively in a supported setting, promoting accountability and healing.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is distinguishing between delusions experienced by a client diagnosed with major depression with psychotic features and the delusions of a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The essential difference is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delusions in major depression with psychotic features are typically mood-congruent (e.g., guilt, worthlessness), unlike the often bizarre delusions in schizophrenia.
Question 5 of 5
When teaching a group of adolescents about anorexia nervosa, the nurse should describe this disorder as being characterized by which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of obesity, significant weight loss (emaciation), and a distorted body image.