NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with paranoid schizophrenia believes food is contaminated. Which intervention is most effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Serving food in sealed containers addresses the delusion practically, increasing the likelihood of eating.
Question 2 of 5
A client states, 'I'm so stressed about my job, I can't sleep.' Which question should the nurse ask to assess the client's coping mechanisms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking what the client does when stressed directly assesses their current coping mechanisms, guiding the nurse's plan. Medication use, work hours, or conflicts are relevant but less focused on coping strategies.
Question 3 of 5
When obtaining a nursing history from parents who are suspected of abusing their child, which of the following characteristics about the parents should the nurse particularly assess?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Difficulty controlling aggression is a key risk factor for abuse and should be carefully assessed.
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 a client who exhibits feelings of inferiority is asked to attend group activities, she gets more anxious. Within 10 minutes, she begins ridiculing others in the group and receives negative attention. Which of the following statements best reflects the nurse's interpretation of the client's behavior? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Increased anxiety can lead to defensive behaviors like ridiculing others (
A). Negative attention can reinforce such behaviors (
B), and for some clients, any attention is preferable to none (
C). Excluding the client (
D) or assuming medication is needed (E) does not address the underlying behavior dynamics.