NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Mental Health Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client with paranoid schizophrenia threatens staff. Which documentation is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quoting the client's threat and describing behavior provides objective, specific documentation for safety planning.
Question 2 of 5
The physician orders determination of the serum lithium level tomorrow for a client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, who has been receiving lithium 300 mg P.O. three times daily for the past 5 days. At which of the following times should the nurse plan to have the blood specimen obtained?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lithium levels are drawn in the morning, 12 hours after the last dose, for accurate trough levels.
Question 3 of 5
A client in crisis after losing their home to foreclosure is tearful and withdrawn. Which nursing diagnosis is the priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hopelessness is the priority due to the client's tearful and withdrawn behavior, indicating a significant emotional impact from the loss. Ineffective coping, anxiety, and social interaction risks are relevant but secondary to addressing hopelessness.
Question 4 of 5
The husband of a client to be discharged from the hospital after an episode of major depression and a suicide attempt asks, 'What can I do if she tries to kill herself again?' Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immediate professional intervention (doctor or E
D) is critical if suicidal behavior recurs.
Question 5 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.