NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Mental Health Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
The client is laughing and telling jokes to a group of clients. Suddenly, the client is crying and talking about a death in the family. A moment later, the client is laughing and joking again. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Redirecting to a quiet area allows assessment of labile mood and de-escalation.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
The client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, states, 'You're looking good. I'm taking you out to dinner.' Which of the following replies by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reintroducing professional boundaries calmly redirects the client's inappropriate advance.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to best determine the seriousness of a client's suicidal ideation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asking about a specific plan assesses the immediacy and lethality of the suicidal ideation.