NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A suicidal client is placed in the seclusion room and given lorazepam (Ativan) because she tried to harm herself by banging her head against the wall. After 10 minutes, the client starts to bang her head against the wall in the seclusion room. Which of the following should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restraints are necessary to prevent immediate self-harm when other interventions fail.
Question 2 of 5
The client tells the nurse at the outpatient clinic that she doesn't need to attend groups because she's 'not a regular like these other people here.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'You say you're not a regular here, but you're experiencing what others are experiencing' validates the client's feelings while gently challenging her denial, encouraging engagement in treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A client with major depression is admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse notes that the client has a history of allergic reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which of the following medications should the nurse question if ordered by the physician?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fluoxetine is an SSRI, which the client is allergic to, so the nurse should question this order to prevent an allergic reaction.
Question 4 of 5
At an outpatient visit 3 months after discharge from the hospital, a client says he has stopped his olanzapine (Zyprexa) even though it controls his symptoms of schizophrenia better than other medications. 'I have gained 20 lb already. I can't stand any more.' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering a diet and exercise plan addresses the client's concern about weight gain while encouraging continued treatment, promoting adherence and health management.
Question 5 of 5
Based on a client's history of violence toward others and her inability to cope with anger, which of the following should the nurse use as the most important indicator of goal achievement before discharge?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verbalizing feelings appropriately is the most important indicator, as it demonstrates the ability to express anger constructively, reducing the risk of violence. Acknowledging feelings, describing triggers, or listing past behaviors are steps but less definitive than appropriate expression.