NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the unit after having attempted to cut her wrists with a pair of scissors. The client has several scars on both arms from self-mutilation and suicide gestures. A staff member states to the nurse, 'It's just attention that she wants, she's not going to kill herself.' The nurse should respond to the staff member by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'Any attempt at self-harm is serious, and safety is a priority' corrects the staff's minimization, emphasizes the importance of safety, and reinforces a professional, non-judgmental approach.
Question 2 of 5
A client is being successfully treated with clozapine (Clozaril). Which of the following statements by the client reflects a need for further teaching about managing the drug's adverse effects?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Constipation is a side effect of clozapine, not fruit consumption, indicating a misunderstanding. The other statements correctly address nausea, orthostatic hypotension, and sedation as manageable side effects.
Question 3 of 5
A 79-year-old woman is brought to the outpatient clinic by her daughter for a routine medication evaluation. The daughter reports that her mother is quite stable and has no adverse effects from the risperidone (Risperdal) she is taking. Then the daughter says, 'I just think my mother could be even better if she was on a larger dosage. My son takes 1 mg of Risperdal every day and my mother is only on 0.5 mg.' What is the most helpful response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Explaining that older adults typically require lower doses due to slower metabolism and increased sensitivity to medications educates the daughter and addresses her concern appropriately.
Question 4 of 5
When developing the teaching plan for the family of a client with severe depression who is to receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which of the following information should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Temporary confusion and disorientation are common post-ECT effects, and families should be prepared.
Question 5 of 5
When comparing the signs and symptoms of depression found in children with those found in adults, which of the following should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Children with depression often present with somatic complaints and behavioral issues, unlike adults who show more overt sadness.