NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client with acute mania is prescribed 600 mg of lithium (lithium carbonate) P.O. three times per day. The physician also orders 5 mg of haloperidol (Haldol) P.O. at bedtime. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The combination of lithium and haloperidol is appropriate for acute mania to stabilize mood and reduce agitation.
Question 2 of 5
A client with schizophrenia states, 'The voices are telling me to jump out the window.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring the content of the voices helps assess the risk and builds trust without reinforcing the hallucination.
Question 3 of 5
A client on a crisis hotline says, 'My partner left me, and I feel like giving up.' Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking what 'giving up' means clarifies the client's intent, assessing for suicidal ideation or other risks while fostering communication. Reassurance, counseling suggestions, or normalizing feelings are less immediate without understanding the client's state.
Question 4 of 5
A client diagnosed with major depression spends most of the day lying in bed with the sheet pulled over his head. Which of the following approaches by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent initiation of contact shows care and encourages engagement without overwhelming the client.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is counseling a client with cancer who is experiencing anxiety. Which goal will provide the best long-term client outcome?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Taking medication as prescribed ensures ongoing management of anxiety, contributing to long-term stability. Keeping psychiatric appointments and understanding medication effects are important but less comprehensive, and solving problems independently is unrealistic and not necessarily beneficial for long-term outcomes.