NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Mental Health Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory report with the client's lithium level taken that morning prior to administering the 5 p.m. dose of lithium. The lithium level is 1.8 mEq/L. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A lithium level of 1.8 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range (0.6–1.2 mEq/L), indicating potential toxicity, so the dose should be held and the physician notified.
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 is to be discharged from an alcohol rehabilitation program. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize in the discharge plan as a priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Follow-up care is the priority, as it ensures ongoing support, monitoring, and resources to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse post-discharge.
Question 4 of 5
A client is taking diazepam (Valium) for generalized anxiety disorder. Which instruction should the nurse give to this client? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F
Rationale: Diazepam requires consulting the provider before stopping, avoiding alcohol, and stopping if allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, breathing difficulty) occur. Tyramine avoidance and empty stomach are not relevant.
Question 5 of 5
An outpatient client who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and chronic alcohol dependency has been taking risperidone (Risperdal) for several months. She reports that she stopped drinking 4 days ago, the client is a very satisfied by the tactile hallucinations of bugs crawling under her skin. Which of the following factors should the nurse incorporate into the plan of care when explaining the tactile hallucinations?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tactile hallucinations, such as feeling bugs crawling under the skin, are commonly associated with alcohol withdrawal, especially 4 days after cessation, and should be addressed in the care plan.