NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Psychiatric Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the medication administration record (MAR) of a client with bipolar disorder who is receiving lithium carbonate. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the physician immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L is toxic (therapeutic range: 0.6–1.2 mEq/L), requiring immediate reporting to prevent harm.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has self-inflicted cuts on her arms. The nurse is assessing the client for the risk of suicide. What should the nurse ask the client first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking if the client has a suicide plan is the priority because it directly assesses the immediate risk of suicide, which is critical in ensuring safety. Understanding the plan helps determine the level of intent and urgency for intervention.
Question 3 of 5
A client who chronically snorts cocaine is brought to the emergency department due to a cocaine overdose. The client is experiencing delusions, hallucinations, mild respiratory distress and mild tachycardia initially. The nurse should do which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B, C, E, F
Rationale: Actions include: Placing seizure pads (
B) for safety, administering haloperidol (
C) for psychosis, encouraging deep breathing (E) for respiratory distress, and monitoring for metabolic acidosis (F) due to overdose effects. Inducing vomiting (
A) and monitoring respiratory acidosis (
D) are not indicated.
Question 4 of 5
A married female client has been referred to the mental health center because she is depressed. The nurse notices bruises on her upper arms and asks about them. After denying any problems, the client starts to cry and says, 'He didn't really mean to hurt me, but I hate for the kids to see this. I'm so worried about them.' Which of the following is the most crucial information for the nurse to determine?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial information is the potential for immediate danger to the client and her children, as this directly impacts their safety and requires urgent intervention to prevent harm.
Question 5 of 5
A client is suicidal and not responding to the antidepressants prescribed to him over the last 2 months. This morning, after talking to his wife, the client verbally agrees to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but refuses to sign the consent form saying it is 'evil.' The nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Written consent is required for ECT unless a court orders it; verbal consent is insufficient.