NCLEX-RN
Psychiatric NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is to administer Xanax (alprazolam) to help a client of Japanese descent calm down. The order reads Xanax 0.25 to 1 mg by mouth as needed for agitation. What is the best dose for the nurse to give this client?
Correct Answer: 0.25 mg
Rationale: Starting with 0.25 mg is best, as individuals of Japanese descent may metabolize benzodiazepines more slowly due to genetic factors, and the lowest effective dose minimizes risks.
Question 2 of 5
The client exhibits a flat affect, psychomotor retardation, and depressed mood. The nurse attempts to engage the client in an interaction but the client does not respond to the nurse. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sitting quietly with the client provides presence and support, respecting their current inability to engage.
Question 3 of 5
A client moves in with her family after her boyfriend of 4 weeks told her to leave. She is admitted to the subacute unit after complaining of feeling empty and lonely, being unable to sleep, and eating very little for the last week. Her arms are scarred from frequent self-mutilation. The nurse should do which of the following from first to last?
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: A, C, B, D
Rationale: The order is: 1) Monitor for suicide and self-mutilation to ensure safety (
A). 2) Monitor sleeping and eating behaviors to address physical health (
C). 3) Discuss loneliness and emptiness to explore emotional triggers (
B). 4) Discuss housing options to plan for discharge (
D). This prioritizes safety, then physical and emotional needs, and finally future planning.
Question 4 of 5
A client is entering rehabilitation for alcohol dependency as an alternative to going to jail for multiple DUI's (driving under the influence). While obtaining the client's history, the nurse asks about the amount of alcohol he consumes daily. He responds, 'I just have a few drinks with the guys after work.' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'You say you have a few drinks, but you have multiple arrests' is therapeutic, as it gently confronts the client's minimization, linking his behavior to consequences and encouraging reflection.
Question 5 of 5
When planning the care for a client who is being abused, which of the following measures is most important to include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Helping the client develop a safety plan is the most important measure, as it directly addresses the immediate need to protect the client and her children from further harm.