NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Mental Health Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A client with schizophrenia refuses medication, stating, 'It makes me feel like a zombie.' What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Discussing the medication's benefits encourages adherence while addressing the client's concerns, fostering collaboration.
Question 3 of 5
A 20-year-old client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is recovering from a psychotic break. Before discharge from the hospital, the client becomes depressed and states, 'I don't want this illness. I'm about to begin my junior year in college.' Which of the following issues would be most important for the nurses to address at this time?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medication non-compliance is critical to address to prevent relapse, especially given the client's distress.
Question 4 of 5
When developing the plan of care for a client with Alzheimer's disease who is experiencing moderate impairment, which of the following types of care should the nurse expect to include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In moderate Alzheimer's, clients need prompting and guidance for activities of daily living due to memory and executive function deficits, but not yet total care.
Question 5 of 5
A client admitted for violent behavior toward a family member expresses remorse and asks how to prevent future incidents. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Attending anger management classes provides the client with tools to manage emotions and prevent violence, addressing the root cause. Avoiding family is impractical, sedatives are a temporary measure, and an apology letter does not teach coping skills.