NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The school nurse assesses a 10-year-old girl who excessively cleans and categorizes. Her parents report that she has always been orderly, but since her brother died of cancer 6 months ago, her cleaning and categorizing have escalated. In school, she reads instead of playing with other children. These behaviors are now interfering with homework and leisure activities. To bolster her self-esteem, the nurse should encourage the child to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Group projects promote social interaction and collaboration, helping to build self-esteem in a structured setting.
Question 2 of 5
A 45-year-old client has been rehospitalized with a severe exacerbation of lupus that affects her central nervous system. After visiting with the client, her husband approaches the nurse. He says, 'My wife is scaring me. She says she does not want to live with this illness anymore. Our kids are grown and she feels useless as a mother and a wife.' Which of the following statements are the most important responses to the husband? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: The nurse should assess for suicidality (
A) due to the wife's statements, acknowledge the husband's fear (
C) to build trust, and discuss supportive communication strategies (E) to empower him. Advising optimism (
B) may dismiss his feelings, and assuming she'll feel differently (
D) minimizes the current concern.
Question 3 of 5
A 15-year-old client diagnosed with PTSD is admitted to the unit after slicing both arms with a razor blade. He says, 'Maybe my mother will listen to me now. She tells me I'm just crazy when I say I'm screwed up because my step dad had sex with me for years.' The nurse should do the following in which order of priority first to last?
Order the Items
Source Container
Correct Answer: C, B, D, A
Rationale: The order is: 1) Sign a No Harm Contract for safety (
C). 2) Clarify 'screwed up' to understand trauma (
B). 3) Discuss ways to express anger to promote coping (
D). 4) Ask about other abuse to protect others (
A). Safety is the priority, followed by understanding and coping.
Question 4 of 5
A client with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated during group activities. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Removing the client to a quieter area reduces overstimulation, helping to de-escalate agitation effectively.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is pacing and wringing his hands states, 'I just need to walk' when questioned by the nurse about what he is feeling. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking 'Are you feeling anxious?' is therapeutic, as it directly addresses the client's observable signs of anxiety, encouraging verbalization and engagement.