NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When caring for a client who was a victim of a crime, the nurse is aware that recovery from any crime can be a long and difficult process depending on the meaning it has for the client. Which of the following should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the client's emotional response helps tailor interventions to their specific needs, supporting psychological recovery from trauma.
Question 2 of 5
The client with acute mania is prescribed 600 mg of lithium (lithium carbonate) P.O. three times per day. The physician also orders 5 mg of haloperidol (Haldol) P.O. at bedtime. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The combination of lithium and haloperidol is appropriate for acute mania to stabilize mood and reduce agitation.
Question 3 of 5
A client walks into the clinic and tells the nurse she has run out of money for crack, has crashed, and wants something to help her feel better. Which of the following is most important for the nurse to assess?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing suicidal ideation is most important, as a crash after crack use can lead to severe depression and increased suicide risk, requiring immediate attention.
Question 4 of 5
A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is still withdrawn, unkempt, and unmotivated to get out of bed. A mental health aide asks the nurse why he is this way after being on fluphenazine (Prolixin) 10 mg for 7 days. The nurse should tell the health aide:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluphenazine, a typical antipsychotic, is more effective for positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) than negative symptoms (e.g., withdrawal, lack of motivation), which explains the client's persistent symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A client on clozapine (Clozaril) reports fever and sore throat. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of clozapine, requiring immediate physician notification to assess and manage the risk.