NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When developing appropriate assignments for the staff, which of the following clients should the nurse manager judge to be at highest risk for suicide completion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elderly Caucasian men living alone after a loss have the highest suicide completion rates.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is distinguishing between delusions experienced by a client diagnosed with major depression with psychotic features and the delusions of a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The essential difference is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delusions in major depression with psychotic features are typically mood-congruent (e.g., guilt, worthlessness), unlike the often bizarre delusions in schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
A female client with acute mania brings six suitcases and three shopping bags of personal belongings on admission to the unit. When informed that some of the suitcases and bags need to be returned home with her husband because of a lack of storage space, the client begins to use profanity against the nurse. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clearly stating that profanity is unacceptable sets boundaries without escalating the situation.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a 16-year-old client with suspected bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: Bulimia is characterized by normal weight, tooth enamel erosion from vomiting, calluses on knuckles from purging, and often excessive exercise to control weight. Fasting is more typical of anorexia.
Question 5 of 5
The client with an Axis I diagnosis of schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, is acutely psychotic and exhibits religious delusions and hallucinations, loose associations, and concrete thinking. When the nurse offers the client her medication, the client states, 'I don't need that. God will heal me.' The nurse should respond to the client by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Explaining that the medication will help clear thoughts and reduce anxiety directly addresses the client's symptoms in a concrete way, encouraging adherence without challenging her religious beliefs.