NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Questions on Psychiatric Nursing Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When developing the plan of care for a client diagnosed with a personality disorder, the nurse plans to assist the client primarily with which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Focusing on specific dysfunctional behaviors is primary because personality disorders are characterized by maladaptive patterns of behavior. Addressing these behaviors through targeted interventions helps improve functioning and relationships.
Question 2 of 5
The client with bipolar disorder, manic phase, has a valproic acid (Depakote) level of 15 μg/mL. Which of the following client behaviors should the nurse judge to be due to this level of valproic acid? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: A valproic acid level of 15 μg/mL is subtherapeutic (therapeutic range: 50–100 μg/mL), so manic symptoms like irritability, grandiosity, and labile mood persist.
Question 3 of 5
A female client in an anger management group states, 'My doctor tells me I need to get mad more often and not let people tell me what to do. Maybe she thinks I should be more aggressive.' What information should the nurse incorporate in the response to this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should explain that denying anger and lacking assertiveness can be as problematic as aggressiveness, as it may lead to suppressed emotions and poor coping, aligning with the doctor's advice to express anger appropriately.
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A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is still withdrawn, unkempt, and unmotivated to get out of bed.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
Based on a client's history of violence toward others and her inability to cope with anger, which of the following should the nurse use as the most important indicator of goal achievement before discharge?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Verbalizing feelings appropriately is the most important indicator, as it demonstrates the ability to express anger constructively, reducing the risk of violence. Acknowledging feelings, describing triggers, or listing past behaviors are steps but less definitive than appropriate expression.