NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When teaching a group of adolescents about anorexia nervosa, the nurse should describe this disorder as being characterized by which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of obesity, significant weight loss (emaciation), and a distorted body image.
Question 2 of 5
A client is admitted after the police found he had been sleeping in his car for three nights. The client says, 'My wife kicked me out and is divorcing me. It wasn't my fault I was fired from work. My wife and boss are plotting against me because I am smarter than they are.' He then pounds the table and says, 'I'm not staying here, and you can't stop me.' Which of the following should be included in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B,C,E,F
Rationale: The client's plan should include anxiety and anger management (
B) to address his emotional outbursts, appropriate housing (
C) to resolve his homelessness, assault and escape precautions (E) due to his aggressive behavior and intent to leave, and suspiciousness and grandiosity issues (F) to address his paranoid and grandiose thoughts. Collateral information (
A) may be useful but is less immediate, and divorce counseling (
D) is premature without stabilizing his mental state.
Question 3 of 5
A client with an Axis II diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder has a potential for violence and aggressive behavior. Which of the following client outcomes to be accomplished in the short term is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Discussing feelings of anger with staff is the most appropriate short-term outcome, as it promotes safe expression of emotions and builds trust, reducing the risk of aggressive outbursts.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A client has been in the critical care unit for 3 days following a severe myocardial infarction. Although he is medically stable, he has begun to have fluctuating episodes of consciousness, illogical thinking, and anxiety. He is picking at the air to 'catch these baby angels flying around my head.' While waiting for medical and psychiatric results, the nurse must intervene with the client's needs. Which of the following needs have the highest priority? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Reducing stimuli (
A) minimizes confusion, avoiding challenges to hallucinations (
B) prevents agitation, and gently presenting reality (
D) supports orientation without confrontation. Assuming dementia (E) is premature, and orienting to medical condition (
C) may overwhelm the client.