NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN Mental Health Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
While conducting a home visit for a client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia discharged 1 week ago, the client's mother tearfully states, 'I can hardly sleep because I'm so worried about my daughter. I'm afraid to leave her alone in the house. What if something should happen while I'm gone?' Which of the following problems related to the caregiver would be the most inclusive one for the nurse to incorporate into the client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Caregiver role strain encompasses the mother's anxiety, fear, and sleep disturbances, as it reflects the overall burden of caregiving, making it the most inclusive problem to address.
Question 2 of 5
A client is sitting in the corner of the dayroom cocking his head to one side as if he hears something, but no one is nearby. The nurse suspects he is having auditory hallucinations. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Directly asking about what the client is hearing addresses the suspected auditory hallucinations, allowing the nurse to assess the content and severity of the symptom.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a priority to include in the plan of care for a client with Alzheimer's disease who is experiencing difficulty processing and completing complex tasks?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breaking tasks into single steps simplifies instructions for clients with Alzheimer's, accommodating their impaired ability to process complex tasks.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the unit after having attempted to cut her wrists with a pair of scissors. The client has several scars on both arms from self-mutilation and suicide gestures. A staff member states to the nurse, 'It's just attention that she wants, she's not going to kill herself.' The nurse should respond to the staff member by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Saying 'Any attempt at self-harm is serious, and safety is a priority' corrects the staff's minimization, emphasizes the importance of safety, and reinforces a professional, non-judgmental approach.