You choose the therapeutic response, the safety priority, and the cue that means the patient is getting worse. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the NCLEX-PN exam guide or more NCLEX-PN practice questions.
Five mental health questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A health care worker is concerned about a new mother being overwhelmed by caring for her infant. What should the health care worker do?
A. Immediately contact child protective services.
B. Provide the mother with literature about child care.
C. Consult a therapist to help the mother work out her fears.
D. Refer the mother to parenting classes.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Refer the mother to parenting classes.
When a health care worker is concerned about a new mother being overwhelmed by caring for her infant, the best course of action is to refer the mother to parenting classes. Prevention of child abuse is focused on educating parents on how to care for their child and handle the demands of infant care. By attending parenting classes, the mother can build self-confidence, self-esteem, and coping skills. Parenting classes help parents understand the developmental needs of their children and learn effective ways to manage their home environment. Additionally, these classes provide parents with increased social contacts and knowledge about community resources. Contacting child protective services (choice A) should not be the immediate action as there is no indication of abuse. Providing literature about child care (choice B) may not be as effective as hands-on parenting classes. Consulting a therapist (choice C) may be beneficial, but addressing parenting skills through classes is more appropriate in this scenario.
Question 2
A health care worker is concerned about a new mother being overwhelmed by caring for her infant. The health care worker should:
A. immediately contact child protective services
B. provide the mother with literature about child care
C. consult a therapist to help the mother work out her fears
D. refer the mother to parenting classes
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — refer the mother to parenting classes
Prevention of child abuse is centered on teaching parents how to care for their child and cope with the demands of infant care. Parenting classes can help build self-confidence, self-esteem, and coping skills. Parents benefit by understanding the developmental needs of their children, while learning how to manage their home environment more effectively. The classes also increase the parents' social contacts and teach about community resources. Contacting child protective services (Choice A) is not appropriate in this scenario as there is no indication of abuse or neglect. Providing literature (Choice B) may not be as effective as parenting classes in addressing the mother's concerns. Consulting a therapist (Choice C) may be beneficial for underlying mental health issues, but parenting classes specifically focus on child care and coping skills, making Choice D the most suitable option in this situation.
Question 3
What is the profile of an individual who engages in domestic violence?
A. from a minority culture in a low-income group.
B. from a majority culture in a middle-income group.
C. one who was never allowed to compete as a child.
D. from any walk of life, race, income group, or profession.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — from any walk of life, race, income group, or profession.
Individuals who engage in domestic violence come from various backgrounds and cannot be stereotyped based on demographic factors like culture, income, or race. Research shows that perpetrators of domestic abuse can be found in any walk of life, regardless of their race, income group, or profession. It is important to note that the majority of domestic violence cases involve male perpetrators and female victims, but the profile of the abuser is not limited to specific demographic features. Therefore, the correct answer is that individuals who engage in domestic violence can come from any walk of life, race, income group, or profession. Choices A and B are incorrect as they wrongly associate domestic violence with specific cultural or income groups. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to support the claim that being disallowed to compete as a child leads to domestic violence.
Question 4
The best definition of communication is:
A. the sending and receiving of messages.
B. the effect of sending verbal messages.
C. an ongoing, interactive form of transmitting transactions.
D. the use of message variables to send information.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — an ongoing, interactive form of transmitting transactions.
Communication is defined as an ongoing, interactive form of transmitting transactions. It involves a dynamic process of sending (encoding) and receiving (decoding) messages while being influenced by the experiences and perceptions of both the sender and receiver. This process is interactive and occurs within an environment, shaping individuals' self-concept, identity, and relationships. The correct answer captures the complexity and interactive nature of communication. Choice A, 'the sending and receiving of messages,' is too simplistic and does not encompass the interactive nature of communication. Choice B, 'the effect of sending verbal messages,' focuses solely on verbal communication and overlooks non-verbal forms. Choice D, 'the use of message variables to send information,' emphasizes technical aspects rather than the interactive and transactional nature of communication.
Question 5
The chemotherapeutic DNA alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards are effective because they:
A. cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA.
B. have few, if any, side effects.
C. are used to treat multiple types of cancer.
D. are cell-cycle-specific agents.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA.
Alkylating agents, such as nitrogen mustards, are effective chemotherapeutic agents because they cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA. This cross-linking interferes with DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. Choice B is incorrect because alkylating agents have numerous side effects, including alopecia, nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression. Choice C is incorrect because while nitrogen mustards are used to treat multiple types of cancer like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and breast and ovarian cancer, their effectiveness is primarily due to DNA cross-linkage. Choice D is incorrect because alkylating agents are non-cell-cycle-specific agents, meaning they can act on cells in any phase of the cell cycle, not just on cells that are actively dividing.
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Question 6
A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:
A. the client's body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug to produce the same effect
B. the client is preoccupied with getting the drug and is experiencing loss of control, indicating drug dependence
C. addiction involves psychological behaviors related to substance use, not just physical dependence
D. the client is coping with chronic back pain and requires adjustments in the medication regimen
Correct answer:
When a client requires an increased dose of a drug, such as in this case with hydrocodone, it suggests that the body has developed tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that the client needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect as before. This does not inherently indicate addiction, which involves psychological behaviors related to substance use. Choice B describes drug dependence, where the client is preoccupied with obtaining the drug and experiences loss of control, which is not the same as tolerance. Choice C correctly points out that addiction is more than just physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance; it includes psychological factors. Choice D is irrelevant as it discusses adjusting the medication for pain management, not addressing the client's concern about addiction.
Which statement reflects a primary belief of psychiatric mental health nursing?
A. Most people have the potential to change and grow.
B. Every person is worthy of dignity and respect.
C. Human needs are individual to each person.
D. Some behaviors have no meaning and cannot be understood.
Correct answer:
The correct answer reflects a primary belief of psychiatric mental health nursing, which is that every person is worthy of dignity and respect. This belief forms the foundation of providing holistic and compassionate care in mental health nursing. While it is true that most people have the potential to change and grow, this choice does not directly address a core belief of mental health nursing. Human needs being individual to each person is a general principle of nursing care but does not specifically capture a primary belief in psychiatric mental health nursing. The statement that some behaviors have no meaning and cannot be understood contradicts the fundamental principle that all behavior has meaning and can be understood from the client's perspective in psychiatric mental health nursing.
What significant event occurs in the orientation phase of a nurse-client relationship?
A. establishment of roles
B. identification of transference phenomenon
C. placement of the client within their family structure
D. client agreement that the nurse has the authority in the relationship
Correct answer:
In the orientation phase of a nurse-client relationship, the significant event is the identification of transference phenomenon. Transference phenomena are intensified in relationships with authority figures like nurses and physicians. Positive transferences may include a desire for affection and dependency, while negative transferences may involve hostility and competitiveness. It is crucial to recognize and address these transferences before progress and positive changes can be made in the working stage. The other choices are incorrect; the establishment of roles may occur in the working phase, placing the client within their family structure is not a key event in the orientation phase, and client agreement on the nurse's authority is not the primary focus during this phase.
The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:
A. administer both medications simultaneously.
B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.
Correct answer:
A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.
A primary belief of psychiatric mental health nursing is:
A. Most people have the potential to change and grow.
B. Every person is worthy of dignity and respect.
C. Human needs are individual to each person.
D. Some behaviors have no meaning and cannot be understood.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is that every person is worthy of dignity and respect. This is a fundamental principle in psychiatric mental health nursing, emphasizing the importance of treating individuals with dignity and respect regardless of their condition. This belief forms the basis of establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Choice A is a positive belief, but the primary focus in psychiatric mental health nursing is on respecting the worth and dignity of each individual. Choice C is related to understanding individual human needs but does not encompass the core value of dignity and respect. Choice D is incorrect as psychiatric nursing emphasizes the importance of interpreting and understanding all behaviors as meaningful expressions of the client's experience.
Ashley and her boyfriend Chris, both 19 years old, are transported to the Emergency Department after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Chris is badly hurt, but Ashley has no apparent injuries, though she appears confused and has trouble focusing on what is going on around her. She complains of dizziness and nausea. Her pulse is rapid, and she is hyperventilating. The nurse should assess Ashley's level of anxiety as:
A. mild.
B. moderate.
C. severe.
D. panic.
Correct answer:
Explanation: Ashley is displaying symptoms of severe anxiety, including confusion, trouble focusing, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and hyperventilation. These somatic symptoms, along with changes in vital signs, indicate severe anxiety. In severe anxiety, individuals are unable to solve problems and have a poor grasp of their environment. On the other hand, mild anxiety may lead to mild discomfort or even enhanced performance, while moderate anxiety results in difficulty grasping information and minor changes in vital signs. Panic, the most severe level of anxiety, involves markedly disturbed behavior and a potential loss of touch with reality. Therefore, based on Ashley's symptoms, her anxiety level should be assessed as severe.
A client reports hearing voices. What should the nurse do next?
A. Touch the client to help him return to reality.
B. Leave the client alone until reality returns.
C. Ask the client to describe what is happening.
D. Tell the client there are no voices.
Correct answer:
When a client reports hearing voices, it might indicate hallucinations. It is essential for the nurse to ask the client to describe what is happening to gain a better understanding of the hallucinations. This approach helps in assessing the severity and content of the hallucinations, which can guide further interventions. Touching the client without consent can be intrusive and may escalate the situation, violating the client's personal space. Leaving the client alone may not address the underlying issue of hallucinations and can lead to potential risks if the client is distressed. Telling the client there are no voices denies their experience, invalidates their feelings, and can result in mistrust between the client and the nurse.
Client self-determination is the primary focus of:
A. malpractice insurance
B. nursing's advocacy for clients
C. confidentiality
D. health care
Correct answer:
Client self-determination refers to the right of clients to make their own decisions about their health care. Nursing's advocacy for clients focuses on upholding this right by supporting and respecting the autonomy and self-determination of clients. This advocacy ensures that clients are empowered to participate in decision-making regarding their health. Confidentiality, while essential, is about maintaining the privacy of client information. Malpractice insurance is a protective measure for professionals in case of errors or negligence. Health care, though crucial for enabling client self-determination, is a broad term encompassing various services and not the primary focus when discussing the client's right to autonomy.
A client who recently lost 50 pounds just received news that she is pregnant. A possible nursing diagnosis is:
A. Actual Chronic Low Self-Esteem (related to obesity).
B. Potential Chronic Low Self-Esteem (related to obesity).
C. Actual Situational Low Self-Esteem (related to fear of weight regain and pregnancy).
D. Potential Situational Low Self-Esteem (related to fear of weight regain and pregnancy).
Correct answer:
In this scenario, the client's recent weight loss and subsequent pregnancy could lead to concerns about weight regain and body image. The most appropriate nursing diagnosis is 'Potential Situational Low Self-Esteem (related to fear of weight regain and pregnancy).' This diagnosis reflects the client's potential emotional response to the fear of losing the progress achieved through weight loss and dealing with changes in body image due to pregnancy. Options A and C imply that low self-esteem is already present, which is not supported by the information given. Option B is not as suitable as the client's self-esteem issues are more related to the fear of weight regain and pregnancy, making option D the best choice.
Support-system enhancement includes all of the following except:
A. determining the barriers to using support systems.
B. discussing ways to help others who are concerned.
C. exploring life problems of the support-team members.
D. involving spouse, family, and friends in the care and planning.
Correct answer:
Support-system enhancement involves various strategies to strengthen the support system. Determining the barriers to using support systems, discussing ways to help others who are concerned, and involving spouse, family, and friends in the care and planning are all essential aspects of enhancing the support system. However, exploring the life problems of the support-team members is not directly related to enhancing the support system. This approach could potentially invade personal boundaries and may not be necessary for improving the support system, making it the correct answer in this case. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it does not align with the appropriate methods of support-system enhancement.
NCLEX-PN mental health practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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