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-RN exam guide or more NCLEX-RN 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
Which defense mechanism is considered a conscious measure used to cope with anxiety?
A. Undoing
B. Projection
C. Suppression
D. Intellectualization
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Suppression
The correct answer is Suppression. Suppression is a conscious defense mechanism in which an individual intentionally avoids thinking about disturbing problems, wishes, feelings, or experiences. It is a way to cope with anxiety by actively pushing aside unwanted thoughts or emotions. Undoing, on the other hand, is an unconscious defense mechanism where one uses words or behaviors to symbolically make amends for unacceptable thoughts or actions. Projection is also an unconscious defense mechanism involving falsely attributing one's own unacceptable impulses to others. Intellectualization, another unconscious defense mechanism, involves using intellect or thinking to avoid dealing with emotionally charged feelings.
Question 2
Which response would the nurse provide to a client in labor at 32 weeks' gestation who tells the nurse that she and her husband are very concerned because the baby will be born 2 months early?
A. ''You should be concerned. I feel for you.''
B. 'If you're concerned, let's talk about it.''
C. ''Try not to worry about it; just concentrate on your labor.''
D. 'Don't worry; the care of preterm babies has greatly improved.''
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — 'If you're concerned, let's talk about it.''
The correct answer is B: ''If you're concerned, let's talk about it.'' Offering to talk with the client encourages her to verbalize concerns, serving as an outlet for tension. The nurse's first step should be to listen to the client's concerns and emotions before providing more specific information. Choice A is incorrect as telling the client she should be concerned reinforces fears and conveys sympathy rather than empathy. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client not to worry and just concentrate on labor denies the client's feelings and cuts off communication. Choice D is incorrect as telling the client not to worry because care has improved denies the client's feelings and provides false reassurance.
Question 3
A client arrives at an occupational health clinic after being struck by lightning while working in a truck bed. The client is alert but reports feeling faint. Which assessment will the nurse perform first?
A. Pulse characteristics
B. Open airway
C. Entrance and exit wounds
D. Cervical spine injury
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Pulse characteristics
Assessing pulse characteristics is the priority in this situation due to the potential impact of lightning as a form of electrical current, which can cause irregular heart rhythms. It is crucial to evaluate the pulse rate and regularity to assess for adequate circulation and potential cardiac issues. Since the client is alert and talking, the airway is likely patent, making assessing the airway less urgent. Entrance and exit wounds and cervical spine injury assessments should follow the evaluation of pulse characteristics to ensure proper circulation and prioritize life-threatening issues first. Checking the pulse first will guide further interventions and help in determining the client's hemodynamic status.
Question 4
After 5 years of unprotected intercourse, a childless couple comes to the fertility clinic. The husband tells the nurse that his parents have promised to make a down payment on a house for them if his wife gets pregnant this year. Which response would the nurse provide?
A. ''This must be very difficult for you with this added pressure.''
B. 'Having a child is a decision you should make without your parents' input.''
C. 'You're lucky. It's nice that your parents are making such a generous offer.''
D. ''Five years without a pregnancy is a long time. You were right to come to the fertility clinic.''
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — ''This must be very difficult for you with this added pressure.''
The correct response acknowledges the emotional challenge the couple is facing due to the added pressure of the incentive from the husband's parents. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse encourages the couple to open up about their feelings and concerns. Choice B is not the best response as it dismisses the husband's situation and fails to address the emotional impact of the added pressure. Choice C focuses on the parents' offer rather than the couple's emotional state, which is not the primary concern in this situation. Choice D, mentioning the duration of infertility, may come across as insensitive and may hinder open communication by potentially making the couple feel judged or discouraged.
Question 5
When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed, and assist the client in moving to the chair.
B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and pivot the client into the chair.
C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward from underneath the axillae.
D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the client to the chair.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and pivot the client into the chair.
Option B is the correct procedure for assisting a client from the bed to a chair. By positioning the nurse's feet apart and aligning the knees with the client's knees, the nurse maintains a stable base of support while pivoting the client into the chair. This technique minimizes the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. Placing the chair at a 45-degree angle to the bed, with the back of the chair toward the head of the bed, provides a clear path for the client to move. Option C is incorrect because lifting a client under the axillae can potentially cause nerve damage and strain. Option D is also incorrect as it involves an unsafe method of moving the client and can lead to injuries or accidents.
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Question 6
The nurse is preparing to administer 10 mL of liquid potassium chloride through a feeding tube, followed by 10 mL of liquid acetaminophen. Which action should the nurse include in this procedure?
A. Dilute each of the medications with sterile water prior to administration.
B. Mix the medications in one syringe before opening the feeding tube.
C. Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
D. Withdraw any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication.
Correct answer:
Water should be instilled into the feeding tube between administering the two medications to maintain the patency of the feeding tube and ensure that the total dose of medication enters the stomach and does not remain in the tube. These liquid medications do not need to be diluted when administered via a feeding tube. Mixing the medications in one syringe can lead to interactions or alterations in the medications' properties. Withdrawing any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication can cause inaccurate dosing and incomplete administration. Therefore, the correct action is to administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications to ensure proper delivery and avoid any complications.
When the health care provider diagnoses metastatic cancer and recommends a gastrostomy for an older female client in stable condition, the son tells the nurse that his mother must not be told the reason for the surgery because she 'can't handle' the cancer diagnosis. Which legal principle is the court most likely to uphold regarding this client's right to informed consent?
A. The family cannot provide the consent required in this situation as the older adult is capable of making decisions.
B. The son cannot waive informed consent for the client since there is no evidence of mental incompetence.
C. The court will not allow the health care provider to make the decision to withhold informed consent under therapeutic privilege.
D. If informed consent is withheld from a client, health care providers could be found guilty of negligence.
Correct answer:
Health care providers may be found guilty of negligence, specifically assault and battery, if they carry out a treatment without the client's consent. The client's condition is stable, so the family cannot provide consent without her involvement, making option A incorrect. There is no evidence of mental incompetence in the client, so the son cannot waive informed consent, making option B incorrect. While therapeutic privilege may have been accepted in the past, it is unlikely to be upheld by today's courts, making option C incorrect. It is crucial for health care providers to obtain informed consent from clients before proceeding with any treatment to avoid legal consequences and uphold ethical standards.
A client with untreatable metastasized cancer tells the nurse, 'I think they made a mistake. I don't think I have cancer. I feel too good to be dying.' Which stage of grief is the client experiencing?
A. Anger
B. Denial
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
Correct answer:
The client is experiencing the stage of denial. This is evident as the client is having difficulty accepting the reality of their diagnosis and denies the presence of cancer despite the evidence. During the anger stage, the individual expresses anger about their situation, questioning why it is happening to them. Bargaining involves attempting to negotiate for more time or a different outcome, acknowledging the reality of death but trying to delay it. Acceptance, on the other hand, is characterized by coming to terms with the inevitability of death and preparing for it peacefully. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's disbelief and refusal to accept the diagnosis align with the denial stage of grief.
A terminally ill client repeatedly talks about her son's upcoming wedding and how much she wants to attend. Which stage of the Kübler-Ross theory of death and dying is the client displaying?
A. Anger
B. Denial
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
Correct answer:
The client is displaying the stage of bargaining in the Kübler-Ross theory of death and dying. During the bargaining stage, individuals attempt to negotiate for more time or a different outcome in the face of impending death. In this scenario, the client expressing a desire to attend her son's wedding and discussing it frequently reflects a form of bargaining for additional time to be present for the event. Anger, on the other hand, involves extreme expressions of emotion ranging from irritation to rage. Denial is characterized by an inability to accept the reality of the situation. Acceptance signifies coming to terms with the circumstances and may lead to decreased interest in people and surroundings.
What factor is likely the reason a woman with bipolar disorder, manic episode, rarely eats?
A. Feelings of guilt
B. Need to control others
C. Desire for punishment
D. Excessive physical activity
Correct answer:
During a manic episode of bipolar disorder, individuals often experience hyperactivity and an inability to stay still. This hyperactivity can manifest as excessive physical activity, which can prevent them from eating regularly. The correct answer is 'Excessive physical activity' because it directly relates to the woman's lack of appetite during the manic episode. Feelings of guilt, the need to control others, and the desire for punishment are not typically associated with eating difficulties in individuals with bipolar disorder during a manic episode. Clients in a manic episode usually have heightened energy levels and may engage in activities that exhaust them, leading to a decreased focus on eating.
When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?
A. Listen to the parents' description of the child's behavior.
B. Compare the child's function from one occasion to another.
C. Engage the parents in a discussion about the child's feelings.
D. Determine the child's mental status through direct questioning.
Correct answer:
To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child's function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents' description of the child's behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child's feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.
A client who is at 28 weeks' gestation and in active labor is crying. She says, 'I just know that this baby is going to die. What's the use of doing all this to save it?' Which explanation would interpret the client's statements?
A. She is depressed and needs gentle, positive support during labor.
B. She is experiencing anticipatory grief and withdrawing from bonding.
C. She is in need of emotional support to help her cope with the impending birth.
D. She is struggling to cope with the birth by using the word 'it.'
Correct answer:
The client's statement indicates anticipatory grief, where she is preparing for a potential loss. This grief is not necessarily about the literal death of the baby but about the loss of the anticipated healthy full-term baby. The client may not be ready to bond with the reality of a preterm baby. Providing gentle, positive support is essential to help her cope with her feelings, as firm support may come across as dismissive. Sedation is not appropriate as it could hinder the client's emotional processing. Allowing the client to express her emotions and work through anticipatory grieving is crucial. The use of the word 'it' reflects the client's emotional struggle and is not the primary issue at hand.
A client experiences postpartum hemorrhage eight hours after the birth of twins. Following administration of IV fluids and 500 ml of whole blood, her hemoglobin and hematocrit are within normal limits. She asks the nurse whether she should continue to breastfeed the infants. Which of the following is based on sound rationale?
A. Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.
B. Breastfeeding twins will take too much energy after the hemorrhage.
C. The blood transfusion may increase the risks to you and the babies.
D. Lactation should be delayed until the 'real milk' is secreted.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is 'Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.' Stimulation of the breast during nursing releases oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. This contraction is especially important following hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because breastfeeding can actually help prevent further bleeding by promoting uterine contractions. Choice C is incorrect as the blood transfusion is aimed at restoring the client's blood volume and should not significantly impact the babies. Choice D is incorrect as lactation should not be delayed, as breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits to both the mother and infants, including aiding in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
A community hospital is opening a mental health services department. Which document should the nurse use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines?
A. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
B. ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements
C. ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
D. Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990
Correct answer:
The correct document the nurse should use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines for the mental health services department is ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice. This document specifically outlines the philosophy and standards of nursing practice, including psychiatric nursing. Option A, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and option D, the Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990, focus on client rights and legal protections rather than nursing practice guidelines. Option B, the ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements, provides ethical guidelines for nursing practice but does not specifically address the development of nursing guidelines for a mental health services department.
A client who has been told she needs a hysterectomy for cervical cancer reports being upset about being unable to have a third child. Which action would the nurse take?
A. Evaluate her willingness to pursue adoption.
B. Encourage her to focus on her own recovery.
C. Emphasize that she does have two children already.
D. Ensure that other treatment options for her are explored.
Correct answer:
In this scenario, the nurse should ensure that other treatment options for the client are explored. While a hysterectomy may be necessary for cervical cancer, conservative management options like cervical conization and laser treatment may allow for future pregnancies. It is crucial for the nurse to inform the client of all available treatment choices. Evaluating the client's willingness to pursue adoption is not directly addressing the client's concerns about fertility. Encouraging the client to focus on her own recovery and emphasizing that she already has two children dismiss the client's distress over not being able to have a third child, which is important to acknowledge in a sensitive manner.
NCLEX-RN mental health practice questions, set 10 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
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