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
What is the similarity between the stage-crisis theory proposed by Havighurst and the psychosocial development theory formulated by Erikson?
A. Based on developmental tasks
B. Incorporate eight stages of development
C. Based on changes in a person's thoughts and emotions
D. Emphasize that a child's growth is directed by individual gene activity
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Based on developmental tasks
Both Havighurst's stage-crisis theory and Erikson's psychosocial development theory are grounded in the concept of developmental tasks. They both emphasize that successful completion of specific tasks at various life stages is crucial for healthy development. While Erikson's theory consists of eight stages of psychosocial development, Havighurst's theory comprises six stages. The idea that a child's growth is guided by individual gene activity is attributed to Gesell's theory, not Havighurst or Erikson. The emphasis on changes in a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors shaping beliefs about morality aligns with moral development theory, not specifically with Havighurst's or Erikson's theories.
Question 2
Ten minutes after signing an operative permit for a fractured hip, an older client states, 'The aliens will be coming to get me soon!' and falls asleep. Which action should the nurse implement next?
A. Make the client comfortable and allow the client to sleep.
B. Assess the client's neurologic status.
C. Notify the surgeon about the comment.
D. Ask the client's family to co-sign the operative permit.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Assess the client's neurologic status.
The client's statement about aliens coming to get them could indicate confusion, which raises concerns about their neurologic status. Since informed consent for surgery requires the client to be mentally competent, the nurse should assess the client's neurologic status to ensure they understand and can legally provide consent. Option A of making the client comfortable and letting them sleep does not address the potential neurologic issue. If the nurse finds the client to be confused, it is essential to inform the surgeon and seek permission from the next of kin if necessary. Therefore, assessing the client's neurologic status is the priority to ensure the client's ability to consent to the surgery.
Question 3
Which approach is best to use with a client who is angry and agitated?
A. Confront the client about the behavior.
B. Turn on the television to distract the client.
C. Maintain a calm, consistent approach with the client.
D. Explain to the client why the behavior is unacceptable.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Maintain a calm, consistent approach with the client.
When dealing with an angry and agitated client, it is crucial to maintain a calm and consistent approach. Consistency allows the client to predict the caregiver's behavior, which can help reduce their anxiety and agitation. Confronting the client about their behavior may escalate the situation and increase their anger. Using distractions like turning on the television is not addressing the underlying issue and may not be effective in calming the client. Explaining to the client why their behavior is unacceptable is not suitable in the moment of agitation, as the client may not be in a state to attend to logical explanations and perceived criticisms should be avoided to prevent further escalation.
Question 4
A toddler is 26 months old and has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erikson, which of the following stages is the toddler in?
A. Trust vs. mistrust
B. Initiative vs. guilt
C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
D. Intimacy vs. isolation
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
The correct stage for a toddler who is 26 months old, according to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, is Autonomy vs. shame and doubt. This stage occurs between 18 months to 3 years of age. During this stage, children are focused on developing a greater sense of control and independence. Choice A, Trust vs. mistrust, is the first stage occurring from birth to 18 months, where infants learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers based on their care. Choice B, Initiative vs. guilt, is the third stage occurring from 3 to 5 years, where children start to assert themselves more. Choice D, Intimacy vs. isolation, is a stage occurring in adulthood, not relevant to a toddler's development.
Question 5
Which assessment data would be most important to obtain from an Asian-American client with major depressive disorder who maintains traditional cultural beliefs and values?
A. Dietary practices
B. Concept of space
C. Immigration status
D. Role within the family
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Role within the family
The most important assessment data to obtain from an Asian-American client with major depressive disorder who maintains traditional cultural beliefs and values is their role within the family. In traditional Asian cultures, the family holds significant importance and plays a central role in influencing an individual's well-being. Understanding the client's role within the family can provide crucial insights into their support system, stressors, and coping mechanisms. Dietary practices, concept of space, and immigration status, while potentially relevant, are not as vital in this context compared to understanding the dynamics and influence of the family structure on the individual's mental health.
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Question 6
After attending group therapy, the client says, 'It helps to know that I'm not the only one with this type of problem.' Which concept does this statement reflect?
A. Altruism
B. Catharsis
C. Universality
D. Transference
Correct answer:
The client's statement reflects the concept of universality. Universality in group therapy signifies the understanding that one is not alone in their struggles, providing a sense of commonality and support among group members facing similar challenges. Altruism in group therapy involves offering support, insight, and encouragement to others, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. Catharsis pertains to group members sharing and expressing both negative and positive emotions with each other. Transference occurs when a client inadvertently projects feelings and perceptions onto the therapist that originally belonged to someone significant in their past, impacting the therapeutic relationship.
A client dies while several family members are in the room. Which intervention will the hospice nurse initially use during the shock phase of a grief reaction?
A. Stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased.
B. Direct activities related to funeral arrangements.
C. Mobilize the support systems for the family.
D. Present the full reality of the loss to the family.
Correct answer:
During the shock phase of a grief reaction, the hospice nurse's initial intervention should be to stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased. This action provides immediate support to the family until coping mechanisms and personal support systems can be mobilized. Directing activities related to funeral arrangements is not within the nurse's role and responsibility. Mobilizing the support systems for the family is important, but staying with the family and the deceased helps in providing immediate comfort and support. Presenting the full reality of the loss to the family is not appropriate during the shock phase as acceptance of the loss takes time and is not the immediate priority.
Your patient has been confused for years. Your patient can be best described as having a chronic ___________ disorder.
A. physical
B. psychotic
C. thinking
D. palliative
Correct answer:
Patients who experience long-term confusion often have a chronic thinking, or cognitive, disorder. Alzheimer's disease is a prime example of a disorder that results in prolonged confusion and memory loss. Choice A, 'physical', is incorrect as the issue described is related to cognitive functioning, not physical health. Choice B, 'psychotic', refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality, which is not the primary issue presented in the scenario. Choice D, 'palliative', is not relevant as it pertains to specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress rather than managing chronic confusion.
The mother of an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit expresses concern about her infant. Which nursing intervention best facilitates mother-infant bonding?
A. Asking the mother to change her baby's diaper
B. Assuring the mother that her baby is receiving excellent care
C. Encouraging the mother to touch her baby whenever possible
D. Keeping the mother informed about the care the nursing staff is providing her baby
Correct answer:
Encouraging the mother to touch her baby whenever possible is the best intervention to promote mother-infant bonding, especially when the infant is too ill to be held. Physical touch is a powerful way to establish a connection. Mother-infant bonding is a gradual process and encouraging touch can help initiate this bond. Asking the mother to change her baby's diaper is not the most appropriate action to promote bonding in this scenario. Assuring the mother about the care her baby is receiving is important but does not directly enhance bonding. Keeping the mother informed about the care her baby is receiving is crucial, but it alone does not actively foster bonding between the mother and infant.
Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention when providing care for parents who have experienced a stillbirth?
A. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth
B. Providing the parents the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn
C. Explaining that an autopsy is not recommended in the setting of a stillbirth
D. Arranging follow-up care and providing information to the parents before they leave the hospital
Correct answer:
The most appropriate nursing intervention when caring for parents who have experienced a stillbirth is to provide them with the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn. This helps in the grieving process and allows the parents closure. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth may overwhelm the parents and is not the immediate priority. While an autopsy can be performed in the case of a stillbirth, the decision should be discussed with the parents and their wishes respected. Arranging follow-up care and providing information before the parents leave the hospital is crucial in ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to cope with the loss effectively.
A client decides to have hospice care rather than undergo an extensive surgical procedure. Which ethical principle does the client's behavior illustrate?
A. Justice
B. Veracity
C. Autonomy
D. Beneficence
Correct answer:
The correct answer is 'Autonomy.' Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own care. In this scenario, the client is choosing hospice care over surgery, demonstrating their autonomy in making healthcare choices. Justice involves fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and services, which is not the primary ethical principle illustrated in this case. Veracity pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which is not directly related to the client's decision-making process. Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient, which is not the central ethical principle demonstrated by the client's decision for hospice care.
Which action should the nurse implement when providing wound care instructions to a client who does not speak English?
A. Ask an interpreter to provide wound care instructions.
B. Speak directly to the client, with an interpreter translating.
C. Request the accompanying family member to translate.
D. Instruct a bilingual employee to read the instructions.
Correct answer:
When providing wound care instructions to a client who does not speak English, the nurse should speak directly to the client with the assistance of an interpreter for accurate translation. The interpreter is trained to provide objective translations in the client's primary language, ensuring the client understands the instructions and can ask questions. Using family members for translation is discouraged as they may alter instructions or feel uncomfortable discussing certain topics. Instructing a bilingual employee to read the instructions is not ideal as they may lack the necessary training in accurate interpretation, which could lead to misunderstandings in crucial wound care instructions.
The primary health care provider tells a mother that her newborn has multiple visible birth defects. The mother seems composed and asks to see her baby. Which nursing action will be most helpful in easing the mother's stress when she sees her child for the first time?
A. Bringing the infant as requested before she changes her mind
B. Describing how the infant looks before bringing the infant to her
C. Staying with her after bringing the infant to help her verbalize her feelings
D. Showing the mother pictures of the birth defects, then bringing the infant to her
Correct answer:
Allowing the mother time to verbalize her feelings and providing support when she sees her newborn with birth defects for the first time is crucial. Staying with her allows for immediate emotional support, acceptance, and understanding, which can help ease her stress. Bringing the infant as requested without proper emotional support may overwhelm the mother. Describing the infant's appearance before she sees the baby might not be accurate and could add to her distress. Showing pictures of the birth defects before the mother sees her baby may not be helpful and could increase her anxiety. Engaging in discussions about treatment at this point may be premature and overwhelming for the mother.
What is the nurse's initial plan for providing pain relief measures during labor for a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse?
A. Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
B. Administering the medication only when the pain is severe
C. Avoiding the administration of medication unless it is requested
D. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with other women in labor
Correct answer:
In a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse, scheduling pain medication at regular intervals is the initial plan for providing pain relief during labor. This client may have a lower tolerance for pain and a greater need for pain relief. If medication is only administered when the pain is severe, larger doses may be needed, leading to increased anxiety and discomfort. Avoiding medication unless requested is not ideal, as proactive pain management is crucial during labor. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with others is incorrect, as individuals with a history of opioid abuse often require more medication due to tolerance to addictive drugs.
While obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading on a client, what action is most important for the nurse to implement?
A. Stay with the client while the client is standing.
B. Record the findings on the graphic sheet in the chart.
C. Keep the blood pressure cuff on the same arm.
D. Record changes in the client's pulse rate.
Correct answer:
The most crucial action for the nurse to implement when obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading is to stay with the client while the client is standing. This is essential to monitor the client's immediate response to position changes and ensure their safety. Recording the findings on the graphic sheet is important for documentation but is not as critical as staying with the client. Keeping the blood pressure cuff on the same arm helps maintain consistency in readings but is not as vital as ensuring client safety. Recording changes in the client's pulse rate is important for a comprehensive assessment but does not take precedence over monitoring the client during position changes.
NCLEX-RN mental health practice questions, set 11 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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