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 behavior is expected of members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
A. Speaking at and participating in weekly meetings
B. Promising to attend at least 12 meetings yearly
C. Maintaining controlled drinking after 6 months
D. Acknowledging an inability to control the drinking
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Acknowledging an inability to control the drinking
A fundamental aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the acceptance of one's inability to control their drinking behavior. This acknowledgment is crucial for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol abuse issues. While speaking at and participating in meetings is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement for AA members. Similarly, there is no specific mandate on the number of meetings to attend yearly, as long as the individual finds the support they need. Maintaining controlled drinking after 6 months is not aligned with AA principles, as the group emphasizes complete abstinence from alcohol to support long-term sobriety.
Question 2
On the first postpartum day, a client whose infant is rooming in asks the nurse to return her baby to the nursery and bring the baby to her only at feeding times. Which response would the nurse provide?
A. It seems that you've changed your mind about rooming in.
B. I think you're having difficulty caring for the baby.
C. All right. I'll inform the other nurses of your decision.
D. You must be tired. I'll bring the baby back at feeding time.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — It seems that you've changed your mind about rooming in.
Stating that it seems that the client has changed her mind opens communication and allows the client to verbalize her thoughts and feelings. This response acknowledges the client's request without being judgmental. Stating that the client is having difficulty caring for the baby is presumptuous and could make the client defensive. Informing other nurses of the client's decision without exploring the reasons behind it may not address the client's concerns. Although the client may be tired, assuming this without further discussion may overlook the client's true feelings and needs, hindering effective communication and support.
Question 3
The mental health nurse plans to discuss a client's depression with the health care provider in the emergency department. There are two clients sitting across from the emergency department desk. Which nursing action is best?
A. Only refer to the client by gender
B. Identify the client only by age
C. Avoid using the client's name
D. Discuss the client another time
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Discuss the client another time
The best nursing action is to discuss the client another time to ensure confidentiality. It is important to maintain the privacy of the client's information, so discussing sensitive topics like depression in a public area where conversations can be overheard is not appropriate. While options A, B, and C may seem like ways to protect the client's identity, they do not guarantee confidentiality since details like gender or age can still lead to identification. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize privacy and confidentiality by finding a more suitable time and location to have a private discussion about the client's concerns.
Question 4
Which dysfunction of the reproductive system is associated with anorexia nervosa in females?
A. Galactorrhea
B. Gynecomastia
C. Amenorrhea
D. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea (cessation of menses) is associated with anorexia nervosa in females due to endocrine imbalances resulting from depleted fat stores. Galactorrhea is a milky discharge from the nipples unrelated to normal breast milk production. Gynecomastia is swelling of breast tissue in males. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs about 1 week before menses and includes mood swings, depression, fatigue, bloating, overeating, and difficulty focusing, resolving when menstruation starts. In the context of anorexia nervosa, the primary concern is the disruption of the menstrual cycle due to low body weight, leading to amenorrhea.
Question 5
The wife of a client who is dying says, 'I want to see him, but I can only come twice a week because of work, household chores, and caring for our cat and dog.' Which defense mechanism is the wife using?
A. Projection
B. Sublimation
C. Compensation
D. Rationalization
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Rationalization
The wife is using rationalization as a defense mechanism. Rationalization involves offering a socially acceptable or logical explanation to justify an unacceptable feeling or behavior. In this scenario, the wife justifies her limited visits to her dying husband by citing other responsibilities such as work, household chores, and pet care. Projection involves denying one's unacceptable feelings and attributing them to others. Sublimation is the substitution of unacceptable feelings or drives with socially acceptable behaviors. Compensation involves making up for a perceived deficiency by emphasizing another perceived asset.
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Question 6
The client with cholecystitis is being instructed about dietary choices. Which meal best meets the dietary needs of this client?
A. Steak, baked beans, and a salad
B. Broiled fish, green beans, and an apple
C. Pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and grapes
D. Avocado salad, milk, and angel food cake
Correct answer:
Clients with cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, should follow a low-fat diet to reduce symptoms. Broiled fish, green beans, and an apple (Option B) is the most suitable choice as it is low in fat. Steak, baked beans, and a salad (Option A) provide a high amount of fat and protein, which may exacerbate symptoms of cholecystitis. Pork chops, macaroni and cheese, and grapes (Option C) and avocado salad, milk, and angel food cake (Option D) contain high-fat foods that are not recommended for individuals with cholecystitis. Therefore, Option B is the most appropriate choice for a client with cholecystitis.
Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of dementia of the Alzheimer type?
A. There is a genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters.
B. The dementia is transient and secondary to a physical imbalance or disorder.
C. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion of select areas of the brain cause tissue damage.
D. The presence of amyloid plaques is associated with brain tissue destruction.
Correct answer:
In Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain is a hallmark feature. These plaques are associated with the destruction of brain tissue, contributing to the cognitive decline seen in dementia. Genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters are factors linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, but the primary pathology lies in the amyloid plaques. Transient dementia is not characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion are more typical of vascular dementia, where blood flow to the brain is compromised.
During a routine assessment, an obese 50-year-old female client expresses concern about her sexual relationship with her husband. Which is the best response by the nurse?
A. Reassure the client that many obese individuals have concerns about sex.
B. Remind the client that sexual relationships can remain unaffected by obesity.
C. Determine the frequency of sexual intercourse.
D. Ask the client to talk about specific concerns.
Correct answer:
Option D is the best response as it allows the client to express her specific concerns, providing the nurse with valuable assessment data. This open-ended question encourages the client to share her worries and feelings, which can guide the nurse in addressing her unique needs. Options A and B make assumptions about the client's concerns based on her weight, potentially invalidating her feelings and inhibiting effective communication. Option C is premature as understanding the client's concerns should precede discussions about the frequency of sexual intercourse, which may not address the core issues the client is facing.
When assisting an older adult client to prepare to take a tub bath, which nursing action is most important?
A. Check the bath water temperature.
B. Shut the bathroom door.
C. Ensure that the client has voided.
D. Provide extra towels.
Correct answer:
The most critical nursing action when assisting an older adult client in preparing for a tub bath is to check the bath water temperature. This step is essential to prevent burns or excessive chilling, prioritizing the client's safety. While ensuring privacy by shutting the bathroom door (option B), confirming that the client has voided (option C), and providing extra towels (option D) are all important for comfort and dignity, they are secondary to ensuring the client's safety during bathing. Therefore, checking the bath water temperature is the priority to safeguard the client's well-being and prevent potential injuries.
A mother complains to the nurse that her 3-year-old child refuses to go to preschool. The child rarely interacts and avoids playing with other children. Which statement would the nurse provide?
A. Do not be concerned because all toddlers behave this way.
B. Ask the teacher to push the child to speak up and open up to the other kids.
C. Set boundaries and supervise the child closely.
D. Give your child time to get acquainted and warm up to the new environment.
Correct answer:
According to the mother's description, the child is a slow-to-warm-up child. These children are uneasy in new situations or with unfamiliar people. The nurse would educate the mother to give the child time to be more familiar with the new environment. All toddlers do not behave in the same manner. A slow-to-warm-up child should not be pressured to do anything against his or her wishes. Setting boundaries and closely supervising the child is not the best approach for a child who needs time to adapt. Asking the teacher to push the child to open up can create more anxiety and stress for the child, which is not recommended.
The nurse is using the Glasgow Coma Scale to perform a neurologic assessment. A comatose client winces and pulls away from a painful stimulus. Which action should the nurse take next?
A. Document that the client responds to the painful stimulus.
B. Observe the client's response to verbal stimulation.
C. Place the client on seizure precautions for 24 hours.
D. Report decorticate posturing to the health care provider.
Correct answer:
The correct action for the nurse to take next is to document that the client responds to the painful stimulus. In this scenario, the client has shown a purposeful response to pain by wincing and pulling away, which should be accurately documented. Verbal stimulation assessment typically follows the assessment of responses to painful stimuli. Placing the client on seizure precautions is not warranted based solely on the observed response to a painful stimulus. Decorticate posturing, which involves abnormal flexion movements, is not demonstrated by the client in this case, making it unnecessary to report to the provider.
What is a common reason why clients abuse alcohol?
A. To blunt reality
B. To precipitate euphoria
C. To promote social interaction
D. To stimulate the central nervous system
Correct answer:
Clients often abuse alcohol to blunt reality. Alcohol, by depressing the central nervous system and distorting or altering reality, can reduce anxiety. It is not primarily used to precipitate euphoria; instead, it may lead to mood swings, impaired judgment, and aggressive behavior. While alcohol can be used as a social lubricant, individuals with alcohol use disorder often drink in isolation. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can result in inappropriate and aggressive behaviors that hinder social interactions. It's important to note that alcohol is a depressant, unlike stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine.
After receiving written and verbal instructions from a clinic nurse about a newly prescribed medication, a client asks the nurse what to do if questions arise about the medication after getting home. How should the nurse respond?
A. Provide the client with a list of reliable internet sites that offer information on medications.
B. Advise the client to obtain a current edition of a drug reference book from a local bookstore or library.
C. Reassure the client that information about the medication is included in the written instructions.
D. Encourage the client to call the clinic nurse or healthcare provider if any questions arise.
Correct answer:
To ensure safe medication use, the nurse should encourage the client to call the clinic nurse or healthcare provider if any questions arise. This direct communication allows for personalized assistance and clarification tailored to the client's specific concerns. Providing Internet sites (Choice A) may lead to unreliable information, and a drug reference book (Choice B) may not address individualized questions. While the written instructions may contain information (Choice C), they may not cover all potential queries the client might have, making direct contact with the healthcare provider the most appropriate option.
What initial treatment would the nurse expect for a preschool-aged child experiencing severe fear of the dark?
A. Prescription medication
B. Mental health counseling
C. Cognitive behavioral therapy
D. Repetition of brave statements
Correct answer:
Repetition of brave statements is an effective initial treatment for preschool-aged children with severe fear of the dark. This technique involves encouraging the child to repeat positive and reassuring statements to themselves to build confidence and reduce fear. Prescription medication is not typically the first-line approach for this type of fear in children due to potential side effects and safety concerns. Mental health counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy may be considered if the fear persists or is severe, but they are usually not the initial treatments for preschool-aged children with fear of the dark.
Which term refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images of oneself?
A. Global self
B. Core self-concept
C. Personal identity
D. Ideal self
Correct answer:
The term 'Global self' specifically refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images about oneself. It encompasses a person's overall perception of themselves, including their beliefs, values, and self-image. 'Core self-concept' is more focused on the fundamental beliefs individuals hold about themselves, 'Personal identity' relates to the characteristics and qualities that distinguish a person from others, and 'Ideal self' represents the person an individual aspires to be rather than their current self-perception. Therefore, 'Global self' is the most appropriate term for the description provided in the question.
NCLEX-RN mental health practice questions, set 16 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.
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