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 behavior best indicates that the client has received adequate preparation for the scheduled diagnostic studies?
A. Asks for the tests to be explained again
B. Checks the appointment card multiple times
C. Arrives early and waits quietly to be called for the tests
D. Paces back and forth in the hallway on the morning of the tests
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Arrives early and waits quietly to be called for the tests
The correct answer is arriving early and waiting quietly to be called for the tests. This behavior indicates that the client is prepared, as early arrival suggests an expected degree of anxiety and the quiet waiting indicates a lower level of anxiety and adequate preparation. Asking for the tests to be explained again may signal inadequate explanation, nervousness, or poor memory. Checking the appointment card repeatedly or pacing up and down the hallway indicate a high level of anxiety, which could be associated with inadequate teaching. Nurses providing preprocedural teaching should assess for anxiety related to procedures, coping mechanisms, and retention of information post-teaching. If issues are identified, strategies such as paraphrasing information, having a support person present, seeking advice from someone who has undergone the procedure, or visiting the test center beforehand can be utilized.
Question 2
Which of the following interventions is most appropriate when working with the family of a client who is being treated for substance abuse?
A. Advocate for the client before the family
B. Provide referrals for community resources and support groups
C. Take the side of the family before the client
D. Both B and C
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Provide referrals for community resources and support groups
When working with the family of a client undergoing substance abuse treatment, it is crucial to support not only the client but also their family. Providing referrals for community resources and support groups is an effective intervention as it helps the family access additional support and information to cope with the challenges related to the client's substance abuse. This empowers the family to enhance their understanding of the situation and develop effective coping strategies. Advocating for the client before the family (choice A) may lead to conflicts and hinder the therapeutic process, while taking the side of the family before the client (choice C) can jeopardize the client's progress and trust. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention in this scenario is to provide referrals for community resources and support groups to ensure holistic care for both the client and their family.
Question 3
A 28-year-old woman is recovering from her third consecutive spontaneous abortion in 2 years. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for this client at her follow-up appointment?
A. Focusing on the client's physical needs
B. Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
C. Reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again
D. Encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
The most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client recovering from multiple spontaneous abortions is to encourage the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss. This allows the client to express and process her emotions, facilitating the grieving process and emotional healing. Focusing solely on the client's physical needs, as in choice A, overlooks the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of the client's experience. Choice C, reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again, fails to acknowledge the current loss and may minimize the client's feelings of grief. Choice D, encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future, does not directly address the client's immediate emotional needs related to the recent loss. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention to support the client in coping with her emotional distress.
Question 4
Which statement by an 8-year-old girl, who was just admitted to the hospital, needs to be explored?
A. ''Wow! This hospital has bright colors.''
B. ''Is my mother allowed to visit me tonight?'
C. ''Those boys are so cute. I hope their room is next to mine!'
D. ''I'm scared about being here. Can you stay with me awhile?'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — ''Those boys are so cute. I hope their room is next to mine!'
The correct answer is C. An 8-year-old child showing a strong attraction to boys at this age may raise concerns about precocious sexual behavior or exposure to inappropriate sexual content, potentially signaling the need to investigate for possible sexual abuse. It is important to explore this statement further. Choice A, expressing admiration for bright colors, is a common behavior for children of this age and does not raise immediate concerns. Choice B, inquiring about the mother's visit, is a typical concern for a hospitalized child seeking comfort and support. Choice D, expressing fear and seeking reassurance from the nurse, is also a normal reaction for an 8-year-old in a new and possibly intimidating environment. However, the statement in Choice C stands out as it deviates from age-appropriate behavior and warrants further exploration to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Question 5
Which of the following is an advantage of working with psychiatric clients in a group setting?
A. Clients assist each other through therapeutic interventions with the support of a nurse
B. Clients can receive peer support and feedback in a safe and controlled environment
C. Clients can share experiences and coping strategies while maintaining confidentiality
D. Clients learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Clients learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment
Group therapy is a valuable approach in mental health treatment. Working with psychiatric clients in a group setting offers various benefits. Clients in a group setting can learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment. This environment allows individuals to express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Through interactions with peers, clients can gain insight into their own behaviors and learn alternative ways of coping. Choice A is incorrect as the presence and support of a nurse are typically important in group therapy sessions. Choice B is incorrect as group settings provide structure and rules to ensure a safe space for clients to express themselves. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining confidentiality is crucial in group therapy to build trust and encourage open sharing.
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Question 6
While communicating with a client, the nurse determines that the client has realized the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and plans to stop drinking within 6 months. Which stage of the transtheoretical model of change would the nurse correlate the client's behavior with?
A. Action
B. Preparation
C. Maintenance
D. Contemplation
Correct answer:
The transtheoretical model of change defines changing patterns in individuals across five stages based on their readiness to change. The stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In the contemplation stage, the client acknowledges the benefits of change and considers making the change within the next 6 months. This aligns with the client's realization of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and intent to stop drinking within 6 months. The action stage involves actively making changes, the preparation stage includes goal-setting with an intention to change within 60 days, and the maintenance stage focuses on sustaining changed behavior for at least 6 months and taking preventive measures to avoid relapse. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's behavior aligns with the contemplation stage of the transtheoretical model of change.
Which consideration is the most accurate when applying the principles of mental health?
A. Emotionally ill individuals may initially reject psychological support from family or others.
B. People with emotional illnesses may experience challenges in problem-solving.
C. Mental illness is not solely characterized by signs and symptoms of socially inappropriate behavior.
D. Emotional health is promoted when there is a sense of mastery of self and the environment.
Correct answer:
Emotional health is enhanced when an individual feels a sense of control over themselves and their surroundings, fostering security, reducing anxiety, and promoting optimal functioning. While some emotionally ill individuals may reject help initially, many are in distress and acknowledge the need for psychological support. Some seek care based on positive past experiences or the attention received. Additionally, individuals with excellent cognitive function may face challenges in problem-solving due to emotional or psychological barriers. Not all individuals with mental illness exhibit socially inappropriate behavior; it is a misconception that mental illness is solely characterized by such signs and symptoms. Therefore, the most accurate consideration among the choices is that emotional health thrives when there is a feeling of mastery over oneself and the environment.
Which basic principle of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) should a client with alcohol use disorder follow?
A. Spouses should attend Al-Anon meetings.
B. It is a commitment to focus on long-term goals.
C. Amends must be made to each person who has been harmed.
D. People have the power to overcome alcoholism if they truly want to stop drinking.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is that amends must be made to each person who has been harmed. This principle is reflected in the eighth step of the 12 steps of AA, which involves making a list of all persons harmed and being willing to make amends to them. It is a fundamental principle of AA to address past harms and seek to rectify them. Choice A is incorrect because spouses attending Al-Anon meetings is not a basic principle of AA; it is a support group for family members of individuals with alcohol use disorder. Choice B is incorrect because while focusing on long-term goals can be beneficial, AA emphasizes taking one day at a time rather than committing to long-term goals. Choice D is incorrect because AA teaches that individuals struggling with alcoholism are powerless over their addiction and need to rely on a higher power rather than solely their willpower to overcome it.
Which characteristic is associated with anorexia nervosa?
A. Manic
B. Rebellious
C. Hypoactive
D. Perfectionistic
Correct answer:
Individuals with anorexia nervosa often exhibit perfectionistic traits, characterized by rigid standards and extreme self-discipline as a way to maintain control and fulfill personal and societal expectations. The focus on achieving an ideal body image through strict dietary habits and excessive exercise is a common manifestation of this perfectionism. The incorrect choices are: A) 'Manic' is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa; individuals with this disorder are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. B) 'Rebellious' does not align with the usual behavior seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa, who tend to comply with societal expectations rather than rebel against them. C) 'Hypoactive' does not describe the characteristic behavior of individuals with anorexia nervosa, who often engage in excessive physical activity as a means of weight loss.
When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?
A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
B. Re-inflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the second reading.
C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
D. Document the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen.
Correct answer:
When the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard while taking a client's blood pressure, the best action is to deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading. Deflating the cuff for this duration allows blood flow to return to the extremity, ensuring an accurate reading on that extremity a second time. Option A of deflating the cuff completely and immediately reattempting the reading could lead to a falsely high reading. Option B, re-inflating the cuff completely and leaving it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds, reduces circulation, causes pain, and may alter the reading. Option D, documenting the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen, is not a reliable method for assessing blood pressure and does not address the issue of obtaining an accurate reading.
Which psychosocial attribute plays an important role in the development of a healthy personality from birth to 1 year of age?
A. Initiative versus guilt
B. Trust versus mistrust
C. Autonomy versus shame
D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct answer:
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first attribute that helps develop a healthy personality after birth is trust. Mistrust develops if the care provided to the infant is inconsistent. Initiative versus guilt is observed at 3 to 6 years of age, when children explore their surroundings and may experience guilt if their actions conflict with parental expectations. Autonomy versus shame occurs between 1 and 3 years of age, as children develop motor skills and new activities, with shame emerging if they feel self-conscious. Industry versus inferiority is evident in children aged 6 to 12 years, where successful task completion fosters a sense of industry, while excessive expectations can lead to feelings of inferiority. Therefore, the correct attribute for a healthy personality development from birth to 1 year of age is trust versus mistrust.
Which psychosocial attribute plays an important role in the development of a healthy personality from birth to 1 year of age?
A. Initiative versus guilt
B. Trust versus mistrust
C. Autonomy versus shame
D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct answer:
According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first attribute that helps develop a healthy personality after birth is trust. Mistrust develops if the care provided to the infant is inconsistent. Initiative versus guilt is observed at 3 to 6 years of age, when children explore their surroundings and may experience guilt if their actions conflict with parental expectations. Autonomy versus shame occurs between 1 and 3 years of age, as children develop motor skills and new activities, with shame emerging if they feel self-conscious. Industry versus inferiority is evident in children aged 6 to 12 years, where successful task completion fosters a sense of industry, while excessive expectations can lead to feelings of inferiority. Therefore, the correct attribute for a healthy personality development from birth to 1 year of age is trust versus mistrust.
A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?
A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.
A client has been diagnosed with a form of terminal cancer and has started receiving hospice care. The nurse notes that both the client and his family avoid talking about the diagnosis. All attempts at discussion result in changing the subject. The nurse recognizes that this family is exhibiting:
A. Closed awareness
B. Mutual pretense
C. Open awareness
D. Powerless assessment
Correct answer:
The correct answer is 'Mutual pretense.' Mutual pretense is a form of awareness as a response to death or dying in which those involved avoid discussing the situation. In this scenario, both the client and the family are aware of the terminal cancer diagnosis, but they choose not to talk about it openly. This behavior can stem from various reasons, such as trying to shield loved ones from grief, fear of the future, or discomfort with discussing emotions. 'Closed awareness' (Choice A) refers to a lack of awareness of the impending death, which is not the case here. 'Open awareness' (Choice C) involves open acknowledgment and discussion of the terminal illness, which is contrary to the behavior described. 'Powerless assessment' (Choice D) does not relate to the situation of avoiding discussing the diagnosis in the context of terminal cancer and hospice care.
What approach should the nurse use when a manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors asks the nurse to talk while the nurse is orienting a new client to the unit?
A. Suggest that the client requesting attention speak with another staff member.
B. Leave the new client, saying, 'I'll talk with the other client until things calm down.'
C. Introduce the two clients and suggest that the client join them on a tour of the facility.
D. Say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.'
Correct answer:
The nurse should respond to the manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors by setting realistic limits on behavior without rejecting the client. Therefore, the correct approach is to say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.' This response acknowledges the client's request while prioritizing the needs of the new client and setting appropriate boundaries. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Suggesting that the client speak with another staff member would be a rejection of the client, not the behavior. Leaving the new client to attend to the manipulative client would encourage further manipulation and disrupt the orientation process for the new client. Introducing the two clients and suggesting a tour is inconsistent with setting limits and does not address the manipulative behavior being displayed.
NCLEX-RN mental health practice questions, set 2 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the NCLEX-RN exam guide.
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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