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
The nurse is preparing an older client for discharge. Which method is best for the nurse to use when evaluating the client's ability to perform a dressing change at home?
A. Determine how well the client can change the dressing.
B. Ask the client to demonstrate the procedure.
C. Seek a family member's opinion on the client's dressing change ability.
D. Observe the client change the dressing unassisted.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Observe the client change the dressing unassisted.
The best method for the nurse to evaluate the client's ability to perform a dressing change at home is by observing the client change the dressing unassisted. Direct observation allows the nurse to assess if the client has mastered the skill and provides an opportunity to confirm the proficiency. Options A, B, and C do not offer the same level of assessment as direct observation. Option A incorrectly focuses on the client's feelings rather than their actual performance ability. Option B, asking the client to demonstrate the procedure, may not accurately reflect their practical skills. Option C, seeking a family member's opinion, introduces potential bias and may not provide an accurate assessment of the client's ability to perform the dressing change independently.
Question 2
The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a non-English speaking patient who is from China. Which actions could the nurse take to enhance communication (select one that does not apply)?
A. Use an electronic translation application.
B. Use a telephone-based medical interpreter.
C. Wait until an agency interpreter is available.
D. Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.
Electronic translation applications, telephone-based medical interpreters, and agency interpreters are all appropriate tools to enhance communication with non-English-speaking patients. However, asking the patient's teenage daughter to interpret is not recommended due to potential misinterpretation of crucial information during the admission assessment. While family members may be considered in the absence of a professional interpreter, there is a risk of misunderstanding or lack of sharing essential details. It is important to rely on trained interpreters to ensure accurate communication and avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation of critical information. Using gestures can be helpful, but over-exaggeration of gestures is unnecessary and may lead to confusion.
Question 3
The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a non-English speaking patient who is from China. Which actions could the nurse take to enhance communication (select one that does not apply)?
A. Use an electronic translation application.
B. Use a telephone-based medical interpreter.
C. Wait until an agency interpreter is available.
D. Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.
Electronic translation applications, telephone-based medical interpreters, and agency interpreters are all appropriate tools to enhance communication with non-English-speaking patients. However, asking the patient's teenage daughter to interpret is not recommended due to potential misinterpretation of crucial information during the admission assessment. While family members may be considered in the absence of a professional interpreter, there is a risk of misunderstanding or lack of sharing essential details. It is important to rely on trained interpreters to ensure accurate communication and avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation of critical information. Using gestures can be helpful, but over-exaggeration of gestures is unnecessary and may lead to confusion.
Question 4
Which activity would be most beneficial for a school-age client diagnosed with a chronic illness to enhance a sense of accomplishment?
A. Wearing make-up
B. Making up missed work
C. Participating in sports activities
D. Participating in creative activities
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Making up missed work
Making up missed work is an essential activity that can help a school-age client diagnosed with a chronic illness feel a sense of accomplishment. By catching up on missed work, the child can regain a sense of control and productivity, which can be empowering during a challenging time. Wearing make-up is more related to personal grooming and self-expression, which may not directly contribute to a sense of accomplishment in this context. Participating in sports activities is beneficial for peer relationships and physical health but may not address the immediate need for accomplishment in the academic setting. Engaging in creative activities fosters cognitive development but may not directly address the sense of achievement associated with completing academic tasks.
Question 5
Which activity would be most beneficial for a school-age client diagnosed with a chronic illness to enhance a sense of accomplishment?
A. Wearing make-up
B. Making up missed work
C. Participating in sports activities
D. Participating in creative activities
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Making up missed work
Making up missed work is an essential activity that can help a school-age client diagnosed with a chronic illness feel a sense of accomplishment. By catching up on missed work, the child can regain a sense of control and productivity, which can be empowering during a challenging time. Wearing make-up is more related to personal grooming and self-expression, which may not directly contribute to a sense of accomplishment in this context. Participating in sports activities is beneficial for peer relationships and physical health but may not address the immediate need for accomplishment in the academic setting. Engaging in creative activities fosters cognitive development but may not directly address the sense of achievement associated with completing academic tasks.
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Question 6
A child is undergoing chemotherapy to treat a neuroblastoma, stage IV, and had his first chemotherapy session last week. He arrives with his mother for this week's session. How would the nurse greet the child?
A. How did you feel after your last treatment?
B. What are your thoughts on the treatment so far?
C. Did you experience any side effects after the last session?
D. Are you ready for the next round of treatment?
Correct answer:
The most appropriate way for the nurse to greet the child is by asking, 'How did you feel after your last treatment?' This question allows the child to share their experience voluntarily, empowering them to feel in control of the conversation. It also demonstrates empathy and a caring attitude. Option B, 'What are your thoughts on the treatment so far?' is broad and may not address the child's immediate feelings after the last session. Option C, 'Did you experience any side effects after the last session?' focuses solely on side effects and may predispose the child to think negatively. Option D, 'Are you ready for the next round of treatment?' does not address the child's current well-being or feelings, missing an opportunity for emotional support and connection.
A child is undergoing chemotherapy to treat a neuroblastoma, stage IV, and had his first chemotherapy session last week. He arrives with his mother for this week's session. How would the nurse greet the child?
A. How did you feel after your last treatment?
B. What are your thoughts on the treatment so far?
C. Did you experience any side effects after the last session?
D. Are you ready for the next round of treatment?
Correct answer:
The most appropriate way for the nurse to greet the child is by asking, 'How did you feel after your last treatment?' This question allows the child to share their experience voluntarily, empowering them to feel in control of the conversation. It also demonstrates empathy and a caring attitude. Option B, 'What are your thoughts on the treatment so far?' is broad and may not address the child's immediate feelings after the last session. Option C, 'Did you experience any side effects after the last session?' focuses solely on side effects and may predispose the child to think negatively. Option D, 'Are you ready for the next round of treatment?' does not address the child's current well-being or feelings, missing an opportunity for emotional support and connection.
A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and compare the reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings for accuracy.
B. Contact the health care provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort during blood pressure measurement.
D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.
Correct answer:
The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg is to compare the current reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison helps determine whether the current reading is abnormal for the client. Option A, which involves informing the client that the blood pressure is high and comparing it with the previous readings, is appropriate as it educates the client and aids in accurate assessment. Option B, contacting the health care provider for medication, is premature without further assessment. Option C, replacing the cuff with a larger one, is incorrect as it may affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and is not a standard practice for managing high blood pressure readings.
The client finds a client crying behind a locked bathroom door. The client will not open the door. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Instruct an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to stay and keep talking to the client.
B. Sit quietly in the client's room until the client leaves the bathroom.
C. Allow the client to cry alone and leave the client in the bathroom.
D. Talk to the client and attempt to find out why the client is crying.
Correct answer:
The nurse's first concern should be for the client's safety, so an immediate assessment of the client's situation is needed. Option D is the correct choice as it involves directly addressing the client's emotional state and attempting to understand the reason for the distress. In a vulnerable situation like this, the nurse should take the lead in assessing and communicating with the client. Option A is incorrect as it would delegate the responsibility to someone else when the nurse should be the one to initiate the assessment. Option B is inappropriate as it does not actively address the client's emotional needs or safety. Option C is also incorrect because leaving the client alone without further assessment could potentially endanger the client's well-being.
After being medicated for anxiety, the client says to the nurse, 'I guess you are too busy to stay with me.' Which response by the nurse is correct?
A. I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients.'
B. 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes.'
C. You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working.'
D. You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable.'
Correct answer:
The nurse should respond with empathy and reassurance to address the client's emotional needs. The correct response, 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes,' acknowledges the client's feelings while providing a timeframe for the nurse's return, showing care and concern. Choice A, 'I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients,' prioritizes other tasks over the client's emotional needs, which can increase anxiety. Choice C, 'You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's immediate emotional distress. Choice D, 'You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable,' does not acknowledge the client's concerns and fails to establish a supportive connection with the client.
A 28-month-old toddler is admitted to the pediatric unit with suspected meningitis. A few hours later the mother tells the nurse, 'I have to leave now, but whenever I try to go, my child gets upset, and then I start to cry.' Which is the best action by the nurse?
A. Walking the mother to the elevator
B. Encouraging the mother to spend the night
C. Staying with the child while the mother leaves
D. Telling the mother to wait until the child falls asleep
Correct answer:
The best action for the nurse in this situation is to stay with the child while the mother leaves. By doing so, the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance to both the child and the mother. This approach acknowledges the mother's need to leave while ensuring the child is not left alone and is supported during the separation. Walking the mother to the elevator does not address the child's emotional needs and may not provide adequate support. Encouraging the mother to spend the night is not necessary and may not be feasible for her. Telling the mother to wait until the child falls asleep is not recommended as it may create a sense of dishonesty and uncertainty for the child, who should be aware of the mother's departure and reassured that she will return.
Urinary catheterization is prescribed for a postoperative female client who has been unable to void for 8 hours. The nurse inserts the catheter, but no urine is seen in the tubing. What should the nurse do next?
A. Clamp the catheter and recheck it in 60 minutes.
B. Pull the catheter back 3 inches and redirect upward.
C. Leave the catheter in place and reattempt with another catheter.
D. Notify the healthcare provider of a possible obstruction.
Correct answer:
When no urine is seen in the tubing after inserting a catheter in a female client who has not voided for 8 hours, it is possible that the catheter is in the vagina rather than the bladder. Leaving the initial catheter in place can help locate the meatus for the second attempt. The client should have at least 240 mL of urine output after 8 hours, indicating the need for catheterization. Clamping the catheter (Option A) does not address the issue of incorrect catheter placement. Pulling the catheter back and redirecting it (Option B) is not effective unless the catheter is completely removed, requiring a new catheter. There is no indication of a urinary tract obstruction to notify the healthcare provider (Option D) as the catheter could be inserted easily.
A client is having difficulty applying for a job due to panic and anxiety. A nurse is helping by pretending to be the job supervisor while the client practices answering questions during an imaginary interview. This technique is an example of:
A. Reinforcement
B. Presenting reality
C. Role playing
D. Summarizing
Correct answer:
Role-playing is the correct answer. It involves practicing appropriate behaviors during imaginary scenarios that simulate real-life situations. In this scenario, the nurse is helping the client prepare for a job interview by acting as the job supervisor. Role-playing allows the client to practice and develop strategies to cope with anxiety and panic during the actual interview. Reinforcement (Choice A) involves providing consequences to strengthen a behavior. Presenting reality (Choice B) involves helping the client differentiate between real and unreal experiences. Summarizing (Choice D) involves condensing information. In this context, role-playing is the most appropriate technique to address the client's anxiety and panic related to job interviews.
A client had a first-trimester abortion and has been unable to function for 3 months. Which type of grief is the client experiencing?
A. Complex bereavement
B. Anticipatory
C. Disenfranchised
D. Complicated
Correct answer:
The client is experiencing disenfranchised grief. Disenfranchised grief refers to grief over a loss that is not socially recognized or acknowledged. In this case, grief after an abortion falls into this category. It can lead to prolonged emotional distress as the loss may not be openly acknowledged or supported by others. Complex bereavement is characterized by dysfunctional grieving that extends beyond 12 months. Anticipatory grief occurs when the loss is expected or predictable, allowing individuals to start the grieving process before the actual loss. Complicated grief is marked by an inability to progress through the grief stages, leading to intense feelings of depression, anger, and emptiness, often coupled with a preoccupation with the deceased.
Which of the following is a symptom associated with sensory overload?
A. Disorientation
B. Drowsiness
C. Emotional lability
D. Depression
Correct answer:
Disorientation is a common symptom associated with sensory overload. When an individual experiences sensory overload, their brain may become overwhelmed with excessive information, leading to disorientation. This can manifest as an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts, and restless behavior. Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to either control the amount of environmental stimuli they are exposed to or process the stimuli effectively. Drowsiness, emotional lability, and depression are not typical symptoms of sensory overload. Drowsiness may indicate fatigue or boredom, emotional lability refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, and depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
NCLEX-RN mental health practice questions, set 7 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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