MENTAL HEALTH NCLEX QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Mental Health 1. The home care nurse is visiting an older client whose spouse died 6 months ago. Which behavior by the client indicates ineffective coping? 1. Neglecting personal grooming 2. Looking at old snapshots of family 3. Participating in a senior citizens' program 4. Visiting their spouse's grave once a month 2. A client with a diagnosis of major depression who has attempted suicide says to the nurse, "I should have died. I've always been a failure. Nothing ever goes right for me." Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication? 1. "You have everything to live for." 2. "Why do you see yourself as a failure?" 3. "Feeling like this is all part of being depressed." 4. "You've been feeling like a failure for a while?" 3. When the mental health nurse visits a client at home, the client states, "I haven't slept at all the last couple of nights." Which response by the nurse illustrates a therapeutic communication response to this client? 1. "I see." 2. "Really?" 3. "You're having difficulty sleeping?" 4. "Sometimes, I have trouble sleeping too." 3. A client experiencing disturbed thought processes believes that his food is being poisoned. Which communication technique should the nurse use to encourage the client to eat? 1. Using open-ended questions and silence 2. Sharing personal preference regarding food choices 3. Documenting reasons why the client does not want to eat 4. Offering opinions about the necessity of adequate nutrition 5. A client admitted to a mental health unit for treatment of psychotic behavior spends hours at the locked exit door shouting, "Let me out. There's nothing wrong with me. I don't belong here." What defense mechanism is the client implementing? 1. Denial 2. Projection 3. Regression 4. Rationalization 6. A client diagnosed with terminal cancer says to the nurse, "I'm going to die, and I wish my family would stop hoping for a cure! I get so angry when they carry on like this. After all, I'm the one who's dying." Which response by the nurse is therapeutic? 1. "Have you shared your feelings with your family?" 2. "I think we should talk more about your anger with your family." 3. "You're feeling angry that your family continues to hope for you to be cured?" 4. "You are probably very depressed, which is understandable with such a diagnosis." 7. On review of the client's record, the nurse notes that the mental health admission was voluntary. Based on this information, the nurse anticipates which client behavior? 1. Fearfulness regarding treatment measures. 2. Anger and aggressiveness directed toward others. 3. An understanding of the pathology and symptoms of the diagnosis. 4. A willingness to participate in the planning of the care and treatment plan. 8. When reviewing the admission assessment, the nurse notes that a client was admitted to the mental health unit involuntarily. Based on this type of admission, the nurse should provide which intervention for this client? 1. Monitor closely for harm to self or others. 2. Assist in completing an application for admission. 3. Supply the client with written information about their mental illness. 4. Provide an opportunity for the family to discuss why they felt the admission was needed. 9. The nurse is preparing a client for the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship. The nurse prepares to implement which nursing task that is most appropriate for this phase? 1. Planning short-term goals 2. Making appropriate referrals 3. Developing realistic solutions 4. Identifying expected outcomes 10. The nurse in the mental health unit recognizes which as being therapeutic communication techniques? Select all that apply. 1. Restating 2. Listening 3. Asking the client, "Why?" 4. Maintaining neutral responses 5. Providing acknowledgment and feedback 6. Giving advice and approval or disapproval o 1. Restating o 2. Listening o 4. Maintaining neutral responses o 5. Providing acknowledgment and feedback 11. A client being seen in the emergency department immediately after being sexually assaulted appears calm and controlled. The nurse analyzes this behavior as indicating which defense mechanism? 1. Denial 2. Projection 3. Rationalization 4. Intellectualization 1. Denial 12. A client's unresolved feelings related to loss would be most likely observed during which phase of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship? 1. Trusting 2. Working 3. Orientation 4. Termination 4. Termination 13. The nurse is working with a client who despite making a heroic effort was unable to rescue a neighbor trapped in a house fire. Which client-focused action should the nurse engage in during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship? 1. Exploring the client's ability to function 2. Exploring the client's potential for self-harm 3. Inquiring about the client's perception or appraisal of why the rescue was unsuccessful 4. Inquiring about and examining the client's feelings for any that may block adaptive coping 4. Inquiring about and examining the client's feelings for any that may block adaptive coping 14. The nurse employed in a mental health unit of a hospital is the leader of a group psychotherapy session. What is the nurse's role during the termination stage of group development? 1. Acknowledging that the group has identified goals 2. Encouraging the accomplishment of the group's work 3. Acknowledging the contributions of each group member 4. Encouraging members to become acquainted with one another 3. Acknowledging the contributions of each group member 15. Which are characteristics of the termination stage of group development? Select all that apply. 1. The group evaluates the experience. 2. The real work of the group is accomplished. 3. Group interaction involves superficial conversation. 4. Group members become acquainted with each other. 5. Some structuring of group norms, roles, and responsibilities takes place. 6. The group explores members' feelings about the group and the impending separation. o 1. The group evaluates the experience. o 6. The group explores members' feelings about the group and the impending separation. 16. When a client is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, a cognitive behavioral approach is used as part of the treatment plan. The nurse understands that which is the purpose of this approach? 1. Providing a supportive environment 2. Examining intrapsychic conflicts and past issues 3. Emphasizing social interaction with clients who withdraw 4. Helping the client to examine dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs 4. Helping the client to examine dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs 17. The nurse understands that which best describes Gestalt therapy? 1. It emphasizes self-expression, self-exploration, and self-awareness in the present. 2. It promotes the individual's comfort in the group, which then transfers to other relationships. 3. The therapist focuses on how irrational beliefs and thoughts contribute to psychological distress. 4. The therapist's goal is to help others express their feelings toward one another during group sessions. 1. It emphasizes self-expression, self-exploration, and self-awareness in the present. 18. A client is preparing to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for the first time. The nurse should tell the client that which is the first step in this 12-step program? 1. Admitting to having a problem 2. Substituting other activities for gambling 3. Stating that the gambling will be stopped 4. Discontinuing relationships with people who gamble 1. Admitting to having a problem 19. Which describes the primary focus of milieu therapy? 1. A form of behavior modification therapy 2. A cognitive approach to changing behavior 3. A living, learning, or working environment 4. A behavioral approach to changing behavior 3. A living, learning, or working environment 20. While being treated, a client is introduced to short periods of exposure to the phobic object while in a relaxed state. What term is used to describe this form of behavior modification? 1. Milieu therapy 2. Aversion therapy 3. Self-control therapy 4. Systematic desensitization 4. Systematic desensitization 21. A client is planning to attend Overeaters Anonymous. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional information regarding this self-help group? 1. "The leader is a nurse or psychiatrist." 2. "The members provide support to each other." 3. "People who have a similar problem are able to help others." 4. "It is designed to serve people who have a common problem." 1. "The leader is a nurse or psychiatrist." 22. What is the most appropriate nursing action to help manage a manic client who is monopolizing a group therapy session? 1. Ask the client to leave the group for this session only. 2. Refer the client to another group that includes other manic clients. 3. Tell the client to stop monopolizing in a firm but compassionate manner. 4. Thank the client for the input, but inform the client that now others need a chance to contribute. 4. Thank the client for the input, but inform the client that now others need a chance to contribute. 23. Which type of therapeutic approach has the characteristic that all team members are seen as equally important in helping clients meet their goals? 1. Milieu therapy 2. Interpersonal therapy 3. Behavior modification 4. Rational emotive therapy 1. Milieu therapy 24. A client says to the nurse, "The federal guards were sent to kill me." What is the best nursing response to the client's concern? 1. "I don't believe this is true." 2. "The guards are not out to kill you." 3. "Do you feel afraid that people are trying to hurt you?" 4. "What makes you think the guards were sent to hurt you?" 3. "Do you feel afraid that people are trying to hurt you?" 25. A client diagnosed with delirium becomes disoriented and confused at night. Which intervention should the nurse implement initially? 1. Move the client next to the nurse's station. 2. Use an indirect light source and turn off the television. 3. Keep the television and a soft light on during the night. 4. Play soft music during the night, and maintain a well-lit room. 2. Use an indirect light source and turn off the television. 26. A client is admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of depression. The nurse should develop a plan of care for the client that includes which intervention? 1. Encouraging quiet reading and writing for the first few days 2. Identification of physical activities that will provide exercise 3. No socializing activities, until the client asks to participate in milieu 4. A structured program of activities in which the client can participate 4. A structured program of activities in which the client can participate 27. When planning the discharge of a client with chronic anxiety, the nurse directs the goals at promoting a safe environment at home. Which is the most appropriate maintenance goal? 1. Suppressing feelings of anxiety 2. Identifying anxiety-producing situations 3. Continued contact with a crisis counselor 4. Eliminating all anxiety from daily situations 2. Identifying anxiety-producing situations 28. A client is unwilling to go out of the house for fear of "making a fool of myself in public." Because of this fear, the client remains homebound. Based on these data, which mental health disorder is the client experiencing? 1. Agoraphobia 2. Social phobia 3. Claustrophobia 4. Hypochondriasis 2. Social phobia 29. The nurse is conducting a group therapy session. During the session, a client diagnosed with mania consistently disrupts the group's interactions. Which intervention should the nurse initially implement? 1. Setting limits on the client's behavior 2. Asking the client to leave the group session 3. Asking another nurse to escort the client out of the group session 4. Telling the client that they will not be able to attend any future group sessions 1. Setting limits on the client's behavior 30. A client is admitted to a medical nursing unit with a diagnosis of acute blindness after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. When diagnostic testing cannot identify any organic reason why this client cannot see, a mental health consult is prescribed. Which condition will be the focus of this consult? 1. Psychosis 2. Repression 3. Conversion disorder 4. Dissociative disorder 3. Conversion disorder 31. A manic client begins to make sexual advance towards visitors in the dayroom. When the nurse firmly states that this is inappropriate and will not be allowed, the client becomes verbally abusive and threatens physical violence to the nurse. Based on the analysis of this situation, which intervention should the nurse implement? 1. Place the client in seclusion for 30 minutes. 2. Tell the client that the behavior is inappropriate. 3. Escort the client to their room, with the assistance of other staff. 4. Tell the client that their telephone privileges are revoked for 24 hours. 3. Escort the client to their room, with the assistance of other staff. 32. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for a hospitalized client with mania who is exhibiting manipulative behavior? Select all that apply. 1. Communicate expected behaviors to the client. 2. Ensure that the client knows that they are not in charge of the nursing unit. 3. Assist the client in identifying ways of setting limits on personal behaviors. 4. Follow through about the consequences of behavior in a nonpunitive manner. 5. Enforce rules by informing the client that they will not be allowed to attend therapy groups. 6. Have the client state the consequences for behaving in ways that are viewed as unacceptable. o 1. Communicate expected behaviors to the client. o 3. Assist the client in identifying ways of setting limits on personal behaviors. o 4. Follow through about the consequences of behavior in a nonpunitive manner. o 6. Have the client state the consequences for behaving in ways that are viewed as unacceptable. 33. The nurse observes that a client is pacing, agitated, and presenting aggressive gestures. The client's speech pattern is rapid, and affect is belligerent. Based on these observations, what is the nurse's immediate priority of care? 1. Provide safety for the client and other clients on the unit. 2. Provide the clients on the unit with a sense of comfort and safety. 3. Assist the staff in caring for the client in a controlled environment. 4. Offer the client a less stimulating area to calm down in and gain control. 1. Provide safety for the client and other clients on the unit. 34. The nurse is preparing a client with a history of command hallucinations for discharge by providing instructions on interventions for managing hallucinations and anxiety. Which statement in response to these instructions suggests to the nurse that the client understands the instructions? 1. "My medications aren't likely to make me anxious." 2. "I'll go to support group and talk so that I don't hurt anyone." 3. "It's not likely that I'll get anxious or hear things if I get enough sleep and eat well." 4. "When I begin to hallucinate, I'll call my therapist and talk about what I should do." 4. "When I begin to hallucinate, I'll call my therapist and talk about what I should do." 35. The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with catatonic stupor who is lying on the bed in a fetal position. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention? 1. Ask direct questions to encourage talking. 2. Leave the client alone so as to minimize external stimuli. 3. Sit beside the client in silence with occasional open-ended questions. 4. Take the client into the dayroom with other clients so that they can help watch him. 3. Sit beside the client in silence with occasional open-ended questions. 36. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing disturbed thought processes as a result of paranoia. In formulating nursing interventions with the members of the health care team, what best instruction should the nurse provide to the staff? 1. Increase socialization of the client with peers. 2. Avoid laughing or whispering in front of the client. 3. Begin to educate the client about social supports in the community. 4. Have the client sign a release of information to appropriate parties for assessment purposes. 2. Avoid laughing or whispering in front of the client. 37. The nurse is planning activities for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder with aggressive social behavior. Which activity would be most appropriate for this client? 1. Chess 2. Writing 3. Ping pong 4. Basketball 2. Writing 38. The home health nurse visits a client at home and determines that the client is dependent on drugs. During the assessment, which action should the nurse take to plan appropriate nursing care? 1. Ask the client why he started taking illegal drugs. 2. Ask the client about the amount of drug use and its effect. 3. Ask the client how long he thought that he could take drugs without someone finding out. 4. Not ask any questions for fear that the client is in denial and will throw the nurse out of the home. 2. Ask the client about the amount of drug use and its effect. 39. Which interventions are most appropriate for caring for a client in alcohol withdrawal? Select all that apply. 1. Monitor vital signs. 2. Maintain NPO status. 3. Provide a safe environment. 4. Address hallucinations therapeutically. 5. Provide stimulation in the environment. 6. Provide reality orientation as appropriate. o 1. Monitor vital signs. o 3. Provide a safe environment. o 4. Address hallucinations therapeutically. o 6. Provide reality orientation as appropriate. 40. The nurse determines that the wife of an alcoholic client is benefiting from attending an Al-Anon group if the nurse hears the wife make which statement? 1. "I no longer feel that I deserve the beatings my husband inflicts on me." 2. "My attendance at the meetings has helped me to see that I provoke my husband's violence." 3. "I enjoy attending the meetings because they get me out of the house and away from my husband." 4. "I can tolerate my husband's destructive behaviors now that I know they are common with alcoholics." 1. "I no longer feel that I deserve the beatings my husband inflicts on me." 41. A hospitalized client with a history of alcohol abuse tells the nurse, "I am leaving now. I have to go. I don't want any more treatment. I have things that I have to do right away." The client has not been discharged and is scheduled for an important diagnostic test to be performed in 1 hour. After the nurse discusses the client's concerns with the client, the client dresses and begins to walk out of the hospital room. What action should the nurse take? 1. Call the nursing supervisor. 2. Call security to block all exit areas. 3. Restrain the client until the health care provider (HCP) can be reached. 4. Tell the client that the client cannot return to this hospital again if the client leaves now. 1. Call the nursing supervisor. 42. The nurse is preparing to perform an admission assessment on a client with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which assessment findings does the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply. 1. Dental decay 2. Moist oily skin 3. Loss of tooth enamel 4. Electrolyte imbalances 5. Body weight well below ideal range o 1. Dental decay o 3. Loss of tooth enamel o 4. Electrolyte imbalances 43. The nurse is caring for a female client who was admitted to the mental health unit recently for anorexia nervosa. The nurse enters the client's room and notes that the client is engaged in rigorous push-ups. Which nursing action is most appropriate? 1. Interrupt the client and weigh her immediately. 2. Interrupt the client and offer to take her for a walk. 3. Allow the client to complete her exercise program. 4. Tell the client that she is not allowed to exercise rigorously. 2. Interrupt the client and offer to take her for a walk. 44. A client with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, who is in a state of starvation, is in a two- bed room. A newly admitted client will be assigned to this client's room. Which client would be the best choice as a roommate for the client with anorexia nervosa? 1. A client with pneumonia 2. A client undergoing diagnostic tests 3. A client who thrives on managing others 4. A client who could benefit from the client's assistance at mealtime 2. A client undergoing diagnostic tests 45. The nurse is monitoring a hospitalized client who abuses alcohol. Which findings should alert the nurse to the potential for alcohol withdrawal delirium? 1. Hypotension, ataxia, hunger 2. Stupor, lethargy, muscular rigidity 3. Hypotension, coarse hand tremors, lethargy 4. Hypertension, changes in level of consciousness, hallucinations 4. Hypertension, changes in level of consciousness, hallucinations 46. The spouse of a client admitted to the mental health unit for alcohol withdrawal says to the nurse, "I should get out of this bad situation." What is the most helpful response by the nurse? 1. "Why don't you tell your wife about this?" 2. "What do you find difficult about this situation?" 3. "This is not the best time to make that decision." 4. "I agree with you. You should get out of this situation." 2. "What do you find difficult about this situation?" 47. A client with anorexia nervosa is a member of a predischarge support group. The client verbalizes that she would like to buy some new clothes, but her finances are limited. Group members have brought some used clothes to the client to replace the client's old clothes. The client believes that the new clothes were much too tight and has reduced her calorie intake to 800 calories daily. How should the nurse evaluate this behavior? 1. Normal behavior 2. Evidence of the client's disturbed body image 3. Regression as the client is moving toward the community 4. Indicative of the client's ambivalence about hospital discharge 2. Evidence of the client's disturbed body image 48. The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a young female victim of sexual assault. The client's physical assessment is complete, and physical evidence has been collected. The nurse notes that the client is withdrawn, confused, and at times physically immobile. How should the nurse interpret these behaviors? 1. Signs of depression 2. Normal reactions to a devastating event 3. Evidence that the client is a high suicide risk 4. Indicative of the need for hospital admission 2. Normal reactions to a devastating event 49. The nurse is reviewing the assessment data of a client admitted to the mental health unit. The nurse notes that the admission nurse documented that the client is experiencing anxiety as a result of a situational crisis. The nurse determines that this type of crisis could be caused by which event? 1. Witnessing a murder 2. The death of a loved one 3. A fire that destroyed the client's home 4. A recent rape episode experienced by the client 2. The death of a loved one 50. The nurse is conducting an initial assessment on a client in crisis. When assessing the client's perception of the precipitating event that led to the crisis, what is the most appropriate question? 1. "With whom do you live?" 2. "Who is available to help you?" 3. "What leads you to seek help now?" 4. "What do you usually do to feel better?" 3. "What leads you to seek help now?" 51. The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client in a crisis state. When developing the plan, the nurse should consider which factor? 1. A crisis state indicates that the client has a mental illness. 2. A crisis state indicates that the client has an emotional illness. 3. Presenting symptoms in a crisis situation are similar for all clients experiencing a crisis. 4. A client's response to a crisis is individualized and what constitutes a crisis for one client may not constitute a crisis for another client. 4. A client's response to a crisis is individualized and what constitutes a crisis for one client may not constitute a crisis for another client. 52. The nurse observes that a client with a potential for violence is agitated, pacing up and down the hallway, and is making aggressive and belligerent gestures at other clients. Which statement would be most appropriate to make to this client? 1. "You need to stop that behavior now." 2. "You will need to be placed in seclusion." 3. "You seem restless; tell me what is happening." 4. "You will need to be restrained if you do not change your behavior." 3. "You seem restless; tell me what is happening." 53. A depressed client on an inpatient unit says to the nurse, "My family would be better off without me." What is the nurse's best response? 1. "Have you talked to your family about this?" 2. "Everyone feels this way when they are depressed." 3. "You will feel better once your medication begins to work." 4. "You sound very upset. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" 4. "You sound very upset. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" 54. The nurse has been observing a client closely who has been displaying aggressive behaviors. The nurse observes that the behavior displayed by the client is escalating. Which nursing intervention is least helpful to this client at this time? 1. Initiate confinement measures. 2. Acknowledge the client's behavior. 3. Assist the client to an area that is quiet. 4. Maintain a safe distance from the client. 1. Initiate confinement measures. 55. Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates a suspicion that a depressed adolescent client may be suicidal? 1. The adolescent gives away a DVD and a cherished autographed picture of a performer. 2. The adolescent runs out of the therapy group, swearing at the group leader, and runs to her room. 3. The adolescent becomes angry while speaking on the telephone and slams down the receiver. 4. The adolescent gets angry with her roommate when the roommate borrows the client's clothes without asking. 1. The adolescent gives away a DVD and a cherished autographed picture of a performer.