NCLEX-PN Mental Health Nursing Test Bank 2025-2026 |
150 Updated NGN-Style Questions with Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder
who states, “I just want all of this to end. I have nothing left to live for.”
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage the client to express feelings through journaling
B. Ask the client if they have a specific suicide plan
C. Stay with the client and notify the healthcare provider
immediately
D. Offer to contact a spiritual advisor on the client's behalf
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client has expressed suicidal ideation, which is a
,psychiatric emergency. The nurse’s priority is to ensure safety by
staying with the client and notifying the provider for further psychiatric
intervention. While exploring feelings and involving support systems is
helpful, immediate safety comes first.
Question 2
A client experiencing a manic episode is pacing, talking rapidly, and
interrupting others during group therapy. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
A. Redirect the client to a quiet room for one-on-one activity
B. Ask the client to sit down and be quiet
C. Calmly escort the client out of the group session and provide a
low-stimulus environment
D. Administer a PRN sedative without informing the provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During mania, clients can become overstimulated. Removing
them from the stimulating environment and providing a quiet, structured
,space helps prevent escalation. The nurse must use therapeutic and safe
de-escalation techniques while following ethical and legal practices.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client with schizophrenia who says, “The voices
are telling me to hurt the nurse.” What is the nurse’s initial action?
A. Ensure the safety of the staff and client immediately
B. Ask the client to describe the voices in detail
C. Distract the client with reality-based conversation
D. Document the client’s statement in the chart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Command hallucinations with threats of violence require
immediate safety interventions. The nurse should act quickly to protect
the client and others while also notifying the healthcare team. Safety
always takes priority in psychiatric emergencies.
, Question 4
A client recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder tells the
nurse, “I can’t sleep and I constantly feel like something bad is about to
happen.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. “You need to calm down and stop thinking so negatively.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsafe. Can you
tell me more?”
C. “Let’s talk about something pleasant to distract you.”
D. “Other people have it worse than you; try to focus on the positive.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves validating the client's
feelings and encouraging expression. Option B uses reflective listening
and empathy, which help build trust and promote further
communication. Minimizing or redirecting emotions is non-therapeutic.
Question 5
A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with bipolar disorder
150 Updated NGN-Style Questions with Answers & Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder
who states, “I just want all of this to end. I have nothing left to live for.”
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Encourage the client to express feelings through journaling
B. Ask the client if they have a specific suicide plan
C. Stay with the client and notify the healthcare provider
immediately
D. Offer to contact a spiritual advisor on the client's behalf
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client has expressed suicidal ideation, which is a
,psychiatric emergency. The nurse’s priority is to ensure safety by
staying with the client and notifying the provider for further psychiatric
intervention. While exploring feelings and involving support systems is
helpful, immediate safety comes first.
Question 2
A client experiencing a manic episode is pacing, talking rapidly, and
interrupting others during group therapy. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
A. Redirect the client to a quiet room for one-on-one activity
B. Ask the client to sit down and be quiet
C. Calmly escort the client out of the group session and provide a
low-stimulus environment
D. Administer a PRN sedative without informing the provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During mania, clients can become overstimulated. Removing
them from the stimulating environment and providing a quiet, structured
,space helps prevent escalation. The nurse must use therapeutic and safe
de-escalation techniques while following ethical and legal practices.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a client with schizophrenia who says, “The voices
are telling me to hurt the nurse.” What is the nurse’s initial action?
A. Ensure the safety of the staff and client immediately
B. Ask the client to describe the voices in detail
C. Distract the client with reality-based conversation
D. Document the client’s statement in the chart
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Command hallucinations with threats of violence require
immediate safety interventions. The nurse should act quickly to protect
the client and others while also notifying the healthcare team. Safety
always takes priority in psychiatric emergencies.
, Question 4
A client recently diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder tells the
nurse, “I can’t sleep and I constantly feel like something bad is about to
happen.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
A. “You need to calm down and stop thinking so negatively.”
B. “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsafe. Can you
tell me more?”
C. “Let’s talk about something pleasant to distract you.”
D. “Other people have it worse than you; try to focus on the positive.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves validating the client's
feelings and encouraging expression. Option B uses reflective listening
and empathy, which help build trust and promote further
communication. Minimizing or redirecting emotions is non-therapeutic.
Question 5
A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with bipolar disorder
