LPN Custom Mental Health

LPN Custom Mental Health

Total Questions : 42

Showing 10 questions Sign up for more
Question 1: View

As part of the plan of care for a client with borderline personality disorder, the nurse reviews the day's schedule with him each morning. While doing so, the client states. "Why don't you shut up already! I can read it myself, you know!" Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

Explanation

A. "I know you can read it yourself, but will you?" This response may escalate the situation and may not effectively address the inappropriate tone. It also has the potential to be perceived as confrontational.

B. "We do this every day. Why are you so angry with me this morning?" This response is somewhat confrontational and may not be as effective in setting clear boundaries. It also focuses on the client's emotion without directly addressing the inappropriate tone.

C. “I expect you to speak to me in a civil tone of voice."

Option C sets clear boundaries and communicates the expectation of respectful communication. Addressing the inappropriate tone of voice is important in working with individuals with borderline personality disorder. It reinforces the importance of maintaining a therapeutic and respectful interaction.

D. "Fine. Here is the schedule. I expect you to be on time for your therapy sessions." While this response provides the information, it doesn't address the issue of the client's disrespectful tone. It's important to address the inappropriate behavior while still providing necessary information.


Question 2: View

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who becomes upset and breaks a chair when a visitor does not arrive. The client remains agitated following initial verbal attempts to calm him down. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Explanation

A. Planning with the client for how he can better handle frustration (option A) is a valuable intervention, but it may not be immediately effective in the midst of heightened agitation. It is better suited for a calmer, more reflective time.

B. Placing the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm (option B) is an option for managing extreme agitation, but it should be used cautiously and as a last resort. Offering medication and attempting verbal de-escalation are generally preferable initial steps.

C. Offer the client an antianxiety medication.
When dealing with a client who is agitated and potentially escalating to a more volatile state, offering an antianxiety medication can be a helpful and immediate intervention to manage acute distress. It can aid in calming the client down and create an environment where other therapeutic interventions can be more effectively implemented.

D. Restraining the client to prevent injury to himself or others (option D) is a highly invasive intervention and should only be considered when there is an imminent risk of harm to the client or others. It is generally not the first choice in managing agitation due to its potential negative impact on the therapeutic relationship and the client's well-being.


Question 3: View

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and is verbalizing paranoid delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Explanation

A. Set limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions.Clients with paranoid delusions may fixate on them, increasing distress and reinforcing their beliefs. The nurse should allow the client to express feelings but set limits on discussions about delusions to help refocus on reality-based topics.

B. Schedule a variety of competitive stimulating group activities for the client.Competitive activities can increase stress and paranoia in a client with schizophrenia. Instead, the nurse should encourage structured, low-stimulation activities like drawing or walking.

C. Tell the client that the delusions are not real. Directly challenging the delusions can increase defensiveness and mistrust.

D. Avoid asking the client about triggers for the delusions. Identifying triggers can help prevent or manage delusional episodes. The nurse should gently explore what makes the client feel more paranoid or anxious to develop coping strategies.


Question 4: View

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a prescription for amitriptyline. (Elavil) Which of the following client statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Explanation

A. "I should sit on the side of the bed before standing up in the morning."
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, clients taking amitriptyline should be advised to sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up, especially in the morning when orthostatic changes may be more pronounced.

B. "I may experience an increased libido." This statement is not related to the common side effects of amitriptyline. Changes in libido are not typically associated with this medication.

C. "I will avoid drinking caffeinated beverages." While it's generally a good idea to limit caffeine intake, this statement is not a specific instruction related to amitriptyline. However, reducing caffeine consumption can be beneficial because amitriptyline may enhance the stimulant effects of caffeine.

D. "I can no longer eat pepperoni pizza." This statement is not directly related to amitriptyline. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with amitriptyline use, and the client can continue to eat pepperoni pizza unless there are individual dietary concerns or interactions with other medications.


Question 5: View

A nurse is talking with a client who has schizophrenia. Suddenly the client states, "I'm frightened. Do you hear that? The voices are telling me to do terrible things." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Explanation

A. "Why do you think you are hearing the voices?" This question may come across as confrontational and might make the client defensive. It's better to focus on the content of the hallucinations rather than questioning the client's perception.

B. "What are the voices telling you to do?"
This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's experience, shows empathy, and encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings. It is important to gather more information about the content of the hallucinations and delusions to understand the client's perception of reality.

C. "You need to tell the voices to leave you alone." This response oversimplifies the experience of hallucinations and may not be helpful. Telling the client to dismiss the voices is unlikely to be effective and may lead to frustration.

D. "You need to understand that there are no voices." Denying the client's experience is not therapeutic. It's essential to validate the client's feelings and explore their subjective experience rather than dismissing it outright.


Question 6: View

A nurse observes a client sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches her, the client states, "I'm feeling sad. I don't want to talk now." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Explanation

A. "It will help you feel better if you talk about it." While talking can be therapeutic, pushing the client to talk when they're not ready may be counterproductive and increase their distress.

B. "Come on out and get involved with the game the other clients are playing." Encouraging the client to engage in activities may not be suitable when she is expressing a need for solitude and is not ready to participate.

C. "I'll stay with you for a few minutes."
This response reflects the nurse's willingness to provide support without pressuring the client to talk. It acknowledges the client's feelings and offers a comforting and nonintrusive presence. It respects the client's desire for solitude while still showing empathy and availability.

D. "I'll come back when you feel like talking." This response leaves the client alone, which may
be appropriate if that's what the client prefers. However, offering to stay for a few minutes communicates immediate support without pressure.


Question 7: View

A nurse is reviewing the admission laboratory values for a client who has a history of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Explanation

A. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a critical finding and a priority in individuals with a history of bulimia nervosa, as it can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Frequent vomiting and laxative use, common behaviors in bulimia nervosa, can result in significant potassium loss. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range and requires immediate attention.

B. Serum chloride 96 mEq/L: While this value is within the normal range, it should be monitored. However, it is not as critical as addressing severe hypokalemia.

C. Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11 g/dL: This hemoglobin level is within the normal range and does not require immediate attention. It may be influenced by factors other than bulimia nervosa, and addressing hypokalemia is more urgent.

D. Serum amylase 240 units/L: Elevated amylase levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation, which could be related to bulimia nervosa, but it is not as urgent as addressing severe hypokalemia. The priority is managing the life-threatening electrolyte imbalance first.


Question 8: View

A nurse is assisting with the court-ordered admission of a client to a substance-abuse program. The client states, "You are all angry at me and wish you could go out and have a drink." The client's response is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Explanation

A. Identification: Identification involves taking on the characteristics of another person, group, or entity. The client's response is not an example of identification.

B. Relation-formation: This term is not a recognized defense mechanism in the context of classical psychoanalytic theory. It seems to be a combination of two concepts but doesn't fit the context of the client's statement.

C. Projection
Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses to another person. In this scenario, the client is projecting their own feelings of anger and a desire to have a drink onto the nurse and others, suggesting that the staff is angry at them and wants to go out for a drink.

D. Compensation: Compensation involves making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength in another area. The client's statement do


Question 9: View

A nurse is caring for a group of clients in a mental health facility. Which of the following clients recommend the physician or nurse practioner see first?

Explanation

A. A client taking olanzapine who experiences dizziness upon standing: While dizziness is a potential side effect, it is not as immediately concerning as the symptoms in the client taking clozapine. Orthostatic hypotension is a known side effect of some antipsychotic medications, and the client may need to be assessed for orthostatic changes.

B. A client taking clozapine who has a sore throat and mild fever.
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. A sore throat and mild fever can be early signs of infection, and it's crucial to evaluate the client promptly for any indications of agranulocytosis. Regular monitoring of complete blood counts is essential for clients taking clozapine.

C. A client taking risperidone who has gained 5 lb in 3 weeks: Weight gain is a side effect of many antipsychotic medications, including risperidone. While it's important to monitor weight changes, gaining 5 lb in 3 weeks is not as urgent as potential signs of agranulocytosis in the client taking clozapine.

D. A client taking chlorpromazine who is napping frequently throughout the day: Frequent napping may be related to sedation, a common side effect of chlorpromazine. While it's important to assess and address sedation, it is not as urgent as potential signs of infection or agranulocytosis in the client taking clozapine


Question 10: View

A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others and cleaning in the day room. The nurse should recognize the client's actions as which of the following?

Explanation

A. Focusing attention on useful tasks: While the client's actions involve tasks, the primary motivation is to reduce anxiety rather than simply focusing attention on useful tasks for their own sake.

B. Manipulating and controlling others' behavior: The client's behavior is more related to managing their own anxiety through compulsive actions rather than manipulating or controlling others.

C. Decreasing anxiety to a tolerable level.
In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), individuals often engage in repetitive and ritualistic behaviors as a way to manage anxiety. The compulsive behaviors, such as cleaning and picking up after others in this case, serve as a mechanism to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event. These actions may provide a sense of control and temporary relief from obsessive thoughts.

D. Limiting the amount of time available for interaction with others: While the client's compulsive behaviors may limit social interactions, the primary purpose is to manage anxiety rather than intentionally limiting interaction with others.


You just viewed 10 questions out of the 42 questions on the LPN Custom Mental Health Exam. Subscribe to our Premium Package to obtain access on all the questions and have unlimited access on all Exams.

Subscribe Now

learning

Join Naxlex Nursing for nursing questions & guides! Sign Up Now