NCLEX-RN Mental Health Flashcards

Categorize the symptoms of Schizophrenia:

A client states, 'The FBI has bugged my room.' Which nursing response is most therapeutic?

What is the priority assessment question when a client appears to be listening to voices?

What type of food is best for a client in the acute manic phase of Bipolar Disorder?

Which environment is most appropriate for a client in acute mania?

Why does suicide risk often increase 2 weeks after starting antidepressant therapy?

What is the priority nursing assessment immediately following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Select the appropriate nursing strategy based on the level of anxiety:

A newly admitted client with OCD has a ritual of washing hands for 30 minutes. What is the initial nursing action?

What is the priority intervention during a PTSD flashback?

Define the defense mechanism known as 'splitting' commonly seen in Borderline Personality Disorder.

What is the key nursing strategy for managing manipulative behavior in Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Which electrolyte imbalance is the highest priority concern for a client with Anorexia Nervosa?

What dental finding is associated with the frequent vomiting in Bulimia Nervosa?

Identify the onset timing for alcohol withdrawal stages:

A client with Borderline Personality Disorder has superficial self-inflicted cuts. How should the nurse respond?

Why is it critical for all nursing staff to maintain consistent boundaries with Personality Disorder clients?

A client with Antisocial Personality Disorder tells a nurse, 'You are the only one who understands me; the others are incompetent.' What is this behavior?

Complete the pathophysiology of Refeeding Syndrome:

What physical sign on the hands indicates chronic self-induced vomiting?

Why is cardiac monitoring a priority for a client admitted with Bulimia Nervosa?

How does a client with OCD typically perceive their intrusive thoughts?

Which medication class is considered the first-line pharmacologic treatment for OCD?

In therapeutic communication, what is the primary purpose of a 'broad opening' statement (e.g., 'What would you like to discuss today?')?

Distinguish between these two similar therapeutic techniques:

What is the therapeutic benefit of using silence during an interaction with a client?

A nurse asks a client, 'Why did you stop taking your medication?' What is the primary reason this is non-therapeutic?

A client states, 'I'm terrified I won't get better.' The nurse replies, 'Don't worry, everything will be fine.' This is an example of:

Why is 'giving advice' considered non-therapeutic in psychiatric nursing?

Define the defense mechanism of Denial.

Identify the correct defense mechanisms:

A client is reprimanded by their boss at work. When they get home, they angrily kick the dog. Which defense mechanism is this?

What does a client doing who is using the defense mechanism of Rationalization?

Name one of the three legal criteria generally required for involuntary psychiatric commitment.

Under the Tarasoff ruling (Duty to Warn), when is a healthcare professional legally obligated to breach confidentiality?

Select the maximum duration for a single behavioral restraint order based on age group:

For a patient in behavioral restraints, how frequently must the nurse assess signs of injury, circulation, and range of motion?

Name one of the three critical components to assess when a patient expresses suicidal ideation.

A nurse tells a withdrawn client, 'I will stay with you for a while.' The nurse does not demand the client speak. Which technique is this?

What is the therapeutic purpose of 'Making Observations' (e.g., 'You seem tense' or 'I notice you are pacing')?

A client claims to be the FBI director. The nurse responds, 'I find that hard to believe.' This is an example of:

Why is 'Seeking Clarification' (e.g., 'I'm not sure I follow...') important in therapeutic communication?

Complete the statement regarding hallucination management:

A client mentions wanting to die. The nurse asks, 'Did you have visitors this weekend?' Why is this non-therapeutic?

A client says, 'I have nothing to live for.' The nurse replies, 'Everyone gets down sometimes.' This is:

What is the typical duration and primary focus of a mental health crisis?

A client presents to the ER in a severe crisis state. What is the nurse's priority action?

Name one standard nursing precaution for a client hospitalized with active suicidal ideation.

Name one protective factor that reduces a client's risk of suicide.

Which assessment finding represents the strongest statistical predictor of suicide risk?

Following a suicide attempt, what is the required observation level and primary nursing attitude?

Select the appropriate non-verbal de-escalation techniques for an agitated client.

What is the primary goal of milieu therapy in a psychiatric setting?

A client in the day room becomes verbally aggressive and threatens staff. Which action ensures staff safety?

Differentiate between normal grief and major depressive disorder (MDD).

How should a nurse conduct an interview if domestic abuse is suspected?

A competent adult client discloses intimate partner violence (IPV) but refuses to leave the partner. What is the priority nursing action?

What are the hallmark physical signs of stimulant intoxication (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)?

A client arrives with cocaine overdose, displaying severe agitation and chest pain. Which medication class is generally CONTRAINDICATED as a monotherapy?

What is the antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, and what is the primary risk of administering it to a chronic user?

A client is prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol use disorder. Which statement indicates the client understands the safety teaching?

Arrange the stages of the Transtheoretical Model of Change from earliest to latest:

In the context of substance abuse, define codependency.

Select the correct characteristics to distinguish Delirium from Dementia:

A client with moderate Alzheimer's is agitated and insists they are late for a meeting. What is the most therapeutic nursing response?

Name two environmental interventions to manage 'sundowning' in a client with dementia.

Distinguish between Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and Serotonin Syndrome (SS):

What is the pharmacological antidote/treatment for severe Serotonin Syndrome?

Name 3 tyramine-rich foods that must be avoided by a client taking an MAOI to prevent hypertensive crisis.