NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Related

Review NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN related questions and content

The nurse in an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a 43-year-old client.
History
Admission:
The client comes to the inpatient psychiatric facility for an evaluation. The client is having distressing nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of being "on edge" since a severe motor vehicle collision 6 months ago that resulted in the death of the client's sibling. The client blames self for the sibling's death and verbalizes feelings of guilt. The client reports an inability to sleep well and being quick to anger, both of which led to job loss and the client seeking help. The client reports a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as working out and interacting with friends. The client has started smoking cigarettes daily since the collision and typically consumes ≥4 alcoholic beverages per day. Mental status examination reveals an irritable, guarded, and easily distracted mood. The client's appearance is well- kept, and grooming and hygiene are appropriate. The client’s speech is hyperverbal yet coherent, and thought process is organized. The client admits to feelings of hopelessness after the death of the sibling. The client reports occasionally seeing "shadows" but no visual hallucinations. The client has no homicidal ideations or history of violence toward others.
Vital signs: P 78, RR 17, BP 132/78.

Nurses' Notes
Inpatient - Mental Health Unit
2100:
Client appears anxious and withdrawn, and states, "I am afraid to sleep at night because I get nightmares about my sibling." The client would not elaborate on the content of the nightmares.
1200:
Client attended the first session of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
1300:
Client was observed yelling at peers in the day room because someone changed the television channel. The client is irritable with poor impulse control.
1700: Client appears to be having a panic attack and was found shaking in the room in tears after waking up from a nightmare. The client reports heart palpitations and appears diaphoretic.
Vital signs: P 112/min, RR 20, BP 155/98.

For each of the statements made by the client, click to specify whether the statement indicates that the client's status has improved or not improved.

  • A. I woke up only once last night.
  • B. I want to talk about the nightmare I had.
  • C. I am thinking about selling my car and taking the bus instead.
  • D. I have been journaling my stressors and emotional reactions to them.
  • E. Sometimes I still get upset by small issues. but I control my feelings better now.
Correct Answer: A,D,E

Rationale: Statements indicating improvement include waking up less frequently (A), journaling stressors (D), and better emotional control (E). Wanting to talk about nightmares (B) and avoiding driving (C) do not clearly indicate improvement.