NCLEX-RN Exam Questions - Part 6

1. Which of the following statements relevant to a suicidal client is correct?

A) The more specific a client - s plan, the more likely he or she is to attempt suicide.
B) A client who is unsuccessful at a first suicide attempt is not likely to make future attempts.
C) A client who threatens suicide is just seeking attention and is not likely to attempt suicide.
D) Nurses who care for a client who has attempted suicide should not make any reference to the word 'suicide' in order to protect the client - s ego.



2. The physician orders fluoxetine (Prozac) for a depressed client. Which of the following should the nurse remember about fluoxetine?

A) Because fluoxetine is a tricyclic antidepressant, it may precipitate a hypertensive crisis.
B) The therapeutic effect of the drug occurs 2 - 4 weeks after treatment is begun.
C) Foods such as aged cheese, yogurt, soy sauce, and bananas should not be eaten with this drug.
D) Fluoxetine may be administered safely in combination with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.



3. The day following his admission, the nurse sits down by a male client on the sofa in the dayroom. He was admitted for depression and thoughts of suicide. He looks at the nurse and says, 'My life is so bad no one can do anything to help me.' The most helpful initial response by the nurse would be:

A) 'It concerns me that you feel so badly when you have so many positive things in your life.'
B) 'It will take a few weeks for you to feel better, so you need to be patient.'
C) 'You are telling me that you are feeling hopeless at this point?'
D) 'Let - s play cards with some of the other clients to get your mind off your problems for now.'



4. A long-term goal for the nurse in planning care for a depressed, suicidal client would be to:

A) Provide him with a safe and structured environment.
B) Assist him to develop more effective coping mechanisms.
C) Have him sign a 'no-suicide' contract.
D) Isolate him from stressful situations that may precipitate a depressive episode.



5. After 3 weeks of treatment, a severely depressed client suddenly begins to feel better and starts interacting appropriately with other clients and staff. The nurse knows that this client has an increased risk for:

A) Suicide
B) Exacerbation of depressive symptoms
C) Violence toward others
D) Psychotic behavior