Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question

A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for major depressive symptoms. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026psychiatric-mental-health

Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.Defer assessment until all medications are administered.Use only the chart from admission without current data.Begin invasive procedures before any focused assessment.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

A. Screen for instability, then perform a focused assessment related to the presenting concern.

Why

Assessment begins with stability screening and focused data collection before invasive or delayed actions.

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A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for major depressive symptoms. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Correct answer

Why

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