Psychiatric / mental health nursing · practice question

A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for history of intimate partner violence. Assessment data include the client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

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

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

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. 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.

Test yourself on Psychiatric / mental health nursing

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test

All Psychiatric / mental health nursing questions →

A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for history of intimate partner violence. Assessment data include the client reports hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. Which assessment approach should the nurse use first?

Correct answer

Why

More Psychiatric / mental health nursing questions