Top NCLEX Mental Health Nursing Strategies to Help You Pass the Exam

1. Safety First
The NCLEX is patient safety-based. Always ask yourself, “Which choice is the safest for  patient or others?” For instance, if a patient is at risk for suicide or combativeness, providing a safe environment is more important than verbal comfort.

2. Practice Therapeutic Communication
Numerous NCLEX mental health questions are communication-based. Steer clear of advice-giving, asking “why” questions, or downplaying the patient’s feelings. Instead:

Use open-ended questions.

Reflect emotions.

Provide presence or silence when needed.

3. Know Important Mental Health Disorders
Emphasize indications, manifestations, and management of typical disorders such as:

Schizophrenia: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech.

Bipolar disorder: Mania management vs. depression management.

Anxiety & Panic: Shortness of breath, chest pain, fear, and intervention strategies.

Suicidal ideation: Risk assessment and intervention strategies.

4. Use the Nursing Process
If unsure, use the five steps of the nursing process: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation. This helps to keep your answers organized and avoid emotionally reactive responses.

5. Know Your Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
Confidentiality, patient autonomy, and consent are common topics on NCLEX mental health practice. Study:

When to violate confidentiality (e.g., risk of harm).

Patients’ rights under involuntary commitment.

Seclusion and restraint usage appropriately.

6. Practice with Flashcards and Mnemonics
Mnemonics like SAD PERSONS for suicide risk or SIGECAPS for depression signs aid in retention. Flashcards aid in memorizing psychotropic medications and side effects with ease.