NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. An older Asian American patient tells the nurse that she has lived in the United States for 50 years. The patient speaks English and lives in a predominantly Asian neighborhood. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Include a shaman when planning the patient's care
- B. Avoid direct eye contact with the patient during care
- C. Ask the patient about any special cultural beliefs or practices
- D. Involve the patient's oldest son to assist with health care decisions
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to ask the patient about any special cultural beliefs or practices. This allows for a better understanding of the patient's individual cultural background and preferences related to healthcare. It is important to gather this information to provide culturally sensitive care. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate actions. Including a shaman without the patient's request or consent may not align with the patient's beliefs or practices. Avoiding direct eye contact can be perceived as disrespectful in some cultures but should not be assumed without confirmation from the patient. Involving the patient's oldest son without the patient's consent or preference may not be appropriate and assumes family dynamics that may not be accurate.
2. A health care provider discusses with a client the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy. After the health care provider leaves the room, the client tells the nurse about being relieved that only minor surgery is necessary. Which psychological process explains this client's reaction?
- A. Reflection
- B. Regression
- C. Repudiation
- D. Reconciliation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client's reaction of believing that only minor surgery is necessary when faced with the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy is an example of repudiation. Repudiation involves a refusal to acknowledge anticipated loss as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming stress of illness. The client is psychologically denying the seriousness of the situation. The other choices are incorrect because: - Reflection (Choice A) does not apply since the client is not contemplating the issues of the situation. - Regression (Choice B) is not demonstrated as the client's behavior does not indicate reverting to an earlier stage of development. - Reconciliation (Choice D) is not applicable as the client has not made a realistic adjustment to the illness but rather is in denial of its severity.
3. A 28-year-old woman is recovering from her third consecutive spontaneous abortion in 2 years. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for this client at her follow-up appointment?
- A. Focusing on the client's physical needs
- B. Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
- C. Reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again
- D. Encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client recovering from multiple spontaneous abortions is to encourage the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss. This allows the client to express and process her emotions, facilitating the grieving process and emotional healing. Focusing solely on the client's physical needs, as in choice A, overlooks the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of the client's experience. Choice C, reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again, fails to acknowledge the current loss and may minimize the client's feelings of grief. Choice D, encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future, does not directly address the client's immediate emotional needs related to the recent loss. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention to support the client in coping with her emotional distress.
4. When performing a cultural assessment with a patient from a different culture, what action should the nurse take first?
- A. Request an interpreter before interviewing the patient
- B. Wait until a family member is available to help with the assessment
- C. Ask the patient about any affiliation with a particular cultural group
- D. Tell the patient what the nurse already knows about the patient's culture
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When conducting a cultural assessment, the first step is to inquire if the patient has any affiliation with a specific cultural group. This helps the nurse understand the patient's background and beliefs. Requesting an interpreter before interviewing the patient may be necessary if language barriers exist. Waiting for a family member to assist with the assessment may delay the process and compromise patient confidentiality. Telling the patient what the nurse knows about their culture assumes knowledge and may lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies.
5. An older adult who recently began self-administration of insulin calls the nurse daily to review the steps that should be taken when giving an injection. The nurse has assessed the client's skills during two previous office visits and knows that the client is capable of giving the daily injection. Which response by the nurse is likely to be most helpful in encouraging the client to assume total responsibility for the daily injections?
- A. "I know you are capable of giving yourself the insulin."
- B. "Giving yourself the injection seems to make you nervous."
- C. "When I watched you give yourself the injection, you did it correctly."
- D. "Tell me what you want me to do to help you give yourself the injection at home."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse in this scenario is option C. By acknowledging and affirming the client's demonstrated ability to self-administer the injection correctly, the nurse is providing positive reinforcement. This positive reinforcement helps to build the client's confidence and encourages them to take total responsibility for their daily injections. Option A, while positive, does not specifically reinforce the client's behavior related to giving the injection. Option B focuses on the client's feelings of nervousness, which may not be helpful in promoting independence. Option D, by offering help without assessing the client's actual needs, reinforces dependence on the nurse rather than encouraging self-reliance.
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