NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?
- A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
- B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
- C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
- D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.
2. Which of the following individuals is at the highest risk of suicide?
- A. An 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year
- B. A 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide
- C. A 40-year-old married businessman
- D. A 46-year-old former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is an 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year. Certain factors increase the risk of suicide, such as recent loss of a loved one, in this case, the man's wife. The elderly are a high-risk group due to factors like social isolation, physical health issues, and bereavement. While experiencing a loss can affect anyone, the combination of age, loss of a spouse, and the associated emotional impact elevates the risk significantly. The other choices are not at the highest risk of suicide. A former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years has taken steps towards recovery, reducing the immediate risk. A 40-year-old married businessman and a 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide do not have the same level of immediate risk as the elderly man who recently lost his wife.
3. After receiving written and verbal instructions from a clinic nurse about a newly prescribed medication, a client asks the nurse what to do if questions arise about the medication after getting home. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Provide the client with a list of reliable internet sites that offer information on medications.
- B. Advise the client to obtain a current edition of a drug reference book from a local bookstore or library.
- C. Reassure the client that information about the medication is included in the written instructions.
- D. Encourage the client to call the clinic nurse or healthcare provider if any questions arise.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: To ensure safe medication use, the nurse should encourage the client to call the clinic nurse or healthcare provider if any questions arise. This direct communication allows for personalized assistance and clarification tailored to the client's specific concerns. Providing Internet sites (Choice A) may lead to unreliable information, and a drug reference book (Choice B) may not address individualized questions. While the written instructions may contain information (Choice C), they may not cover all potential queries the client might have, making direct contact with the healthcare provider the most appropriate option.
4. A client asks the nurse, 'Should I tell my partner that I just found out I'm human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive?' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. Do not tell your partner unless asked.
- B. This is a decision you alone can make.
- C. You are having difficulty deciding what to say.
- D. Tell your partner that you don't know how you became sick.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the client's struggle in deciding what to communicate to their partner. By stating 'You are having difficulty deciding what to say,' the nurse validates the client's feelings and encourages further discussion. Option A is incorrect as it suggests withholding information unless asked, which may not align with ethical principles of honesty and transparency in relationships. Option B, while acknowledging the client's autonomy, does not provide direct support or guidance. Option D is inappropriate as it involves dishonesty by suggesting telling the partner an untruthful reason for the illness.
5. A neonate born at 32 weeks' gestation and weighing 3 lb (1361 g) is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). When would the nurse take the neonate's mother to visit the infant?
- A. When the infant's condition has stabilized
- B. When the infant is out of immediate danger
- C. When the primary health care provider has provided written permission
- D. When the mother is well enough to be taken to the NICU
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The mother should see her infant as soon as possible to acknowledge the reality of the birth and begin bonding. Delaying the visit may impede maternal-infant bonding. The timing of the mother's visit should be based on her physical and emotional readiness, not solely on the infant's condition or the need for written permission. The nurse can independently facilitate the mother's visit without requiring a prescription from the primary healthcare provider.
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