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. The nurse is teaching an obese client, newly diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, about reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Which health promotion brochure is most important for the nurse to provide to this client?
- A. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home
- B. Smoking Cessation as a Lifelong Commitment
- C. Decreasing Cholesterol Levels Through Diet
- D. Stress Management for a Healthier You
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important health promotion brochure to provide to an obese client newly diagnosed with arteriosclerosis is one focused on decreasing cholesterol levels through diet. Arteriosclerosis is significantly influenced by excess dietary fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. Monitoring blood pressure at home, while important, does not directly address the underlying cause of arteriosclerosis. Smoking cessation and stress management are crucial for overall cardiovascular health, but lowering cholesterol through diet takes precedence in this scenario.
3. What psychodynamic process is suggested by a client calling the emergency department during a suicide attempt?
- A. A cry for help
- B. A need for attention
- C. Ambivalence about dying
- D. An inability to stick to a decision
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ambivalence about dying.' When a client calls the emergency department during a suicide attempt, it suggests conflicting feelings about living and dying. This act can indicate an unconscious desire to be stopped from dying, showing ambivalence between the wish to die and the wish to live. It is not primarily a cry for attention or a need to punish others. The client's intention of suicide alongside seeking help demonstrates the struggle between life and death, making ambivalence the key psychodynamic process at play.
4. What feeling is likely to result from withdrawn behavior?
- A. Anger
- B. Paranoia
- C. Loneliness
- D. Boredom
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Withdrawn behavior involves avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness as the individual lacks connection and companionship. While anger or paranoia may contribute to withdrawal, loneliness is a common emotional consequence of prolonged social isolation. Boredom may also arise from withdrawal if meaningful activities and social engagements are reduced.
5. Ten minutes after signing an operative permit for a fractured hip, an older client states, 'The aliens will be coming to get me soon!' and falls asleep. Which action should the nurse implement next?
- A. Make the client comfortable and allow the client to sleep.
- B. Assess the client's neurologic status.
- C. Notify the surgeon about the comment.
- D. Ask the client's family to co-sign the operative permit.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client's statement about aliens coming to get them could indicate confusion, which raises concerns about their neurologic status. Since informed consent for surgery requires the client to be mentally competent, the nurse should assess the client's neurologic status to ensure they understand and can legally provide consent. Option A of making the client comfortable and letting them sleep does not address the potential neurologic issue. If the nurse finds the client to be confused, it is essential to inform the surgeon and seek permission from the next of kin if necessary. Therefore, assessing the client's neurologic status is the priority to ensure the client's ability to consent to the surgery.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access