NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 19-year-old client is paralyzed in a car accident. Which statement used by the client would indicate to the nurse that the client was using the mechanism of 'suppression'?
- A. "I don't remember anything about what happened to me."?
- B. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."?
- C. "It's the other entire guy's fault! He was going too fast."?
- D. "My mother is heartbroken about this."?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is, '"I don't remember anything about what happened to me."?' Suppression involves willfully putting an unacceptable thought or feeling out of one's mind. In this case, the client is purposely choosing not to remember details of the traumatic event to avoid dealing with the associated emotions. Choice B, '"I'd rather not talk about it right now,"?' suggests avoidance or deflection rather than active suppression. Choice C, '"It's the other entire guy's fault! He was going too fast,"?' indicates blaming someone else for the situation, which is a form of defense mechanism known as externalization. Choice D, '"My mother is heartbroken about this,"?' expresses empathy towards the mother's emotions and does not demonstrate suppression of personal feelings.
2. Which response would the nurse make to a client with schizophrenia who claims to be Joan of Arc about to be burned at the stake?
- A. ''Tell me more about being Joan of Arc.''
- B. 'We both know that you're not Joan of Arc.''
- C. ''It seems like the world is a pretty scary place for you.''
- D. 'You're safe here, because we won't let you be burned.''
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would say, ''It seems like the world is a pretty scary place for you.'' This response allows the nurse to understand the symbolism, reflect on and acknowledge the client's feelings, and help preserve the client's integrity. The statement, ''Tell me more about being Joan of Arc,'' validates the client's delusion and does not test reality. The statement, ''We both know that you're not Joan of Arc,'' rejects the client's feelings and does not address the client's fears of being harmed; clients cannot be argued out of delusions. The statement, ''You're safe here, because we won't let you be burned,'' is false reassurance; the nurse is agreeing with the client's false perceptions of reality, which is nontherapeutic.
3. Which thought process would the nurse document the mental health client is experiencing after the client says, 'The FBI is out to kill me'?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Error in judgment
- C. Delusion of persecution
- D. Self-accusatory delusion
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would document that the client is experiencing a delusion of persecution. A delusion of persecution is a fixed and firm belief of being harassed, in danger, or at the mercy of others, as illustrated by 'The FBI is out to kill me.' Hallucinations are perceived experiences that occur without actual sensory stimulation. Error in judgment refers to poor decision-making, not a distortion of reality like a delusion. A self-accusatory delusion involves accepting blame for an act that was never committed or a feeling that was never acted on. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Delusion of persecution.'
4. Which dysfunction of the reproductive system is associated with anorexia nervosa in females?
- A. Galactorrhea
- B. Gynecomastia
- C. Amenorrhea
- D. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Amenorrhea (cessation of menses) is associated with anorexia nervosa in females due to endocrine imbalances resulting from depleted fat stores. Galactorrhea is a milky discharge from the nipples unrelated to normal breast milk production. Gynecomastia is swelling of breast tissue in males. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder occurs about 1 week before menses and includes mood swings, depression, fatigue, bloating, overeating, and difficulty focusing, resolving when menstruation starts. In the context of anorexia nervosa, the primary concern is the disruption of the menstrual cycle due to low body weight, leading to amenorrhea.
5. A client undergoing presurgical testing before a total abdominal hysterectomy says to the nurse, 'After I have this surgery I know my husband will never come near me again.' Which response would the nurse give?
- A. You're underestimating how your husband will respond to your surgery.
- B. You're concerned about the effect on your sexual relations.
- C. You're worried that the surgery will change how others see you.
- D. You're concerned about how your husband will respond to your surgery.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the client's expressed concern about her husband's reaction to the surgery, encouraging further discussion without imposing the nurse's assumptions. Choice A reframes the client's concern to focus on the husband's response, aligning more closely with the client's stated worry. Choice B makes an assumption about the client's concerns regarding sexual relations, which may not be the primary focus of her statement. Choice C shifts the attention to how others perceive the client, deviating from the client's specific reference to her husband's reaction, thus not addressing the client's main concern.
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