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 mecha

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. A 37-year-old woman with a history of fibroids and menorrhagia that have not been responsive to hormonal treatments is admitted with severe menorrhagia resulting in anemia. She also has depression and pelvic pain. She is crying and states, 'I don't know what to do"?my primary health care provider is recommending a hysterectomy, but I haven't had children yet!' Which response would the nurse provide?

A. 'There are so many children up for adoption, looking for a mother.'
B. 'This must feel so difficult for you. Children are really important to you?'
C. This must feel so difficult for you. Although Children should not be important to you.'
D. Believe me when I tell you that kids are so difficult to raise"?you're better off without them.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide an open-ended question to encourage further expression. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse can create a supportive environment for the client. This approach allows the client to explore her emotions and concerns freely. Option A, suggesting adoption, may come across as dismissive of the client's current emotional state and may not address her immediate needs. Option D is insensitive and dismissive of the client's feelings and desires regarding having children. It is important to avoid making assumptions or judgments about the client's situation. Option C is a duplicate of Option B, and while it shows empathy, it lacks variety in communication, which may limit the depth of the conversation and the nurse's understanding of the client's needs.

3. Which is a true statement regarding stress related disorders?

A. Stress related disorders are only caused by stress
B. Symptoms of stress related disorders would not exist if the client was not experiencing stress
C. Stress related disorders are also called psycho-physiologic disorders
D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that stress related disorders are also called psycho-physiologic disorders. These disorders have a physiologic basis for their development, but stress can exacerbate the symptoms. While stress plays a significant role in these disorders, they are not solely caused by stress. Choice A is incorrect as stress is a contributing factor rather than the sole cause. Choice B is incorrect because symptoms of stress related disorders can persist even when the individual is not actively experiencing stress. Choice D is incorrect as there is a true statement among the choices, which is that stress related disorders are also known as psycho-physiologic disorders.

4. Which behavior would the nurse recognize as developmentally atypical in preschoolers?

A. Thumb sucking during stress
B. Feeling guilty for behaving inappropriately
C. Feeling happy if there is a newborn in the family
D. Curiosity about their surroundings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is feeling happy if there is a newborn in the family. Preschoolers are more likely to exhibit feelings of stress and jealousy rather than happiness with the arrival of a new baby in the family. Thumb sucking and bed-wetting are common behaviors displayed by preschoolers during times of stress. Guilt typically arises in children when they perceive that they have not behaved appropriately. Preschoolers are known to be naturally curious about their surroundings, showing an interest in exploring and learning about the environment around them. Therefore, feeling happy with the birth of a new baby is developmentally atypical for preschoolers.

5. Which risk factor for suicide is considered the most lethal?

A. History of alcohol and drug abuse
B. Previous high-lethality suicide attempts
C. Recent withdrawal from friends
D. Disturbance of family dynamics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Previous high-lethality suicide attempts.' This is the most lethal risk factor as it indicates that the individual has previously attempted suicide in a manner that could lead to death. This history increases the likelihood of future attempts. While substance abuse, like alcohol and drug use, is a significant risk factor for suicide, it is not considered the most lethal. Withdrawal from friends or social isolation can contribute to suicide risk but is not as directly deadly as high-lethality attempts. Disturbance of family dynamics can also be a stressor but does not represent the immediate lethality associated with a history of high-lethality suicide attempts.