NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 5-year-old child has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, the child is in which stage?
- A. Trust vs. mistrust
- B. Initiative vs. guilt
- C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
- D. Intimacy vs. isolation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initiative vs. guilt.' According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, children aged 3-6 years old are in the stage of initiative versus guilt. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the environment. They develop a sense of purpose and direction, but may also experience feelings of guilt if they believe their actions have caused harm or conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Trust vs. mistrust' is the first stage for infants, 'Autonomy vs. shame and doubt' is the second stage for toddlers, and 'Intimacy vs. isolation' is a stage that occurs later in adulthood.
2. When a client who has had a mastectomy sees her incision for the first time, she exclaims, 'I look horrible! Will it ever look better?' Which response would the nurse provide?
- A. 'You seem shocked by the way you look now.'
- B. 'Now that the tumor is gone, the area will heal quickly.'
- C. After it heals, others won't even know you had surgery.'
- D. 'You will feel better about it when the swelling subsides.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response, 'You seem shocked by the way you look now,' acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for the client to express emotions freely. This reflection of feelings may help promote eventual acceptance of body image changes. Choices B, C, and D provide false reassurance and negate the client's feelings. Saying that the area will heal quickly now that the tumor is gone dismisses the client's concerns. Similarly, stating that others won't know about the surgery or that the client will feel better once the swelling subsides does not address the client's current emotional state and may undermine trust in the nurse-client relationship.
3. What initial treatment would the nurse expect for a preschool-aged child experiencing severe fear of the dark?
- A. Prescription medication
- B. Mental health counseling
- C. Cognitive behavioral therapy
- D. Repetition of brave statements
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Repetition of brave statements is an effective initial treatment for preschool-aged children with severe fear of the dark. This technique involves encouraging the child to repeat positive and reassuring statements to themselves to build confidence and reduce fear. Prescription medication is not typically the first-line approach for this type of fear in children due to potential side effects and safety concerns. Mental health counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy may be considered if the fear persists or is severe, but they are usually not the initial treatments for preschool-aged children with fear of the dark.
4. Your patient has been confused for years. Your patient can be best described as having a chronic ___________ disorder.
- A. physical
- B. psychotic
- C. thinking
- D. palliative
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Patients who experience long-term confusion often have a chronic thinking, or cognitive, disorder. Alzheimer's disease is a prime example of a disorder that results in prolonged confusion and memory loss. Choice A, 'physical', is incorrect as the issue described is related to cognitive functioning, not physical health. Choice B, 'psychotic', refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality, which is not the primary issue presented in the scenario. Choice D, 'palliative', is not relevant as it pertains to specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress rather than managing chronic confusion.
5. When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Remind the child to clean his genital area.
- B. Defer perineal care because of the child's age.
- C. Retract the foreskin gently to cleanse the penis
- D. Ask the parents why the child is not circumcised
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, it is essential to gently retract the foreskin to cleanse the penis. This helps in preventing the buildup of bacteria and maintaining good hygiene. Reminding the child to clean his genital area (Option A) may not be effective due to the child's cognitive development level. Perineal care should not be deferred (Option B) as it is necessary for maintaining hygiene at any age. Asking the parents why the child is not circumcised (Option D) is not relevant to the immediate care required during bathing.
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