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. 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.
3. A client says, 'The doctors lied about me. They said I murdered my mother. You killed her. She died before I was born.' Which psychotic feature is the client experiencing?
- A. Ideas of grandeur
- B. Confusing illusions
- C. Persecutory delusions
- D. Auditory hallucinations
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing persecutory delusions, as she believes that others are blaming her for negative actions. This is not about ideas of grandeur, which involve feelings of greatness or power. Confusing illusions refer to misinterpretation of stimuli, which is not present in this scenario. Auditory hallucinations involve hearing voices, which is not the case here. In this case, the client is delusional, but not hallucinating.
4. A staff nurse expresses frustration that a Native American patient always has several family members at the bedside. Which action by the charge nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Remind the nurse that family support is important to this family and patient.
- B. Have the nurse explain to the family that too many visitors will tire the patient.
- C. Suggest that the nurse ask family members to leave the room during patient care.
- D. Ask about the nurse's personal beliefs about family support during hospitalization.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The first step in providing culturally competent care is to understand one's own beliefs and values related to health and health care. Asking the nurse about personal beliefs will help achieve this step. Reminding the nurse that this cultural practice is important to the family and patient will not decrease the nurse's frustration. The remaining responses, such as suggesting that the nurse ask family members to leave the room or having the nurse explain to the family that too many visitors will tire the patient, are not culturally appropriate for this patient.
5. 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.
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