NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A Hispanic patient complains of abdominal cramping caused by empacho. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Ask the patient what treatments are likely to help
- B. Massage the patient's abdomen until the pain subsides.
- C. Administer prescribed medications to decrease the cramping
- D. Offer to contact a curandero(a) for a visit to the patient
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a Hispanic patient presents with abdominal cramping related to empacho, it is crucial for the nurse to first understand the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences before initiating any interventions. In the case of a culture-bound syndrome like empacho, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the patient's cultural background. While options like administering medications, arranging a visit by a curandero(a), or providing massage may have potential benefits, assessing the patient's beliefs ensures that interventions are culturally sensitive and aligned with the patient's values. By engaging the patient in a discussion about potential treatments, the nurse can gather valuable information to tailor care effectively, promoting trust and collaboration in the healthcare process. This patient-centered approach enhances the quality of care and fosters a culturally competent nursing practice. Therefore, asking the patient about preferred treatments is the most appropriate initial action to address the patient's condition effectively.
2. Which parental statement would the nurse recognize as the appropriate application of time-out when disciplining a 4-year-old?
- A. I send my child to their bedroom for misbehaving.
- B. We limit time-out to 4 minutes per incident.
- C. Putting my child in a dark closet for time-out is very effective.
- D. I explain the reason for the time-out before and after disciplining my child.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to explain the reason for the time-out before and after disciplining the child. This approach reinforces the child's association of the time-out with the undesirable behavior, helping the child learn to control those behaviors. Sending a child to their bedroom may lead to negative associations with bedtime or be ineffective if the child enjoys spending time in their bedroom. Time-out should ideally be limited to 1 minute per year of age, so a time-out for a 4-year-old should be limited to 4 minutes. Placing a child in a dark closet can create fear and damage the child's trust in their parents as a source of safety, making it an inappropriate and harmful approach. Even if this method seems effective in the short term, the potential long-term consequences outweigh any immediate benefits.
3. Which of the following examples indicates that the nurse is giving recognition as a form of therapeutic communication?
- A. You need to take your medicine now, Adam.
- B. Jill, your father is trying to make amends with you.
- C. The physician wants to meet with you and your husband, Amy.
- D. Linda, you brushed your hair this morning.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Recognition is a form of therapeutic communication in which the nurse points out a positive aspect of the client's behavior. Noting that a client brushed her hair herself indicates that the nurse recognizes the client's attempts at self-care. This recognition shows the client that the nurse is paying attention and may be open to further communication. Choices A, B, and C do not demonstrate recognition. Choice A focuses on a directive statement, Choice B involves informing the client about a situation without acknowledging their actions, and Choice C informs the client about a meeting without providing recognition for any behavior.
4. The client has a new colostomy. Which client outcome is most important for achievement of long-range goals associated with adjusting to a new colostomy?
- A. Mastery of colostomy care techniques
- B. Readiness to accept an altered body function
- C. Awareness of community resources available
- D. Understanding necessary dietary modifications
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial client outcome for successful adjustment to a new colostomy is the readiness to accept an altered body function. Acceptance of changes in body image and function is essential to facilitate mastery of colostomy care techniques and optimal utilization of community resources. Without readiness to accept the altered body function, the client may not be open to learning and adopting necessary changes, hindering the achievement of long-term goals. Understanding dietary modifications, while important, is secondary to the fundamental acceptance of the altered body function in the process of adjusting to a new colostomy.
5. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention when providing care for parents who have experienced a stillbirth?
- A. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth
- B. Providing the parents the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn
- C. Explaining that an autopsy is not recommended in the setting of a stillbirth
- D. Arranging follow-up care and providing information to the parents before they leave the hospital
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention when caring for parents who have experienced a stillbirth is to provide them with the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn. This helps in the grieving process and allows the parents closure. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth may overwhelm the parents and is not the immediate priority. While an autopsy can be performed in the case of a stillbirth, the decision should be discussed with the parents and their wishes respected. Arranging follow-up care and providing information before the parents leave the hospital is crucial in ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to cope with the loss effectively.
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