a nurse notes that an elderly client suddenly does not keep appointments and is not wearing appropriate clothing which statement by the client raises

NCLEX-PN

Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions

1. A nurse notes that an elderly client suddenly does not keep appointments and is not wearing appropriate clothing. Which statement by the client raises the suspicion of financial abuse?

A. "I am having difficulty paying for this new antibiotic the physician prescribed."?
B. "I am a little short on cash since my daughter moved in to help me."?
C. "I have not felt like shopping since the weather has gotten worse."?
D. "People do not realize how difficult it is to make ends meet on a fixed income."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I am a little short on cash since my daughter moved in to help me."? This statement raises suspicion of financial abuse as it suggests a recent change in financial circumstances after the daughter moved in. Financial abuse in elderly clients can be indicated by sudden unexplained financial deficits or changes, such as difficulty paying for necessities despite previously being able to do so. Choices A, C, and D do not directly imply a recent financial change due to external factors, making them less indicative of potential financial abuse. Option B is the most concerning statement that warrants further investigation into possible financial exploitation.

2. When assessing a client in crisis, what should the nurse prioritize?

A. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving.
B. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors and responses to the situation.
C. Focusing on immediate stress reduction.
D. Recommending ongoing therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in crisis, the nurse's priority is to focus on immediate stress reduction. Crisis intervention aims to stabilize the client in the present moment by addressing the most pressing issues. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving (Choice A) may not be appropriate during a crisis as they might need immediate support. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority during a crisis. Recommending ongoing therapy (Choice D) may be considered later, but the immediate focus should be on reducing the client's stress and stabilizing the situation.

3. A client has been taking alprazolam (Xanax) for four years to manage anxiety. The client reports taking 0.5 mg four times a day. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching about discontinuing the medication?

A. "I can drink alcohol now that I am decreasing my Xanax."?
B. "I should not take another Xanax pill. Here is what is left of my last prescription."?
C. "I should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, then one pill for one week."?
D. "I can expect to be sleepy for several days after stopping the medicine."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Explanation: When discontinuing alprazolam (Xanax) after long-term use, it is crucial to taper the dosage gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. The correct statement indicates an understanding of this by planning a structured decrease in dosage over time. Choice A is incorrect as drinking alcohol while decreasing Xanax can be dangerous and is not recommended. Choice B is incorrect as abruptly stopping Xanax is not safe and can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as expecting to be sleepy for several days after stopping the medication does not address the need for a gradual tapering process to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

4. Social support systems include all of the following except:

A. call-in help lines
B. emotional assistance provided by others
C. community support groups
D. use of coping skills and verbalization for anger management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the use of coping skills and verbalization for anger management. Social support systems involve external sources of support from others or the community. Call-in help lines, emotional assistance provided by others, and community support groups all represent social support systems where individuals can seek help and assistance from outside sources. On the other hand, the use of coping skills and verbalization for anger management refers to individual strategies rather than external social support.

5. The difference between spirituality and religion is that spirituality is:

A. a belief about a higher power.
B. an individual's relationship with a higher power.
C. organized worship.
D. a belief in an invisible energy or ideal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'an individual's relationship with a higher power.' Spirituality is more about personal connection, beliefs, and experiences related to a higher power or force, whereas religion is often associated with organized practices, rituals, and doctrines within a specific faith community. Choice A is incorrect as spirituality goes beyond just believing in a higher power; it encompasses a personal connection. Choice C, 'organized worship,' is incorrect because spirituality can exist outside formal religious settings. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies spirituality as merely a belief in an invisible energy or ideal, missing the relational aspect with a higher power.