NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 20-year-old young adult has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erikson, which of the following stages is the adult in?
- A. Trust vs. mistrust
- B. Initiative vs. guilt
- C. Autonomy vs. shame
- D. Intimacy vs. isolation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The young adult, at 20 years old, is in the stage of Intimacy vs. Isolation according to Erikson's psychosocial theory. This stage typically occurs during young adulthood, between the ages of approximately 19 and 40. The primary conflict in this stage revolves around the development of intimate, loving relationships with others. This stage focuses on establishing close bonds and connections with others, seeking emotional closeness and commitment. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Trust vs. mistrust is the stage that occurs in infancy, Initiative vs. guilt is in early childhood, and Autonomy vs. shame is in toddlerhood. These stages each represent different developmental challenges and conflicts that individuals face at various points in their lives.
2. A 28-month-old toddler is admitted to the pediatric unit with suspected meningitis. A few hours later the mother tells the nurse, 'I have to leave now, but whenever I try to go, my child gets upset, and then I start to cry.' Which is the best action by the nurse?
- A. Walking the mother to the elevator
- B. Encouraging the mother to spend the night
- C. Staying with the child while the mother leaves
- D. Telling the mother to wait until the child falls asleep
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The best action for the nurse in this situation is to stay with the child while the mother leaves. By doing so, the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance to both the child and the mother. This approach acknowledges the mother's need to leave while ensuring the child is not left alone and is supported during the separation. Walking the mother to the elevator does not address the child's emotional needs and may not provide adequate support. Encouraging the mother to spend the night is not necessary and may not be feasible for her. Telling the mother to wait until the child falls asleep is not recommended as it may create a sense of dishonesty and uncertainty for the child, who should be aware of the mother's departure and reassured that she will return.
3. A client asks the nurse, 'Should I tell my partner that I just found out I'm human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive?' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. Do not tell your partner unless asked.
- B. This is a decision you alone can make.
- C. You are having difficulty deciding what to say.
- D. Tell your partner that you don't know how you became sick.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the client's struggle in deciding what to communicate to their partner. By stating 'You are having difficulty deciding what to say,' the nurse validates the client's feelings and encourages further discussion. Option A is incorrect as it suggests withholding information unless asked, which may not align with ethical principles of honesty and transparency in relationships. Option B, while acknowledging the client's autonomy, does not provide direct support or guidance. Option D is inappropriate as it involves dishonesty by suggesting telling the partner an untruthful reason for the illness.
4. The client is being instructed on the proper use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction should the nurse provide to ensure the optimal benefits from the drug?
- A. Fill your lungs with air through your mouth and then compress the inhaler.
- B. Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth.
- C. Compress the inhaler while inhaling quickly through your nose.
- D. Exhale completely after compressing the inhaler and then inhale.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To ensure optimal benefits from a metered-dose inhaler, the client should be instructed to compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through the mouth. This technique facilitates the medication to reach deep into the lungs, allowing for an optimal bronchodilation effect. Option B is correct as it promotes the proper coordination of inhaler compression and inhalation, ensuring effective drug delivery. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not support deep lung penetration of the medication, which is essential for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions.
5. Which behavioral characteristic describes the domestic abuser?
- A. Alcoholic
- B. Overconfident
- C. High tolerance for frustrations
- D. Low self-esteem
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low self-esteem.' Domestic abusers often exhibit behaviors stemming from their own experiences of abuse, leading to a cycle of violence. They commonly have low self-esteem, which drives their need to exert control and power over their partners. Choice A, 'Alcoholic,' is not a defining behavioral characteristic of domestic abusers. Choice B, 'Overconfident,' is not typically associated with abusers who often exhibit insecurity and control issues. Choice C, 'High tolerance for frustrations,' is not a primary characteristic of domestic abusers; rather, they often have a low tolerance for situations that challenge their need for control.
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