NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient. Which intervention is the best example of a culturally appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Insist that family members provide most of the patient's personal care.
- B. Maintain a personal space of at least 2 feet when assessing the patient.
- C. Ask permission before touching a patient during the physical assessment.
- D. Consider the patient's ethnicity as an important factor in planning care.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Culturally appropriate nursing care requires sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of diverse cultural groups. Asking permission before touching a patient during a physical assessment is a universally respectful practice, as many cultures consider it disrespectful to touch a person without consent. This approach demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and cultural preferences. Maintaining a personal space of at least 2 feet can be a good practice for infection control or personal comfort but may not be culturally significant for all patients. Insisting that family members provide most of the patient's personal care may not align with the patient's cultural norms or preferences. Considering a patient's ethnicity as the most important factor in care planning overlooks the individuality of the patient and may lead to stereotyping or assumptions that are not accurate or helpful in providing tailored care.
2. Which action often triggers an episode of violence or aggression in a patient with a psychiatric diagnosis involving violent behavior?
- A. Obtaining a history
- B. Asking for input into care
- C. Enforcing rules
- D. Taking a walk
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Enforcing rules is often a trigger for patients with psychiatric diagnoses involving violent behavior. Limit-setting or denying patient demands can be perceived as control and intimidation, leading to aggressive responses. Nursing staff must respond calmly and professionally to prevent escalation. Avoiding such patients or matching their emotions can worsen the situation. Therefore, enforcing rules can provoke violent episodes in these patients.
3. Which initial response would the nurse make to a 67-year-old man with type 2 diabetes who sadly confides in the nurse that he has been unable to have an erection for several years?
- A. 'At your age, sex isn't that important.''
- B. ''That is a natural occurrence at your age.''
- C. ''You sound upset about not being able to have an erection.''
- D. 'Maybe it's time for you to speak to your primary health care provider about this.''
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is, 'You sound upset about not being able to have an erection.' When a client discloses personal information, the nurse should respond in a non-judgmental manner to encourage further communication and gather more details. This response demonstrates empathy and understanding, opening the door for the patient to express his feelings and concerns. Choice A, 'At your age, sex isn't that important,' is dismissive and fails to address the client's emotions or concerns, potentially hindering open communication. Choice B, 'That is a natural occurrence at your age,' provides inaccurate information as the inability to have an erection is not considered a normal part of aging. Choice D, 'Maybe it's time for you to speak to your primary health care provider about this,' while important eventually, should not be the initial response as the nurse should first explore the client's feelings and concerns before discussing potential referrals or interventions.
4. A client is having difficulty applying for a job due to panic and anxiety. A nurse is helping by pretending to be the job supervisor while the client practices answering questions during an imaginary interview. This technique is an example of:
- A. Reinforcement
- B. Presenting reality
- C. Role playing
- D. Summarizing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Role-playing is the correct answer. It involves practicing appropriate behaviors during imaginary scenarios that simulate real-life situations. In this scenario, the nurse is helping the client prepare for a job interview by acting as the job supervisor. Role-playing allows the client to practice and develop strategies to cope with anxiety and panic during the actual interview. Reinforcement (Choice A) involves providing consequences to strengthen a behavior. Presenting reality (Choice B) involves helping the client differentiate between real and unreal experiences. Summarizing (Choice D) involves condensing information. In this context, role-playing is the most appropriate technique to address the client's anxiety and panic related to job interviews.
5. A client dies while several family members are in the room. Which intervention will the hospice nurse initially use during the shock phase of a grief reaction?
- A. Stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased.
- B. Direct activities related to funeral arrangements.
- C. Mobilize the support systems for the family.
- D. Present the full reality of the loss to the family.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During the shock phase of a grief reaction, the hospice nurse's initial intervention should be to stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased. This action provides immediate support to the family until coping mechanisms and personal support systems can be mobilized. Directing activities related to funeral arrangements is not within the nurse's role and responsibility. Mobilizing the support systems for the family is important, but staying with the family and the deceased helps in providing immediate comfort and support. Presenting the full reality of the loss to the family is not appropriate during the shock phase as acceptance of the loss takes time and is not the immediate priority.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access