NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The nurse plans care for a hospitalized patient who uses culturally based treatments. Which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Encourage the use of diagnostic procedures.
- B. Coordinate the use of folk treatments with ordered medical therapies.
- C. Ask the patient to discontinue the cultural treatments during hospitalization.
- D. Teach the patient that folk remedies will interfere with orders by the healthcare provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The best action for the nurse is to coordinate the use of folk treatments with ordered medical therapies. Many culturally based therapies can complement Western treatments and medications. It is essential for the nurse to integrate both traditional folk treatments and Western therapies to provide holistic care. Some culturally based treatments can effectively complement Western medicine in treating diseases. Encouraging the patient to continue some culturally based treatments during hospitalization can enhance their overall well-being. Asking the patient to discontinue cultural treatments or teaching that folk remedies interfere with Western therapies may not align with the patient's beliefs and could hinder their care.
2. An older adult who recently began self-administration of insulin calls the nurse daily to review the steps that should be taken when giving an injection. The nurse has assessed the client's skills during two previous office visits and knows that the client is capable of giving the daily injection. Which response by the nurse is likely to be most helpful in encouraging the client to assume total responsibility for the daily injections?
- A. "I know you are capable of giving yourself the insulin."
- B. "Giving yourself the injection seems to make you nervous."
- C. "When I watched you give yourself the injection, you did it correctly."
- D. "Tell me what you want me to do to help you give yourself the injection at home."
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse in this scenario is option C. By acknowledging and affirming the client's demonstrated ability to self-administer the injection correctly, the nurse is providing positive reinforcement. This positive reinforcement helps to build the client's confidence and encourages them to take total responsibility for their daily injections. Option A, while positive, does not specifically reinforce the client's behavior related to giving the injection. Option B focuses on the client's feelings of nervousness, which may not be helpful in promoting independence. Option D, by offering help without assessing the client's actual needs, reinforces dependence on the nurse rather than encouraging self-reliance.
3. 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.
4. A client is receiving treatment for delusional behavior. He believes that his neighbor is purposefully poisoning his water system in an attempt to make him sick. Which of the following responses of the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Did you have the water tested to be sure?
- B. Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?
- C. Let's just sit here and watch this television program.
- D. Don't be silly; your neighbor would do no such thing.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client presents with delusional beliefs, the nurse should avoid arguing with the client and should accept the client's initial need to hold onto the delusions. By asking the client 'Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?' the nurse encourages the client to express his beliefs further. This open-ended question allows the client to elaborate on his delusions without feeling judged. It helps build trust between the nurse and the client, which is crucial for therapeutic communication. This approach may eventually lead to the client being more receptive to exploring and addressing his delusions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A may come off as dismissive and does not address the client's underlying beliefs. Choice C is a distraction and does not address the client's concerns. Choice D is confrontational and dismissive of the client's beliefs, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.
5. Which therapeutic approach would indicate the client is receiving desensitization therapy?
- A. Imagery
- B. Modeling
- C. Role playing
- D. Assertiveness training
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Imagery.' Imagery is a therapeutic approach used in desensitization therapy. It helps in facilitating positive self-talk and involves the client initiating and controlling mental pictures to correct faulty cognitions. Modeling, role-playing, and assertiveness training are effective general behavioral approaches but are not specific to desensitization therapy.
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