the nurse supporting a family who has just experienced a sudden and unexpected death needs to know

NCLEX-PN

2024 Nclex Questions

1. When supporting a family who has just experienced a sudden and unexpected death, the nurse needs to know:

A. that survivors have greater emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected.
B. that survivors have less emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected.
C. that survivors have the same emotional turmoil and shock as when death is expected.
D. that survivors have little emotional turmoil and shock because they were not there.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that survivors have greater emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected. Sudden death produces more emotional turmoil and shock in survivors compared to gradual, expected death. Survivors of sudden death do not have the opportunity to engage in anticipatory grief. The unexpectedness of sudden death is the most disturbing and unbalancing factor, leading to heightened emotional turmoil and shock. Choice B is incorrect as survivors of sudden death experience more emotional turmoil and shock. Choice C is incorrect because sudden death brings about a different level of emotional turmoil and shock. Choice D is incorrect as survivors of sudden and unexpected death still go through significant emotional distress.

2. Using clich�s in therapeutic communication leads the client to:

A. viewing the nurse as less understanding.
B. accepting themselves as human.
C. self-disclosing.
D. feeling discounted.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The use of clich�s in therapeutic communication is commonly construed by the client as the nurse's lack of understanding, involvement, and caring, which can lead the client to feel demeaned and discounted. Choice A is incorrect because clich�s do not make the client view the nurse as less understanding but rather as lacking depth in communication. Choice B is incorrect as clich�s do not directly lead the client to accepting themselves as human. Choice C is incorrect because clich�s usually hinder self-disclosure rather than encourage it.

3. A 32-year-old female frequently comes to her primary care provider with vague complaints of headache, abdominal pain, and trouble sleeping. In the past, the physician has dutifully prescribed medication, but little else. Which of the following comments by the nurse to the physician is appropriate?

A. "Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain."?
B. "Often women become offended if asked about their safety in relationships."?
C. "It is mandatory that all women be questioned about domestic violence."?
D. "How would you feel to know that her partner is beating her and you didn't ask?"?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain."? There is a well-documented correlation between vague symptoms like abdominal pain and battered woman syndrome. It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about potential domestic violence when presented with such symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as studies show that women are not generally offended by appropriately phrased questions about their safety in relationships. While it is not mandatory to question all women about domestic violence, it is advisable to at least ask a screening question regarding safety. Choice D is inappropriate as it uses a shaming tactic, which is not constructive and may create a hostile work environment. It's important for healthcare professionals to approach sensitive topics like domestic violence with empathy and professionalism.

4. A 10-month-old child is brought to the Emergency Department because he is difficult to awaken. The nurse notes bruises on both upper arms. These findings are most consistent with:

A. wearing clothing that is too small for the child.
B. the child being shaken.
C. falling while learning to walk.
D. parents trying to awaken the child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the child being shaken.' In cases of suspected child abuse, bruises on both upper arms can be indicative of a child being shaken, as children who are shaken are frequently grasped by both upper arms. The presentation of a 10-month-old child being difficult to awaken, along with bruises on the upper arms, raises concern for inflicted injury. Symptoms of brain injury associated with shaking include a decreased level of consciousness. Choices A, C, and D are less likely in this scenario as they do not align with the concerning signs of suspected abuse indicated by the bruises and the child's altered level of consciousness.

5. A man reports his wife is constantly cleaning, which interferes with family life. Friends avoid visiting due to feeling uncomfortable. The husband finds her cleaning even at night. The nurse should consult and recommend the husband help with therapy by:

A. telling his wife to stop cleaning whenever he notices her actions.
B. making a baseline record of the time the wife spends cleaning.
C. decreasing the stimuli in the home.
D. helping his wife with the cleaning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to decrease the stimuli in the home. The wife's behavior suggests obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder. By reducing stimuli in the environment, such as clutter or triggers that prompt cleaning, it helps in managing the condition and promoting a calmer atmosphere. Option A is incorrect as directly telling the wife to stop can escalate her anxiety. Option B is not the priority initially, as addressing the root cause is more crucial. Option D may reinforce the behavior rather than addressing the underlying issue.