NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which characteristic usually results in a behavior being viewed and accepted as normal?
- A. Fits within standards accepted by one's society
- B. Helps the person reduce the need for coping skills
- C. Allows the person to express feelings and thoughts
- D. Facilitates achievement of short-term and long-term goals
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Behaviors that align with the standards accepted by a society are generally viewed as normal. Societal norms and values play a significant role in defining what is considered normal behavior. Choices B, C, and D may be important aspects of an individual's functioning, but they do not solely determine whether a behavior is viewed as normal. Coping skills, expressions of feelings, and goal achievement can vary in their cultural context and societal acceptance, therefore they are not definitive indicators of normalcy.
2. A newly diagnosed client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comments to the nurse, 'There are so many rotten people around. Why couldn't one of them get HIV instead of me?' Which statement is the nurse's best response?
- A. 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying.'
- B. 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder.'
- C. 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?'
- D. 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client is expressing feelings of unfairness and questioning why they have HIV. The nurse's best response is to acknowledge the client's emotions. Choice B, 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder,' reflects empathy and validates the client's feelings, which can help them move towards acceptance. Choice A, 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying,' introduces the topic of death, which may not be the primary concern at this stage. Choice C, 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?' is judgmental and could induce guilt in the client. Choice D, 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?' deflects the conversation and does not address the client's current emotional needs.
3. A client has been diagnosed with depression, and a nurse is assisting them. Which of the following is an example of a short-term outcome as part of the nursing process for this client?
- A. Client will verbalize that depression symptoms have lifted
- B. Client will identify life stressors that may be contributing to depression
- C. Client's insomnia will be resolved as evidenced by 8 hours of sleep each night
- D. Client will identify a mental health counselor in the community with whom they can meet for ongoing therapy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the nursing process for a client with depression, short-term outcomes are goals that need to be achieved before advancing towards long-term outcomes. Identifying life stressors that may be contributing to the depression is a crucial initial step. This process helps the client work through feelings of grief or sadness before moving on to long-term goals like therapy and depression management. Choice A is not a short-term outcome as the lifting of depression symptoms is usually a long-term goal. Choice C focuses on resolving insomnia, which is a symptom of depression, but not directly addressing the root cause. Choice D involves identifying a mental health counselor for ongoing therapy, which is more aligned with a long-term treatment plan, rather than a short-term outcome.
4. A client says, 'I hear a man speaking from the corner of the room. Do you hear him, too?' Which response is best?
- A. What is he saying to you? Does it make any sense?
- B. Yes, I hear him. What do you think he is saying?
- C. No one is in the corner of the room. Can't you see that?
- D. No, I don't hear him, but that must be upsetting for you.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best response is D: 'No, I don't hear him, but that must be upsetting for you.' This response acknowledges the client's experience without validating the hallucination. The nurse expresses empathy by acknowledging the client's feelings ('that must be upsetting for you'), showing understanding and support. Choice A focuses on the content of the hallucination, which may inadvertently reinforce the delusion. Choice B validates the hallucination by agreeing that the nurse also hears the man. Choice C denies the client's experience and can lead to further distress by invalidating their perception.
5. When performing a return demonstration of using a gait belt for a female patient with right-sided weakness, which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned the correct procedure?
- A. Standing on the female patient's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence of weakness is observed.
- B. Standing on the female patient's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from the back.
- C. Standing behind the female patient, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait belt.
- D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of the female patient, the caregiver guides her forward by gently pulling on the gait belt.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness using a gait belt, the caregiver must stand on the weak side of the patient to provide optimal support and security. By standing on the weak side and holding the gait belt from the back, the caregiver can effectively prevent falls and guide the patient's movements. This position allows for better control over the patient's balance. Standing on the strong side (option A) does not offer the necessary support if the patient leans towards the weak side. Standing behind the patient and holding both sides of the gait belt (option C) does not provide focused support to the weak side. Standing slightly in front and to the right (option D) may not offer adequate assistance to prevent falls on the weak side, making it an incorrect choice.
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