which consideration is the most accurate when applying the principles of mental health

NCLEX-RN

Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX PN Questions

1. Which consideration is the most accurate when applying the principles of mental health?

A. Emotionally ill individuals may initially reject psychological support from family or others.
B. People with emotional illnesses may experience challenges in problem-solving.
C. Mental illness is not solely characterized by signs and symptoms of socially inappropriate behavior.
D. Emotional health is promoted when there is a sense of mastery of self and the environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Emotional health is enhanced when an individual feels a sense of control over themselves and their surroundings, fostering security, reducing anxiety, and promoting optimal functioning. While some emotionally ill individuals may reject help initially, many are in distress and acknowledge the need for psychological support. Some seek care based on positive past experiences or the attention received. Additionally, individuals with excellent cognitive function may face challenges in problem-solving due to emotional or psychological barriers. Not all individuals with mental illness exhibit socially inappropriate behavior; it is a misconception that mental illness is solely characterized by such signs and symptoms. Therefore, the most accurate consideration among the choices is that emotional health thrives when there is a feeling of mastery over oneself and the environment.

2. Which of the following individuals is at the highest risk of suicide?

A. An 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year
B. A 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide
C. A 40-year-old married businessman
D. A 46-year-old former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year. Certain factors increase the risk of suicide, such as recent loss of a loved one, in this case, the man's wife. The elderly are a high-risk group due to factors like social isolation, physical health issues, and bereavement. While experiencing a loss can affect anyone, the combination of age, loss of a spouse, and the associated emotional impact elevates the risk significantly. The other choices are not at the highest risk of suicide. A former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years has taken steps towards recovery, reducing the immediate risk. A 40-year-old married businessman and a 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide do not have the same level of immediate risk as the elderly man who recently lost his wife.

3. What behavior is expected of members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

A. Speaking at and participating in weekly meetings
B. Promising to attend at least 12 meetings yearly
C. Maintaining controlled drinking after 6 months
D. Acknowledging an inability to control the drinking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fundamental aspect of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the acceptance of one's inability to control their drinking behavior. This acknowledgment is crucial for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol abuse issues. While speaking at and participating in meetings is encouraged, it is not a strict requirement for AA members. Similarly, there is no specific mandate on the number of meetings to attend yearly, as long as the individual finds the support they need. Maintaining controlled drinking after 6 months is not aligned with AA principles, as the group emphasizes complete abstinence from alcohol to support long-term sobriety.

4. When caring for a patient who speaks a different language and an interpreter is unavailable, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. Talk slowly to ensure clear understanding
B. Speak loudly in close proximity to the patient's ears
C. Repeat important words to emphasize their significance
D. Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When faced with a language barrier and lacking an interpreter, using simple gestures can help convey meaning to the patient. This approach can assist in basic communication and understanding. Talking slowly may not be effective if the patient does not understand the language, and speaking loudly can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Repeating words may not aid comprehension if the patient is unfamiliar with the language. Therefore, using gestures is the most appropriate option in this situation.

5. Which approach would the healthcare provider use when managing the care of a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

A. Creating an anxiety-free environment for the client
B. Assisting the client with the development of healthy, adaptive coping mechanisms
C. Avoiding triggers that produce anxiety in the client
D. Providing reinforcement that the client's anxiety issues can be eliminated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The healthcare provider would assist the client with the development of healthy, adaptive coping mechanisms. GAD is characterized by the maladaptive use of worrying as a coping mechanism. The ultimate goal is for the healthcare provider to help the client replace the ineffective worrying with effective, healthy coping mechanisms. Creating an anxiety-free environment is not feasible or recommended; the goal is to help the client learn to deal with anxiety in a healthy manner. While identifying triggers is important, avoiding all triggers that produce anxiety is often impractical. Providing reinforcement that anxiety issues can be eliminated is not appropriate as anxiety is a normal human experience that needs to be managed effectively rather than eliminated completely.