NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which of the following is a symptom associated with sensory overload?
- A. Disorientation
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Emotional lability
- D. Depression
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Disorientation is a common symptom associated with sensory overload. When an individual experiences sensory overload, their brain may become overwhelmed with excessive information, leading to disorientation. This can manifest as an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts, and restless behavior. Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to either control the amount of environmental stimuli they are exposed to or process the stimuli effectively. Drowsiness, emotional lability, and depression are not typical symptoms of sensory overload. Drowsiness may indicate fatigue or boredom, emotional lability refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, and depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
2. A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and compare the reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings for accuracy.
- B. Contact the health care provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
- C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort during blood pressure measurement.
- D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg is to compare the current reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison helps determine whether the current reading is abnormal for the client. Option A, which involves informing the client that the blood pressure is high and comparing it with the previous readings, is appropriate as it educates the client and aids in accurate assessment. Option B, contacting the health care provider for medication, is premature without further assessment. Option C, replacing the cuff with a larger one, is incorrect as it may affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and is not a standard practice for managing high blood pressure readings.
3. 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.
4. A client who has undergone a mastectomy because of breast cancer is now undergoing chemotherapy, which has caused hair loss. The client states, 'I feel like I've lost my sense of power.' Which response would the nurse give?
- A. 'Hair does not empower a person.'
- B. 'Losing power seems important to you.'
- C. Knowledge is power; I'll give you some pamphlets to read.'
- D. 'Hair loss is common; it will grow back, so you should not worry.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is, 'Losing power seems important to you.' This response acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for further discussion. Choice A is confrontational and dismissive, potentially shutting down communication. Choice C offers pamphlets, which may be seen as dismissing the client's concerns and avoiding engaging in a conversation. Choice D minimizes the client's feelings and may discourage further expression of emotions. By choosing option B, the nurse shows empathy and encourages the client to explore their emotions in a supportive environment.
5. A nurse stops at a motor vehicle collision site to render aid until the emergency personnel arrive and applies pressure to a groin wound that is bleeding profusely. Later the client has to have the leg amputated and sues the nurse for malpractice. Which is the most likely outcome of this lawsuit?
- A. The Patient's Bill of Rights protects clients from malicious intents, so the nurse could lose the case.
- B. The lawsuit may be settled out of court, but the nurse's license is likely to be revoked.
- C. There will be no judgment against the nurse, whose actions were protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
- D. The client will win because the four elements of negligence (duty, breach, causation, and damages) can be proved.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The Good Samaritan Act protects healthcare professionals who provide care in good faith from malpractice claims, regardless of the client outcome. In this scenario, the nurse stopped at the scene voluntarily to render aid, which is protected under the Good Samaritan Act. This law shields individuals from legal liability when providing emergency care in good faith and without expectation of compensation. The Patient's Bill of Rights does protect clients, but in this case, the nurse's actions were protected by the Good Samaritan Act. Additionally, the state Board of Nursing would not likely revoke the nurse's license unless there was evidence of actions taken in bad faith or unreasonable care. The client would not win the lawsuit as the essential elements of malpractice, including duty, breach, causation, and damages, were not met in this situation.
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