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. In the care of a withdrawn, reclusive psychotic client, which goal is the priority?
- A. Establish trust
- B. Increase feelings of self-worth
- C. Solidify sense of identity
- D. Improve ability to socialize
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority goal in the care of a withdrawn, reclusive psychotic client is to establish trust. Trust is fundamental in building a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for effective care. Without trust, the client may not engage in therapy or interventions. Once trust is established, the nurse can then assess the client's feelings of self-worth, sense of identity, and ability to socialize. While these other goals are important in the overall care of the client, establishing trust forms the foundation for further progress in the therapeutic relationship and treatment.
3. Which factor is most critical for a single mother of 2 children who recently lost her job and does not know what to do?
- A. Developmental history of children
- B. Available situational supports
- C. Underlying unconscious conflict
- D. Willingness to restructure lifestyle
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a crisis intervention, the priority is to identify available situational supports, such as family, friends, community resources, and social services, that can help the single mother and her children during this difficult time. Understanding the developmental history of the children may be important to assess their needs, but it is not the most critical factor in this immediate crisis. Exploring underlying unconscious conflicts is more suited for long-term therapy rather than crisis intervention. While the willingness to restructure lifestyle may eventually be necessary, the immediate focus should be on finding support systems to address the current crisis.
4. When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?
- A. Listen to the parents' description of the child's behavior.
- B. Compare the child's function from one occasion to another.
- C. Engage the parents in a discussion about the child's feelings.
- D. Determine the child's mental status through direct questioning.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child's function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents' description of the child's behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child's feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.
5. A health care provider discusses with a client the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy. After the health care provider leaves the room, the client tells the nurse about being relieved that only minor surgery is necessary. Which psychological process explains this client's reaction?
- A. Reflection
- B. Regression
- C. Repudiation
- D. Reconciliation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client's reaction of believing that only minor surgery is necessary when faced with the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy is an example of repudiation. Repudiation involves a refusal to acknowledge anticipated loss as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming stress of illness. The client is psychologically denying the seriousness of the situation. The other choices are incorrect because: - Reflection (Choice A) does not apply since the client is not contemplating the issues of the situation. - Regression (Choice B) is not demonstrated as the client's behavior does not indicate reverting to an earlier stage of development. - Reconciliation (Choice D) is not applicable as the client has not made a realistic adjustment to the illness but rather is in denial of its severity.
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