NCLEX-RN
Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX PN Questions
1. Which therapeutic approach would indicate the client is receiving desensitization therapy?
- A. Imagery
- B. Modeling
- C. Role playing
- D. Assertiveness training
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Imagery.' Imagery is a therapeutic approach used in desensitization therapy. It helps in facilitating positive self-talk and involves the client initiating and controlling mental pictures to correct faulty cognitions. Modeling, role-playing, and assertiveness training are effective general behavioral approaches but are not specific to desensitization therapy.
2. The nurse determines that a postoperative client's respiratory rate has increased from 18 to 24 breaths/min. Based on this assessment finding, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to increase ambulation in the room.
- B. Offer the client a high-carbohydrate snack for energy.
- C. Force fluids to thin the client's pulmonary secretions.
- D. Determine if pain is causing the client's tachypnea.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When a postoperative client's respiratory rate increases, it is essential to determine the underlying cause. Pain, anxiety, and fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to tachypnea (increased respiratory rate). Therefore, the priority intervention is to assess if pain is the contributing factor. Encouraging increased ambulation may worsen oxygen desaturation in a client with a rising respiratory rate. Offering a high-carbohydrate snack is not indicated as it can increase carbon metabolism; instead, consider providing an alternative energy source like Pulmocare liquid supplement. Forcing fluids may exacerbate respiratory congestion in a client with a compromised cardiopulmonary system, potentially leading to fluid overload. Therefore, determining the role of pain in tachypnea is crucial for appropriate management.
3. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?
- A. Increase in pulse rate
- B. Widened pulse pressure
- C. Increase in body temperature
- D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.
4. What action would the nurse take for a 4-year-old child who is called to the operating room for a planned myringotomy?
- A. Removing the child's undergarments
- B. Placing the child's toys on the bedside table
- C. Allowing the child to climb onto the stretcher
- D. Having the parents accompany the child to the operating suite
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action is to have the parents accompany the child to the operating suite. Current practice encourages parents to stay with the child as long as possible to reduce stress related to a frightening experience. Removing the child's undergarments is usually not necessary for a myringotomy procedure. Placing the child's toys on the bedside table is important, especially a favorite one, for comfort until sedation is induced. Allowing the child to climb onto the stretcher may not be safe or appropriate as the child is too young to do so independently.
5. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?
- A. Low serum albumin level
- B. Low serum transferrin level
- C. High hemoglobin level
- D. High cholesterol level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.
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