NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. While planning care for a 2-year-old hospitalized child, which situation would the nurse most likely expect to affect the behavior?
- A. Strange bed and surroundings.
- B. Separation from parents.
- C. Presence of other toddlers.
- D. Unfamiliar toys and games.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Separation from parents.' Separation anxiety is most evident from 6 months to 30 months of age. It is the greatest stress imposed on a toddler by hospitalization. If separation is avoided, young children have a tremendous capacity to withstand other stress. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while strange bed and surroundings, presence of other toddlers, and unfamiliar toys and games may contribute to some level of stress or discomfort, the separation from parents is the primary factor affecting the behavior of a 2-year-old hospitalized child.
2. On the first postpartum day, a client whose infant is rooming in asks the nurse to return her baby to the nursery and bring the baby to her only at feeding times. Which response would the nurse provide?
- A. It seems that you've changed your mind about rooming in.
- B. I think you're having difficulty caring for the baby.
- C. All right. I'll inform the other nurses of your decision.
- D. You must be tired. I'll bring the baby back at feeding time.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stating that it seems that the client has changed her mind opens communication and allows the client to verbalize her thoughts and feelings. This response acknowledges the client's request without being judgmental. Stating that the client is having difficulty caring for the baby is presumptuous and could make the client defensive. Informing other nurses of the client's decision without exploring the reasons behind it may not address the client's concerns. Although the client may be tired, assuming this without further discussion may overlook the client's true feelings and needs, hindering effective communication and support.
3. Why is it important for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation?
- A. To decrease the client's anxiety
- B. To help the family better adapt to necessary role changes
- C. To improve communication between family and nursing staff
- D. To ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation to help them better adapt to necessary role changes. By providing early notification, the family can start preparing for potential adjustments. While reducing the client's anxiety and improving communication with the nursing staff are important, the primary purpose is to assist the family in undertaking the required role changes. Creating a relaxed atmosphere for the client, although beneficial, is not the main objective in this situation.
4. A client who has been on hemodialysis for 2 years communicates in an angry, critical manner and does not adhere to the prescribed medications and diet. Which explanation for the client's behavior would be useful to consider in planning care?
- A. An attempt to punish the nursing staff
- B. A constructive method of accepting reality
- C. A defense against underlying depression and fear
- D. An effort to maintain life and to live it as fully as possible
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client's angry, critical communication and non-adherence to treatment suggest underlying emotional struggles. The behavior is likely a defense mechanism against feelings of depression and fear. It is essential to consider that the client's actions are not intentionally aimed at punishing others but rather a manifestation of internal distress. Option A is incorrect as the behavior is not about punishing the nursing staff. Option B is incorrect because the behavior is not a constructive way of accepting reality but rather a maladaptive coping mechanism. Option D is incorrect as the behavior is not primarily driven by an effort to maintain life but rather by emotional distress.
5. A 19-year-old client is paralyzed in a car accident. Which statement used by the client would indicate to the nurse that the client was using the mechanism of "suppression"?
- A. "I don't remember anything about what happened to me."
- B. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."
- C. "It's the other guy's fault! He was going too fast."
- D. "My mother is heartbroken about this."
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is "I don't remember anything about what happened to me." This statement indicates the use of suppression, which is the willful act of putting an unacceptable thought or feeling out of one's mind. In this case, the client is deliberately excluding memories of the traumatic event to protect their self-esteem. The other choices do not reflect suppression: Choice B shows avoidance or deflection, Choice C demonstrates blame shifting, and Choice D indicates empathy towards another individual.
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