NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. While receiving a preoperative enema, a client starts to cry and says, 'I'm sorry you have to do this messy thing for me.' Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. I don't mind it.'
- B. 'You seem upset.'
- C. 'This is part of my job.'
- D. 'Nurses get used to this.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse's best response in this situation is to acknowledge the client's emotional state, as it shows empathy and encourages further expression of feelings. Choice A, 'I don't mind it,' dismisses the client's emotions and does not address the underlying issue. Choice C, 'This is part of my job,' focuses on the task rather than the client's emotional needs. Choice D, 'Nurses get used to this,' minimizes the client's feelings and lacks empathy. By selecting choice B, 'You seem upset,' the nurse acknowledges the client's distress and opens the door for further communication and support.
2. When developing Jerry's plan of care, which of the following would NOT be helpful to include?
- A. Limiting choices
- B. Providing structure
- C. Encouraging patient input
- D. Ensuring availability of PRN medications
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Limiting choices would not be helpful in Jerry's plan of care. Providing options, even if among limited choices, offers the patient a sense of independence rather than imposing control. Providing structure is crucial, especially in transitioning from a psychiatric to a medical-surgical unit. Encouraging patient input in identifying triggers and effective methods for managing aggressive impulses is essential for empowerment and individualized care. Ensuring the availability and prompt delivery of PRN medications gives the patient a sense of control and security, assuring access to necessary medication when needed.
3. The nurse is caring for an Asian patient who is being admitted to the hospital. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take when interviewing this patient?
- A. Avoid eye contact with the patient
- B. Observe the patient's use of eye contact
- C. Look directly at the patient when interacting
- D. Ask the patient's family member about the patient's cultural beliefs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Observing the patient's use of eye contact will be most useful in determining the best way to communicate effectively with the patient. Different cultures have varying norms regarding eye contact, so by observing the patient, the nurse can adapt their communication style accordingly. Looking directly at the patient or avoiding eye contact may not be universally appropriate and could be misinterpreted. Asking a family member about the patient's cultural beliefs is not ideal as cultural beliefs can vary among individuals within the same cultural group. It is best to assess the patient directly to provide culturally sensitive care.
4. Which reaction toward the physical symptom would the nurse observe in a client with conversion disorder?
- A. Anger
- B. Apathy
- C. Anxiety
- D. Agitation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In conversion disorder, the nurse would observe apathy toward the physical symptom. The development of the symptom serves as an unconscious method of reducing anxiety. The symptom is accepted passively, known as 'la belle indiff�rence.' There is no anger observed as symptoms are passively accepted. Similarly, there is no direct anxiety related to the physical symptom, as the conflict is resolved through the symptom development. While many individuals might experience agitation and seek to identify the cause of physical symptoms, in conversion disorder, there is an unusual calmness or indifference towards the physical manifestation, indicating apathy rather than other emotional responses.
5. Which risk factor for suicide is considered the most lethal?
- A. History of alcohol and drug abuse
- B. Previous high-lethality suicide attempts
- C. Recent withdrawal from friends
- D. Disturbance of family dynamics
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Previous high-lethality suicide attempts.' This is the most lethal risk factor as it indicates that the individual has previously attempted suicide in a manner that could lead to death. This history increases the likelihood of future attempts. While substance abuse, like alcohol and drug use, is a significant risk factor for suicide, it is not considered the most lethal. Withdrawal from friends or social isolation can contribute to suicide risk but is not as directly deadly as high-lethality attempts. Disturbance of family dynamics can also be a stressor but does not represent the immediate lethality associated with a history of high-lethality suicide attempts.
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