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. 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.
3. A client is discussing his personal feelings of self-esteem and self-concept with a nurse. Which of the following questions is most appropriate for assessing the client's personal identity?
- A. What is your educational background?
- B. Are your parents still living?
- C. What do you like about your life right now?
- D. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When assessing a client's personal identity, it is essential for the nurse to inquire about aspects related to the client's self-perception and self-worth. Asking about what the client likes about his current life helps to explore his positive self-perceptions and areas of contentment. This question encourages the client to reflect on his present circumstances and identify aspects that contribute to his sense of personal identity. Choices A, B, and D are not as relevant for assessing personal identity as they focus on educational background, parental status, and future aspirations, respectively, rather than directly addressing the client's current self-perception and identity.
4. Which clinical findings indicate positive signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?
- A. Withdrawal, poverty of speech, inattentiveness
- B. Flat affect, decreased spontaneity, asocial behavior
- C. Hypomania, labile mood swings, episodes of euphoria
- D. Bizarre behavior, auditory hallucinations, loose associations
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is bizarre behavior, auditory hallucinations, and loose associations. These are positive symptoms of schizophrenia, reflecting a distortion or excess of normal function. Withdrawal, poverty of speech, inattentiveness, flat affect, decreased spontaneity, and asocial behavior are negative symptoms linked to schizophrenia, indicating a diminution or absence of normal function. Hypomania, labile mood swings, and episodes of euphoria are more characteristic of bipolar disorder, rather than schizophrenia.
5. Which term describes what an adolescent client is experiencing when she says to the nurse who has been caring for her, 'You're just like my mother; I hate you'?
- A. Insight
- B. Universality
- C. Transference
- D. Identification
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously assigns feelings and attitudes originally associated with another important person in the client's life. In this scenario, the adolescent client is projecting emotions connected to her mother onto the nurse. This client's statement does not demonstrate insight but rather reflects the mechanism of transference. Universality refers to the sense that one is not alone in any situation, which is not evident in the client's statement. Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual takes on characteristics of someone considered admirable, which is not the case in this situation.
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