NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The parents tell the nurse that their preschooler often awakes from sleep screaming in the middle of the night. The preschooler is not easily comforted and screams if the parents try to restrain the child. What should the nurse instruct the parents to do?
- A. Always read a story to the child before bedtime.
- B. Intervene only if necessary to protect the child from injury.
- C. Discuss counseling options with the primary health care provider.
- D. Try to wake the child and ask the child to describe the dream.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Waking up screaming from sleep at night indicates sleep terrors. The nurse would advise the parents to observe the child and intervene only if there is a risk for injury. Reading a story before bedtime helps calm the child before sleeping, but it does not ensure that the child will not have a sleep terror. There is no need for professional counseling because sleep terrors are a common phenomenon in preschool-age children. Trying to wake the child and asking the child to describe the dream is not appropriate as the child is not aware of anybody's presence during a sleep terror, and this may cause the child to scream and thrash more.
2. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention when providing care for parents who have experienced a stillbirth?
- A. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth
- B. Providing the parents the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn
- C. Explaining that an autopsy is not recommended in the setting of a stillbirth
- D. Arranging follow-up care and providing information to the parents before they leave the hospital
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention when caring for parents who have experienced a stillbirth is to provide them with the opportunity to say goodbye to their newborn. This helps in the grieving process and allows the parents closure. Giving a detailed explanation of possible causes of the stillbirth may overwhelm the parents and is not the immediate priority. While an autopsy can be performed in the case of a stillbirth, the decision should be discussed with the parents and their wishes respected. Arranging follow-up care and providing information before the parents leave the hospital is crucial in ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to cope with the loss effectively.
3. Which action by a client who requires an above-the-knee amputation for peripheral arterial disease best indicates emotional readiness for the surgery?
- A. Explains the goals of the procedure
- B. Displays few signs of anticipatory grief
- C. Participates in learning perioperative care
- D. Verbalizes acceptance of permanent dependency needs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Participating actively in learning self-care demonstrates emotional acceptance of the need for surgery and readiness for planning post-surgery. Explaining the goals of the procedure may reflect intellectual readiness but not necessarily emotional readiness. A client who shows few signs of anticipatory grief may be suppressing emotions or in denial, which can hinder the emotional readiness. Verbalizing acceptance of permanent dependency needs suggests the client may require further education and emotional support, as it may not reflect a healthy emotional readiness for the surgery.
4. Which of the following outcomes is most appropriate during the crisis stage of caring for a victim of domestic violence?
- A. The client will verbalize community resources from which to seek shelter after discharge.
- B. The client will write a plan to keep herself and her children safe.
- C. The client will contact an attorney for help with pressing charges.
- D. The client will be safe and receive treatment for injuries.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the crisis stage of caring for a victim of domestic violence, the immediate priority is ensuring the client's safety and providing treatment for any injuries sustained. This focuses on addressing the urgent physical and emotional needs of the victim. While options like verbalizing community resources or creating safety plans are important for long-term support, they are not the primary concerns during the crisis phase. Contacting an attorney for legal assistance, though vital in the future, is not the immediate priority during the crisis stage when the client's safety and health are at the forefront.
5. A client has just died, and their son states, 'She was the most wonderful mother. There was no one who was a better mother than she was. She was perfect.' Which stage of grief is this son experiencing?
- A. Denial
- B. Anger
- C. Idealization
- D. Shock
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The son is experiencing the idealization stage of grief. During this stage, individuals tend to idealize the deceased person and remember them in a highly positive light, overlooking any negative aspects. This idealization serves as a coping mechanism to deal with the loss. Choice A, Denial, is incorrect as denial involves refusing to accept the reality of the loss. Choice B, Anger, is incorrect as it involves feelings of resentment and frustration. Choice D, Shock, is incorrect as shock is the initial reaction to the loss and is different from idealizing the deceased individual.
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