NCLEX-RN
Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions
1. What is a common reason why clients abuse alcohol?
- A. To blunt reality
- B. To precipitate euphoria
- C. To promote social interaction
- D. To stimulate the central nervous system
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients often abuse alcohol to blunt reality. Alcohol, by depressing the central nervous system and distorting or altering reality, can reduce anxiety. It is not primarily used to precipitate euphoria; instead, it may lead to mood swings, impaired judgment, and aggressive behavior. While alcohol can be used as a social lubricant, individuals with alcohol use disorder often drink in isolation. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption can result in inappropriate and aggressive behaviors that hinder social interactions. It's important to note that alcohol is a depressant, unlike stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine.
2. Why might a nurse manager suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions?
- A. Individuals with this disorder respond well to small therapeutic groups.
- B. Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
- C. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens increases as therapeutic group involvement increases.
- D. Involvement in small therapeutic groups may decrease the regression and dependency associated with institutionalization.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse manager would suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions because individuals who are suspicious find group settings threatening. Paranoid individuals struggle in groups as they may not trust others enough to engage effectively and tolerate the necessary interactions for group therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is that therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While some individuals with schizophrenia may respond well to small therapeutic groups, those with paranoid delusions may find them threatening. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens may not necessarily increase with group therapy, especially for acutely ill psychiatric clients not ready to accept reality. Involvement in small therapeutic groups is not primarily aimed at decreasing regression and dependency associated with institutionalization, making it an inappropriate option for the client's specific needs.
3. A 28-year-old woman is recovering from her third consecutive spontaneous abortion in 2 years. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for this client at her follow-up appointment?
- A. Focusing on the client's physical needs
- B. Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
- C. Reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again
- D. Encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client recovering from multiple spontaneous abortions is to encourage the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss. This allows the client to express and process her emotions, facilitating the grieving process and emotional healing. Focusing solely on the client's physical needs, as in choice A, overlooks the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of the client's experience. Choice C, reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again, fails to acknowledge the current loss and may minimize the client's feelings of grief. Choice D, encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future, does not directly address the client's immediate emotional needs related to the recent loss. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention to support the client in coping with her emotional distress.
4. When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?
- A. Listen to the parents' description of the child's behavior.
- B. Compare the child's function from one occasion to another.
- C. Engage the parents in a discussion about the child's feelings.
- D. Determine the child's mental status through direct questioning.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child's function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents' description of the child's behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child's feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.
5. Based on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client is demonstrating characteristics of self-actualization?
- A. Client is competent and esteemed by others for accomplishing work goals
- B. Client maintains a stable, loving, same-sex partnership for several years
- C. Client learns to sublimate aggressive impulses using physical exercises
- D. Client has an accurate perception of reality and is accepting of self and others
Correct answer: D
Rationale: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level where individuals strive to reach their full potential and achieve personal growth. A self-actualized person, as per Maslow, has an accurate perception of reality and is accepting of themselves and others. This individual is characterized by traits such as fairness, independence, spontaneity, and creativity. While choices A, B, and C represent important aspects of human needs fulfillment, they align more closely with lower levels in Maslow's hierarchy. Choice A refers to meeting self-esteem needs, choice B relates to love and belonging needs, and choice C addresses safety needs, all of which are below self-actualization in the hierarchy of needs.
Similar Questions

Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access @ $149.99