a client in a long term care facility reports to the nurse that he has not had a bowel movement in 2 days which intervention should the nurse impleme

NCLEX-RN

Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions

1. A client in a long-term care facility reports to the nurse that he has not had a bowel movement in 2 days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Instruct the caregiver to offer a glass of warm prune juice at mealtimes.
B. Notify the healthcare provider and request a prescription for a large-volume enema.
C. Assess the client's medical record to determine the client's normal bowel pattern.
D. Instruct the caregiver to increase the client's fluids to five 8-ounce glasses per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first step in addressing a client's reported change in bowel habits is to assess the client's normal bowel pattern. This assessment helps the nurse understand the client's typical bowel habits and identify any deviations from the norm. By assessing the medical record first, the nurse gains valuable information that guides further interventions. In this scenario, offering prune juice (Option A) or increasing fluids (Option D) may not be appropriate until the client's normal bowel pattern is known. Notifying the healthcare provider for a large-volume enema (Option B) is premature without understanding the client's baseline. Therefore, assessing the client's medical record is the priority before proceeding with any interventions.

2. After informing an older client that an IV line needs to be inserted, the client becomes very apprehensive, loudly verbalizing a dislike for all healthcare providers and nurses. How should the nurse respond?

A. Ask the client to remain quiet so the procedure can be performed safely.
B. Concentrate on completing the insertion as efficiently as possible.
C. Calmly reassure the client that the discomfort will be temporary.
D. Tell the client a joke as a means of distraction from the procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should respond with a calm demeanor to help reduce the client's apprehension. By calmly reassuring the client that the discomfort from the procedure will be temporary, the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings and provides comfort. This response shows empathy and understanding, which can help build trust. Asking the client to remain quiet may escalate the situation and not address the client's underlying concerns. Concentrating solely on completing the insertion efficiently may overlook the client's emotional needs and may increase their anxiety. Telling a joke may not be appropriate in this serious situation and could be perceived as insensitive, failing to address the client's emotional distress effectively.

3. When a man with dementia is admitted to a long-term care facility, his wife, who appears tired and angry, says in a sarcastic tone, 'Let's see what you can do with him.' Which response is therapeutic?

A. It sounds like it's been difficult for you.'
B. I don't understand what you mean.'
C. 'I have experience with all types of clients.'
D. It's too bad you didn't admit him sooner.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the caregiver's feelings and challenges without blaming them. Option A, 'It sounds like it's been difficult for you,' shows empathy and opens the channel of communication. Options B and C, 'I don't understand what you mean' and 'I have experience with all types of clients,' are nurse-focused responses that block effective communication. Option D, 'It's too bad you didn't admit him sooner,' is a hostile response that shifts the blame to the caregiver, which is not therapeutic in this situation.

4. Which behavioral characteristic describes the domestic abuser?

A. Alcoholic
B. Overconfident
C. High tolerance for frustrations
D. Low self-esteem

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low self-esteem.' Domestic abusers often exhibit behaviors stemming from their own experiences of abuse, leading to a cycle of violence. They commonly have low self-esteem, which drives their need to exert control and power over their partners. Choice A, 'Alcoholic,' is not a defining behavioral characteristic of domestic abusers. Choice B, 'Overconfident,' is not typically associated with abusers who often exhibit insecurity and control issues. Choice C, 'High tolerance for frustrations,' is not a primary characteristic of domestic abusers; rather, they often have a low tolerance for situations that challenge their need for control.

5. For which condition would electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) be used?

A. Severe clinical depression
B. Substance abuse disorders
C. Antisocial personality disorder
D. Psychosis occurring in schizophrenia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indicated for severe clinical depression, especially in cases where clients do not respond well to psychotropic medications or require immediate intervention due to the severity of their depression. ECT is not typically used as a primary treatment for substance abuse disorders, antisocial personality disorder, or psychosis occurring in schizophrenia. While ECT is an effective intervention for severe depression, it is important to consider individual client needs and response to other treatment options before resorting to ECT.