NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. When caring for a patient who speaks a different language and an interpreter is unavailable, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Talk slowly to ensure clear understanding
- B. Speak loudly in close proximity to the patient's ears
- C. Repeat important words to emphasize their significance
- D. Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating
Correct answer: D: Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating
Rationale: When faced with a language barrier and lacking an interpreter, using simple gestures can help convey meaning to the patient. This approach can assist in basic communication and understanding. Talking slowly may not be effective if the patient does not understand the language, and speaking loudly can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Repeating words may not aid comprehension if the patient is unfamiliar with the language. Therefore, using gestures is the most appropriate option in this situation.
2. Which response would the nurse make when a client moans softly, 'Oh no, I’m next. They couldn’t protect him, and they can’t protect me,' after learning a recently discharged client committed suicide?
- A. ''The other person was a lot sicker than you are.''
- B. ''You seem to be afraid that you’ll hurt yourself.''
- C. ''That was different. He was at home, but you’re here.''
- D. ''There’s no need to worry. You have a better support system.''
Correct answer: ''You seem to be afraid that you’ll hurt yourself.''
Rationale: The nurse would make the statement, 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.' This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and opens up the opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Choice A, 'The other person was a lot sicker than you are,' dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address the underlying fear of self-harm. Choice C, 'That was different. He was at home, but you’re here,' invalidates the client's concerns and does not encourage further discussion. Choice D, 'There’s no need to worry. You have a better support system,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's expressed fear, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
3. 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: Client has an accurate perception of reality and is accepting of self and others
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.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer 10 mL of liquid potassium chloride through a feeding tube, followed by 10 mL of liquid acetaminophen. Which action should the nurse include in this procedure?
- A. Dilute each of the medications with sterile water prior to administration.
- B. Mix the medications in one syringe before opening the feeding tube.
- C. Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
- D. Withdraw any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication.
Correct answer: Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
Rationale: Water should be instilled into the feeding tube between administering the two medications to maintain the patency of the feeding tube and ensure that the total dose of medication enters the stomach and does not remain in the tube. These liquid medications do not need to be diluted when administered via a feeding tube. Mixing the medications in one syringe can lead to interactions or alterations in the medications' properties. Withdrawing any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication can cause inaccurate dosing and incomplete administration. Therefore, the correct action is to administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications to ensure proper delivery and avoid any complications.
5. On her first visit to the neonatal intensive care unit to see her preterm newborn, the mother’s only comment to the nurse is, 'My baby looks so fragile. Do you think my child will make it?' Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. "Many infants born as small as yours have done just fine."
- B. "The staff is confident in your child’s prognosis because preterm babies do look like this at first."
- C. "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
- D. "Your baby is not as fragile as it appears. Do you find it so frightening that you can’t touch your child?"
Correct answer: "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
Rationale: The nurse's response should aim to convey acceptance and encourage the mother to express her concerns. By saying, "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?", the nurse acknowledges the mother's feelings and prompts her to share her understanding, fostering further communication and addressing any misconceptions. Choices A and B dismiss the mother's concerns by making general statements and do not encourage dialogue. Choice D implies judgment and may deter the mother from opening up about her fears.
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