the nurse is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless which laboratory value is

NCLEX-RN

Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions

1. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

A. Low serum albumin level
B. Low serum transferrin level
C. High hemoglobin level
D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.

2. Which is an example of an intentional tort?

A. Negligence
B. Malpractice
C. Breach of duty
D. False imprisonment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: False imprisonment is a clear example of an intentional tort where one person deliberately confines another without lawful justification. It involves intentional, wrongful restraint of a person's freedom of movement. Negligence, on the other hand, is an unintentional tort that occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. Malpractice, which involves professional negligence, is also classified as an unintentional tort as it is a failure to meet the standard of care expected in a particular profession. Breach of duty, while a legal concept, is not an example of an intentional tort. It refers to a failure to fulfill a legal obligation or duty owed to another party, often leading to legal consequences, but it is not categorized as an intentional tort.

3. After being medicated for anxiety, the client says to the nurse, 'I guess you are too busy to stay with me.' Which response by the nurse is correct?

A. I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients.'
B. 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes.'
C. You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working.'
D. You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should respond with empathy and reassurance to address the client's emotional needs. The correct response, 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes,' acknowledges the client's feelings while providing a timeframe for the nurse's return, showing care and concern. Choice A, 'I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients,' prioritizes other tasks over the client's emotional needs, which can increase anxiety. Choice C, 'You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's immediate emotional distress. Choice D, 'You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable,' does not acknowledge the client's concerns and fails to establish a supportive connection with the client.

4. A client asks the nurse, 'Should I tell my partner that I just found out I'm human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive?' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?

A. Do not tell your partner unless asked.
B. This is a decision you alone can make.
C. You are having difficulty deciding what to say.
D. Tell your partner that you don't know how you became sick.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the client's struggle in deciding what to communicate to their partner. By stating 'You are having difficulty deciding what to say,' the nurse validates the client's feelings and encourages further discussion. Option A is incorrect as it suggests withholding information unless asked, which may not align with ethical principles of honesty and transparency in relationships. Option B, while acknowledging the client's autonomy, does not provide direct support or guidance. Option D is inappropriate as it involves dishonesty by suggesting telling the partner an untruthful reason for the illness.

5. A client was admitted to the psychiatric unit after complaining to her friends and family that neighbors have bugged her home in order to hear all of her business. She remains aloof from other clients, paces the floor and believes that the hospital is a house of torture. Nursing interventions for the client should appropriately focus on efforts to

A. Convince the client that the hospital staff is trying to help
B. Help the client to enter into group recreational activities
C. Provide interactions to help the client learn to trust staff
D. Arrange the environment to limit the client's contact with other clients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for the client in this scenario is to provide interactions to help the client learn to trust staff. This approach focuses on building trust and establishing a therapeutic alliance between the client and the healthcare team. Choice A is incorrect because simply convincing the client that the hospital staff is trying to help may not address the underlying issue of trust. Choice B is not the priority at this stage as the client is exhibiting symptoms of paranoia and discomfort. Choice D may further isolate the client and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to engage in interactions that promote trust and a therapeutic connection between the client and the staff.