NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?
- A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
- B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
- C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
- D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.
2. Which response would the nurse make to a client who says, 'The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles'?
- A. Ask whether the voices are male or female and how many there are.
- B. Reassure the client by stating, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them.'
- C. Offer false reassurance by saying, 'Don't worry"?I've locked the door to your room and won't let anyone in.'
- D. Encourage the client to leave the room and keep busy to distract from the voices.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The response, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them,' demonstrates empathy and validation of the client's experience while also gently bringing in the nurse's reality. This response acknowledges the client's feelings without reinforcing the hallucinations. Asking about the characteristics of the voices (Choice A) can inadvertently validate the hallucinations. Offering false reassurance (Choice B) may not be helpful as it does not address the client's distress. Encouraging the client to leave the room and keep busy (Choice D) is nontherapeutic as it disregards the client's experience and may increase anxiety.
3. Which nursing intervention helps foster the development of a trusting parent-child relationship?
- A. Placing the infant in a crib with a mobile or soft toy
- B. Discouraging eye contact when the infant is irritable
- C. Putting objects several inches in front of the infant for viewing
- D. Encouraging face-to-face contact between the parents and infant
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging face-to-face contact between parents and infants is crucial in fostering a trusting parent-child relationship. Eye-to-eye contact promotes interaction and bonding, helping the infant develop trust in their caregivers. Placing the infant in a crib with a mobile or soft toy may provide stimulation but does not directly contribute to the emotional bonding necessary for trust. Discouraging eye contact when the infant is irritable can hinder communication and connection. Putting objects in front of the infant for viewing is beneficial for visual stimulation but does not actively promote the emotional attachment and trust that face-to-face contact does.
4. When performing a return demonstration of using a gait belt for a female patient with right-sided weakness, which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned the correct procedure?
- A. Standing on the female patient's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence of weakness is observed.
- B. Standing on the female patient's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from the back.
- C. Standing behind the female patient, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait belt.
- D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of the female patient, the caregiver guides her forward by gently pulling on the gait belt.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness using a gait belt, the caregiver must stand on the weak side of the patient to provide optimal support and security. By standing on the weak side and holding the gait belt from the back, the caregiver can effectively prevent falls and guide the patient's movements. This position allows for better control over the patient's balance. Standing on the strong side (option A) does not offer the necessary support if the patient leans towards the weak side. Standing behind the patient and holding both sides of the gait belt (option C) does not provide focused support to the weak side. Standing slightly in front and to the right (option D) may not offer adequate assistance to prevent falls on the weak side, making it an incorrect choice.
5. What feeling is likely to result from withdrawn behavior?
- A. Anger
- B. Paranoia
- C. Loneliness
- D. Boredom
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Withdrawn behavior involves avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness as the individual lacks connection and companionship. While anger or paranoia may contribute to withdrawal, loneliness is a common emotional consequence of prolonged social isolation. Boredom may also arise from withdrawal if meaningful activities and social engagements are reduced.
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