NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A 5-year-old child has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, the child is in which stage?
- A. Trust vs. mistrust
- B. Initiative vs. guilt
- C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
- D. Intimacy vs. isolation
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initiative vs. guilt.' According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, children aged 3-6 years old are in the stage of initiative versus guilt. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the environment. They develop a sense of purpose and direction, but may also experience feelings of guilt if they believe their actions have caused harm or conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Trust vs. mistrust' is the first stage for infants, 'Autonomy vs. shame and doubt' is the second stage for toddlers, and 'Intimacy vs. isolation' is a stage that occurs later in adulthood.
2. When doing an admission assessment for a patient, the nurse notices that the patient pauses before answering questions about the health history. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Interview a family member instead.
- B. Wait for the patient to answer the questions.
- C. Remind the patient that you have other patients who need care.
- D. Give the patient an assessment form listing the questions and a pen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a patient pauses before answering questions about their health history, it is important for the nurse to be patient and wait for the patient to answer the questions. Patients from different cultures may take time to consider a question carefully before responding. By waiting patiently, the nurse shows respect for the patient's pace and helps foster a trusting relationship. Asking a family member to answer instead may not provide accurate information from the patient themselves. Reminding the patient about other patients needing care could make the patient feel rushed or unimportant. Giving the patient an assessment form and pen does not address the underlying reason for the pause and may come across as dismissive of the patient's need for time to respond thoughtfully.
3. Which response would the nurse make to a client with borderline personality disorder who receives the wrong tray for lunch and becomes upset at the dietary staff regarding this mistake?
- A. 'Getting angry is not appropriate; let's address this calmly.''
- B. ''Yelling is not acceptable and won't help us resolve this issue.''
- C. 'You must eat the first tray of food, and then I'll get another tray for you.''
- D. 'It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.''
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response from the nurse would be, ''It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.'' When interacting with clients with borderline personality disorder, it is crucial for nurses to acknowledge the client's emotions empathetically and provide constructive solutions. While expressing anger is understandable, guiding the client towards a more constructive approach is essential. Yelling is not a helpful way to address the situation and threatening seclusion is inappropriate. Additionally, instructing the client to eat the first tray before receiving another one is punitive and disregards the client's preferences and rights.
4. According to Erikson's theory, which behavior would the nurse expect a preschooler to exhibit?
- A. The child develops the superego.
- B. The child plays beside other children.
- C. The child concentrates on work and play.
- D. The child becomes casual about body appearance.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory, a preschooler develops the superego or conscience during the initiative versus guilt stage. This stage occurs around ages 3 to 6 years old. The development of the superego is crucial for the child to start understanding and internalizing societal and parental values. Choice B is incorrect because playing beside other children typically occurs during the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage, which is seen in toddlers. Choice C is incorrect as concentrating on work and play is more characteristic of the industry versus inferiority stage, typically seen in school-aged children. Choice D is incorrect because becoming casual about body appearance is more aligned with the identity versus role confusion stage, which is seen in adolescents who have a marked preoccupation with appearance and body image.
5. After undergoing dilation and curettage following an early miscarriage, a client is crying. Which response would the nurse give?
- A. ''This must be a very difficult experience for you to deal with.''
- B. 'You'll have other children to take the place of the child you lost.''
- C. 'Of course you're sad now, but at least you know you can get pregnant.''
- D. 'I know how you feel, but when a woman miscarries, it's usually for the best.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the client's grief without judgment and provides validation. Choice B is inappropriate as it suggests replacing the lost child with other children, which is insensitive and dismissive of the client's current loss. Choice C minimizes the client's feelings by focusing on the ability to get pregnant rather than addressing the emotional impact of the miscarriage. Choice D is dismissive and patronizing, suggesting that the miscarriage was for the best, which can be hurtful and diminish the client's grief.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access