NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A client who exhibits blurred and double vision and muscular weakness is informed of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The client becomes visibly upset. Which response would the nurse make?
- A. That must have shocked you. Tell me what the health care provider told you about it.
- B. You should see a psychiatrist who will help you cope with this overwhelming news.
- C. Don't worry; early treatment often alleviates the symptoms of the disease.
- D. You should be glad that we caught it early so you can be cured.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The response 'That must have shocked you. Tell me what the health care provider told you about it' acknowledges the effect of the diagnosis on the client and explores what is known. This response shows empathy and encourages the client to share their understanding. There is no evidence of ineffective coping, so a referral to a psychiatrist is not necessary at this initial stage. The statement 'Don't worry; early treatment often alleviates symptoms of the disease' provides false reassurance as the course of MS varies for each individual and may not always respond well to treatment. The statement 'You should be glad we caught it early so it can be cured' does not address the client's current emotional state and is inaccurate; MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that currently has no cure.
2. The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a non-English speaking patient who is from China. Which actions could the nurse take to enhance communication (select one that does not apply)?
- A. Use an electronic translation application.
- B. Use a telephone-based medical interpreter.
- C. Wait until an agency interpreter is available.
- D. Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Electronic translation applications, telephone-based medical interpreters, and agency interpreters are all appropriate tools to enhance communication with non-English-speaking patients. However, asking the patient's teenage daughter to interpret is not recommended due to potential misinterpretation of crucial information during the admission assessment. While family members may be considered in the absence of a professional interpreter, there is a risk of misunderstanding or lack of sharing essential details. It is important to rely on trained interpreters to ensure accurate communication and avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation of critical information. Using gestures can be helpful, but over-exaggeration of gestures is unnecessary and may lead to confusion.
3. A client is being treated for anxiety and desires to be free from anxious feelings and despair. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level does this client need to meet?
- A. Physiological
- B. Safety
- C. Belonging
- D. Self-esteem
Correct answer: B
Rationale: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs come right after physiological needs. Safety needs include feelings of security and stability. When a client is treated for anxiety and seeks to be free from anxious feelings and despair, they are primarily aiming to meet their safety needs. By addressing anxiety and moving towards a sense of safety, the client can progress to addressing higher-level needs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect in this scenario. Physiological needs (Choice A) refer to basic needs like food, water, and shelter. Belonging (Choice C) and self-esteem (Choice D) are higher-level needs in Maslow's hierarchy that come after safety needs. Therefore, the most appropriate level for the client in this case is safety.
4. One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?
- A. 'You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.'
- B. 'Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?'
- C. 'Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.'
- D. 'You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.'
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse as long as the nurse does not perpetuate a client's denial. Option A is a negative response, implying that the client should not plan a party, which is not supportive. Option B is presumptive and may not reflect the client's true intentions. The correct response (Option C) acknowledges the client's positive plans and encourages her to enjoy her time with friends. Option D, while family is important, does not consider the client's wishes and choices, which should be respected and supported in this situation.
5. Which nursing action promotes psychosocial development for a newborn?
- A. Washing hands before holding the newborn
- B. Measuring the newborn using an approved length board
- C. Weighing the newborn on the same scale during hospitalization
- D. Placing the newborn in the mother's arms during the first hour of life
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Placing the newborn in the mother's arms during the first hour of life is a crucial nursing action that promotes psychosocial development by fostering bonding between the newborn and the mother. This skin-to-skin contact enhances emotional attachment, facilitates breastfeeding initiation, and provides a sense of security for the newborn. It helps in regulating the newborn's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, promoting overall well-being. Washing hands before holding the newborn is essential for infection prevention and control to maintain the newborn's health and safety. Measuring the newborn using an approved length board and weighing the newborn on the same scale during hospitalization are assessments aimed at monitoring the newborn's physical growth and development, rather than directly promoting psychosocial well-being.
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