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. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about cognitive development at this age?
- A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas.
- B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts.
- C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective.
- D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is that 10-year-olds are able to think logically in organizing facts. At this age, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. In this stage, they can understand and organize information logically and can manipulate objects mentally. Choice A is incorrect because simple associations of ideas are more characteristic of earlier developmental stages. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to egocentrism, which is more typical of the preoperational stage. Choice D is incorrect as basing conclusions on previous experiences is a broader concept that applies across different ages and stages of development, rather than being specific to 10-year-olds in the concrete operational stage.
3. During the beginning phase of a therapeutic relationship, why is a clear understanding of participants' roles important?
- A. Understanding what will be discussed
- B. Knowing that the nurse is trying to be helpful
- C. Knowing what to expect from the relationship
- D. Preparing for termination of the relationship
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During the initial stages of a therapeutic relationship, having a clear understanding of participants' roles is crucial as it helps in defining the structure and boundaries of the relationship. This clarity assists in setting expectations and establishing a framework for interaction, allowing the client to focus on the therapeutic process rather than on uncertainties regarding their role or the nurse's role. Option A, understanding what will be discussed, is important but not directly related to defining roles. Option B, knowing that the nurse is trying to be helpful, is about the intent of the nurse rather than the roles of the participants. Option D, preparing for termination of the relationship, is premature in the beginning phase and not directly related to understanding roles.
4. 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.
5. When a client with newly diagnosed chronic bronchitis tells the home health nurse about continuing to smoke 1 or 2 cigarettes a day and not doing the prescribed pulmonary physiotherapy exercises, which response by the nurse is best?
- A. ''Tell me about your typical day before you were diagnosed with chronic lung disease.''
- B. ''Smoking and not doing the exercises will make your lung disease continue to get worse.''
- C. 'I can't make you stop doing what you are doing, and it's your choice to be sick or well.''
- D. ''Your shortness of breath is probably because of your smoking and not doing the exercises.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asking the client to describe a typical day is the best response. More data are needed about the client's usual activities of daily living so that the plan can be adapted to the client's preferences. The statement indicating that smoking and not doing the pulmonary exercises will allow the lung disease to progress is probably not news to the client and does not help in determining factors that might be contributing to nonadherence. The statement that the nurse cannot stop the client's behaviors indicates that the client is to blame and will place the client on the defensive. The statement that the client's dyspnea is caused by smoking and not doing the pulmonary exercises places the client on the defensive and will decrease trust, preventing the nurse from obtaining more information about why the client is nonadherent with the treatment plan.
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