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. When assisting a client from the bed to a chair, which procedure is best for the nurse to follow?
- A. Place the chair parallel to the bed, with its back toward the head of the bed, and assist the client in moving to the chair.
- B. With the nurse's feet spread apart and knees aligned with the client's knees, stand and pivot the client into the chair.
- C. Assist the client to a standing position by gently lifting upward from underneath the axillae.
- D. Stand beside the client, place the client's arms around the nurse's neck, and gently move the client to the chair.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Option B is the correct procedure for assisting a client from the bed to a chair. By positioning the nurse's feet apart and aligning the knees with the client's knees, the nurse maintains a stable base of support while pivoting the client into the chair. This technique minimizes the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. Placing the chair at a 45-degree angle to the bed, with the back of the chair toward the head of the bed, provides a clear path for the client to move. Option C is incorrect because lifting a client under the axillae can potentially cause nerve damage and strain. Option D is also incorrect as it involves an unsafe method of moving the client and can lead to injuries or accidents.
3. A client had a first-trimester abortion and has been unable to function for 3 months. Which type of grief is the client experiencing?
- A. Complex bereavement
- B. Anticipatory
- C. Disenfranchised
- D. Complicated
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing disenfranchised grief. Disenfranchised grief refers to grief over a loss that is not socially recognized or acknowledged. In this case, grief after an abortion falls into this category. It can lead to prolonged emotional distress as the loss may not be openly acknowledged or supported by others. Complex bereavement is characterized by dysfunctional grieving that extends beyond 12 months. Anticipatory grief occurs when the loss is expected or predictable, allowing individuals to start the grieving process before the actual loss. Complicated grief is marked by an inability to progress through the grief stages, leading to intense feelings of depression, anger, and emptiness, often coupled with a preoccupation with the deceased.
4. What would be the first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a situation of moral dilemma?
- A. Helping the client make a moral decision
- B. Recognizing one's own moral development level
- C. Abiding by the decision of the hospital authority
- D. Having one's own opinion that differs from the health care team
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a moral dilemma is to recognize their own moral development level. By understanding their own moral reasoning, a nurse can effectively navigate moral challenges. Helping clients make moral decisions comes after the nurse has assessed their own moral standpoint. Abiding by hospital authority decisions may not always align with a nurse's ethical beliefs, so it's crucial for a nurse to form their own opinions and communicate concerns with the healthcare team to ensure ethical practice and decision-making.
5. Which action by a client who requires an above-the-knee amputation for peripheral arterial disease best indicates emotional readiness for the surgery?
- A. Explains the goals of the procedure
- B. Displays few signs of anticipatory grief
- C. Participates in learning perioperative care
- D. Verbalizes acceptance of permanent dependency needs
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Participating actively in learning self-care demonstrates emotional acceptance of the need for surgery and readiness for planning post-surgery. Explaining the goals of the procedure may reflect intellectual readiness but not necessarily emotional readiness. A client who shows few signs of anticipatory grief may be suppressing emotions or in denial, which can hinder the emotional readiness. Verbalizing acceptance of permanent dependency needs suggests the client may require further education and emotional support, as it may not reflect a healthy emotional readiness for the surgery.
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