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. An adolescent client comes to the clinic 3 weeks after the birth of her first baby. She tells the nurse she is concerned because she has not returned to her pre-pregnant weight. Which action should the nurse perform first?
- A. Review the client's weight pattern over the year
- B. Ask the mother to record her diet for the last 24 hours
- C. Encourage her to talk about her view of herself
- D. Give her several pamphlets on postpartum nutrition
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent client to talk about her view of herself is the first action the nurse should take. Body image is crucial for adolescents, especially after pregnancy. By addressing the client's concerns about her weight and discussing her self-perception, the nurse can provide emotional support and open a dialogue for further assessment and teaching. Choice A, 'Review the client's weight pattern over the year,' is not the priority at this time as the client's immediate concern is her post-pregnancy weight. Choice B, 'Ask the mother to record her diet for the last 24 hours,' focuses on dietary habits rather than addressing the client's emotional concerns. Choice D, 'Give her several pamphlets on postpartum nutrition,' may be helpful but should come after addressing the client's emotional needs and concerns.
3. 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.
4. Which characteristic would be a concern for the nurse when caring for a client with schizophrenia in the early phase of treatment?
- A. Continual pacing
- B. Suspicious feelings
- C. Inability to socialize with others
- D. Disturbed relationship with the family
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the early phase of treatment for a client with schizophrenia, the nurse needs to address the client's suspicious feelings to establish trust and create a therapeutic environment. Suspicious feelings can hinder the development of a positive nurse-client relationship. Continual pacing, while a symptom, can be managed by the nurse and does not directly impact the therapeutic relationship. Inability to socialize with others and a disturbed relationship with the family are important factors but are of lesser concern in the early treatment phase as compared to addressing suspicious feelings to build trust and rapport.
5. Which psychosocial attribute plays an important role in the development of a healthy personality from birth to 1 year of age?
- A. Initiative versus guilt
- B. Trust versus mistrust
- C. Autonomy versus shame
- D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct answer: B
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first attribute that helps develop a healthy personality after birth is trust. Mistrust develops if the care provided to the infant is inconsistent. Initiative versus guilt is observed at 3 to 6 years of age, when children explore their surroundings and may experience guilt if their actions conflict with parental expectations. Autonomy versus shame occurs between 1 and 3 years of age, as children develop motor skills and new activities, with shame emerging if they feel self-conscious. Industry versus inferiority is evident in children aged 6 to 12 years, where successful task completion fosters a sense of industry, while excessive expectations can lead to feelings of inferiority. Therefore, the correct attribute for a healthy personality development from birth to 1 year of age is trust versus mistrust.
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