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. Which of the following is an advantage of working with psychiatric clients in a group setting?
- A. Clients assist each other through therapeutic interventions with the support of a nurse
- B. Clients can receive peer support and feedback in a safe and controlled environment
- C. Clients can share experiences and coping strategies while maintaining confidentiality
- D. Clients learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Group therapy is a valuable approach in mental health treatment. Working with psychiatric clients in a group setting offers various benefits. Clients in a group setting can learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment. This environment allows individuals to express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Through interactions with peers, clients can gain insight into their own behaviors and learn alternative ways of coping. Choice A is incorrect as the presence and support of a nurse are typically important in group therapy sessions. Choice B is incorrect as group settings provide structure and rules to ensure a safe space for clients to express themselves. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining confidentiality is crucial in group therapy to build trust and encourage open sharing.
3. The mother of an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit expresses concern about her infant. Which nursing intervention best facilitates mother-infant bonding?
- A. Asking the mother to change her baby's diaper
- B. Assuring the mother that her baby is receiving excellent care
- C. Encouraging the mother to touch her baby whenever possible
- D. Keeping the mother informed about the care the nursing staff is providing her baby
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Encouraging the mother to touch her baby whenever possible is the best intervention to promote mother-infant bonding, especially when the infant is too ill to be held. Physical touch is a powerful way to establish a connection. Mother-infant bonding is a gradual process and encouraging touch can help initiate this bond. Asking the mother to change her baby's diaper is not the most appropriate action to promote bonding in this scenario. Assuring the mother about the care her baby is receiving is important but does not directly enhance bonding. Keeping the mother informed about the care her baby is receiving is crucial, but it alone does not actively foster bonding between the mother and infant.
4. Which method is used to verify the placement of a newly inserted central venous access device (CVAD)?
- A. Chest x-ray
- B. Flushing the line with heparin
- C. Withdrawing blood to ensure patency
- D. Chest fluoroscopy
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct method to verify the placement of a newly inserted central venous access device (CVAD) is a chest x-ray. This is crucial to detect any potential complications such as pneumothorax, which can occur during subclavian vein catheter insertion. Symptoms of pneumothorax may include shortness of breath and anxiety. Flushing the line with heparin is not used for placement verification, but rather for maintaining patency after verification. Withdrawing blood to ensure patency is done after placement is confirmed, not for initial verification. Chest fluoroscopy may be used during the insertion process but is not typically employed for placement verification.
5. A client who has been told she needs a hysterectomy for cervical cancer reports being upset about being unable to have a third child. Which action would the nurse take?
- A. Evaluate her willingness to pursue adoption.
- B. Encourage her to focus on her own recovery.
- C. Emphasize that she does have two children already.
- D. Ensure that other treatment options for her are explored.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should ensure that other treatment options for the client are explored. While a hysterectomy may be necessary for cervical cancer, conservative management options like cervical conization and laser treatment may allow for future pregnancies. It is crucial for the nurse to inform the client of all available treatment choices. Evaluating the client's willingness to pursue adoption is not directly addressing the client's concerns about fertility. Encouraging the client to focus on her own recovery and emphasizing that she already has two children dismiss the client's distress over not being able to have a third child, which is important to acknowledge in a sensitive manner.
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