NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. A client who is at 28 weeks' gestation and in active labor is crying. She says, 'I just know that this baby is going to die. What's the use of doing all this to save it?' Which explanation would interpret the client's statements?
- A. She is depressed and needs gentle, positive support during labor.
- B. She is experiencing anticipatory grief and withdrawing from bonding.
- C. She is in need of emotional support to help her cope with the impending birth.
- D. She is struggling to cope with the birth by using the word 'it.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client's statement indicates anticipatory grief, where she is preparing for a potential loss. This grief is not necessarily about the literal death of the baby but about the loss of the anticipated healthy full-term baby. The client may not be ready to bond with the reality of a preterm baby. Providing gentle, positive support is essential to help her cope with her feelings, as firm support may come across as dismissive. Sedation is not appropriate as it could hinder the client's emotional processing. Allowing the client to express her emotions and work through anticipatory grieving is crucial. The use of the word 'it' reflects the client's emotional struggle and is not the primary issue at hand.
2. A client is undergoing treatment for alcoholism. Twelve hours after their last drink, they develop tremors, increased heart rate, hallucinations, and seizures. Which stage of withdrawal is this client experiencing?
- A. Stage 1
- B. Stage 2
- C. Stage 3
- D. Stage 4
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In alcohol withdrawal, stage 3 typically begins about 12-48 hours after the last drink. It includes symptoms from stages 1 and 2 like tremors, tachycardia, mild hallucinations, hyperactivity, and confusion. By stage 3, severe hallucinations and seizures can occur. Choice A, stage 1, is too early for the described symptoms. Stage 2, as described, is also too early as it typically occurs within 6-12 hours. Stage 4 is not a recognized stage in alcohol withdrawal protocols.
3. A client injured in a motor vehicle accident was brought to the emergency department and taken immediately for a scan. The client's family arrives and asks about the client's condition. Which response would the nurse provide?
- A. Please do not worry; everything will be all right.
- B. I am sorry; I do not have any information about the client.
- C. You will have to wait for the primary health care provider.
- D. Please wait; I will update you as soon as I have any information.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate response for the nurse to provide to the client's family is to assure them that they will be updated as soon as there is relevant information available. This response not only acknowledges the family's concern but also demonstrates the nurse's commitment to keeping them informed. Option A, providing false reassurances, is not advisable as it may impact the family's ability to cope with potential bad news. Option B, stating that the nurse has no information, is not helpful and can cause distress. Option C, directing the family to the primary health care provider, is not ideal as the nurse should strive to communicate directly with the family to establish trust and provide support.
4. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
- B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
- C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
- D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.
5. The client is 5 feet from the bathroom door when he states, 'I feel faint.' Before the nurse can get the client to a chair, the client starts to fall. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- A. Check the client's carotid pulse
- B. Encourage the client to get to the toilet
- C. In a loud voice, call for help
- D. Gently lower the client to the floor
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to gently lower the client to the floor (Option D). This action is crucial to prevent injury to both the client and the nurse. Lowering the client to the floor should be done when the client is unable to support his own weight, ensuring a safe position to prevent falls. Checking the client's carotid pulse (Option A) is important, but it should be performed after ensuring the client's safety. Encouraging the client to get to the toilet (Option B) is impractical as the client is already falling. Calling for help in a loud voice (Option C) may cause chaos and alarm other clients, making it a less suitable immediate action in this scenario.
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