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: She is experiencing anticipatory grief and withdrawing from bonding.
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 discussing his personal feelings of self-esteem and self-concept with a nurse. Which of the following questions is most appropriate for assessing the client's personal identity?
- A. What is your educational background?
- B. Are your parents still living?
- C. What do you like about your life right now?
- D. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Correct answer: What do you like about your life right now?
Rationale: When assessing a client's personal identity, it is essential for the nurse to inquire about aspects related to the client's self-perception and self-worth. Asking about what the client likes about his current life helps to explore his positive self-perceptions and areas of contentment. This question encourages the client to reflect on his present circumstances and identify aspects that contribute to his sense of personal identity. Choices A, B, and D are not as relevant for assessing personal identity as they focus on educational background, parental status, and future aspirations, respectively, rather than directly addressing the client's current self-perception and identity.
3. During a survey, the community nurse meets a client who has not visited a gynecologist after the birth of her second child. The client says that her mother or sister never had annual gynecologic examinations. Which factor is influencing the client’s health practices?
- A. Spiritual beliefs
- B. Family practices
- C. Emotional factors
- D. Cultural background
Correct answer: Family practices
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Family practices.' In this scenario, the client's health practices are influenced by the fact that her family members never had annual gynecologic examinations, leading her to believe that such preventive care measures are unnecessary. This highlights the impact of familial behavior on an individual's perception of healthcare. Spiritual beliefs are not the primary factor at play here; they may affect the choice of medical treatment but not the decision to seek preventive care. Emotional factors like stress or fear could influence health practices, but there is no indication of this in the client's case. Cultural background would come into play if the client followed specific health beliefs or customary practices related to illness and health restoration.
4. Why might a nurse manager suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions?
- A. Individuals with this disorder respond well to small therapeutic groups.
- B. Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
- C. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens increases as therapeutic group involvement increases.
- D. Involvement in small therapeutic groups may decrease the regression and dependency associated with institutionalization.
Correct answer: Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
Rationale: The nurse manager would suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions because individuals who are suspicious find group settings threatening. Paranoid individuals struggle in groups as they may not trust others enough to engage effectively and tolerate the necessary interactions for group therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is that therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While some individuals with schizophrenia may respond well to small therapeutic groups, those with paranoid delusions may find them threatening. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens may not necessarily increase with group therapy, especially for acutely ill psychiatric clients not ready to accept reality. Involvement in small therapeutic groups is not primarily aimed at decreasing regression and dependency associated with institutionalization, making it an inappropriate option for the client's specific needs.
5. The parents of a child often try to persuade their preschooler to touch their pet dog to reduce the child’s fear of dogs. Instead, the child’s fears and anxiety increase. Which advice would the nurse suggest to help overcome their child’s fear?
- A. Ask the child to touch the dog’s back gently.
- B. Keep the child away from dogs for a few years.
- C. Let the child watch other children playing with dogs.
- D. Bring in a pet cat to familiarize the child with animals.
Correct answer: Let the child watch other children playing with dogs.
Rationale: To help the child overcome their fear of dogs, the nurse should recommend letting the child watch other children playing with dogs. This approach allows the child to observe interactions with dogs in a safe environment, gradually building comfort and familiarity. Encouraging the child to touch the dog’s back gently may increase fear and anxiety, as it could be overwhelming for the child. Keeping the child away from dogs for a few years does not address the fear directly and may not help the child overcome it. Bringing in a pet cat, while introducing the child to animals, does not specifically target the fear of dogs and may not effectively reduce the fear and anxiety associated with dogs.
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