a nurse observes a client sitting alone and talking when asked the client reports that he is talking to the voices the nurses next action should be

NCLEX-PN

Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions

1. A client reports hearing voices. What should the nurse do next?

A. Touch the client to help him return to reality.
B. Leave the client alone until reality returns.
C. Ask the client to describe what is happening.
D. Tell the client there are no voices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client reports hearing voices, it might indicate hallucinations. It is essential for the nurse to ask the client to describe what is happening to gain a better understanding of the hallucinations. This approach helps in assessing the severity and content of the hallucinations, which can guide further interventions. Touching the client without consent can be intrusive and may escalate the situation, violating the client's personal space. Leaving the client alone may not address the underlying issue of hallucinations and can lead to potential risks if the client is distressed. Telling the client there are no voices denies their experience, invalidates their feelings, and can result in mistrust between the client and the nurse.

2. A client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia has been released from an acute care setting. The client had a prolonged recovery from relapse. One of the parents says to the discharge nurse, 'I do not understand what is going on. The hospital said she was better, but all she does is sit around all day and smoke. We cannot get her to go to the vocational training you arranged.' The nurse recognizes that more teaching is needed about

A. the pathophysiology and behavioral manifestations of schizophrenia.
B. support groups that can help the parents cope with their frustration.
C. the prolonged recovery time and side effects of medications to prevent relapse.
D. motivational techniques that are effective in engaging clients with schizophrenia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse conducting discharge teaching must emphasize the extended recovery process and the potential side effects of medications used to prevent relapse in individuals with schizophrenia. In this scenario, it is crucial for the parents to understand that the client's behavior may be influenced by the medication's sedative qualities and the time required for full recovery. While support groups can assist caregivers in coping with their emotions and providing better care, the priority here is educating on the recovery process and medication effects. Motivational techniques are beneficial but may not be the immediate focus in this situation.

3. The nurse observes bilateral bruises on the arms of an elderly client in a long-term care facility. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask this client?

A. "How did you get those bruises?"?
B. "Did someone grab you by your arms?"?
C. "Do you fall often?"?
D. "What did you bump against?"?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is asking, "Did someone grab you by your arms?"? This question is direct and addresses the possibility of abuse, which is crucial when dealing with suspected abuse cases. It is important to ask direct questions in a sensitive and non-accusatory manner to gather information. Choice A is too general and may not prompt a disclosure of abuse. Choice C assumes falling as the cause without addressing abuse directly. Choice D is vague and does not specifically inquire about potential abuse, making it less effective in identifying abuse cases compared to the correct choice.

4. A client in the cardiac step-down unit requires suctioning for excess mucous secretions. The nurse should be most careful to monitor the client for which dysrhythmia during this procedure?

A. Bradycardia
B. Tachycardia
C. Premature ventricular beats
D. Heart block

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During suctioning, a vagal response can be triggered leading to bradycardia. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor for this potential dysrhythmia. Tachycardia (Choice B) is less likely during suctioning and is not the priority. Premature ventricular beats (Choice C) and heart block (Choice D) can occur but are less common compared to bradycardia in this situation.

5. A woman asks, "How much alcohol can I safely drink while pregnant?"? The nurse's best response is:

A. "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."?
B. "Consuming one or two beers or glasses of wine a day is considered safe for a healthy pregnant woman."?
C. "Drinking three or more drinks on any given occasion is the only harmful type of drinking during pregnancy."?
D. "You can have a drink to help you relax and get to sleep at night."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."? It is crucial for pregnant women to avoid alcohol as there is no known safe amount during pregnancy. Consuming any amount of alcohol can harm the developing fetus and increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition characterized by mental and physical abnormalities in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide misleading information that can potentially harm the fetus. Pregnant women should abstain from alcohol to ensure the health and well-being of their baby.