NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. After a mastectomy or a hysterectomy, a client may feel incomplete as a woman. Which statement would alert the nurse to this feeling in a client who has undergone a total hysterectomy?
- A. "I don’t know who can help me during my recovery."
- B. "I feel washed out; there isn’t much left."
- C. "I’m scared about the pain in recovery."
- D. "I can’t wait to get home; I so want to see my grandchild."
Correct answer: "I feel washed out; there isn’t much left."
Rationale: The correct answer is "I feel washed out; there isn’t much left." This statement suggests a feeling of emptiness or incompleteness after the surgical procedure. Concern about who can assist during recovery, fear of pain, or excitement to go home and see a grandchild are not indicative of feeling incomplete as a woman after a hysterectomy. These other statements focus on practical concerns, physical discomfort, and positive emotions, respectively.
2. Which of the following best describes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
- A. A client follows the therapist's finger with their eyes while focusing on a negative thought or memory
- B. A client reads a story about a traumatic event and then visualizes the result
- C. A client focuses on a negative thought in their mind while tapping their fingers
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: A client follows the therapist's finger with their eyes while focusing on a negative thought or memory
Rationale: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach used to address negative thoughts or traumatic memories, particularly in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. During EMDR, the client concentrates on a distressing thought or memory and the associated emotions while engaging in bilateral stimulation, often by moving their eyes back and forth. This bilateral stimulation can involve tracking the therapist's finger or other forms of sensory stimulation. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes the core process of EMDR. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not involve the essential components of EMDR, which include eye movements or bilateral stimulation. Choice D is incorrect as EMDR is a specific therapeutic technique and not covered by selecting 'None of the above'.
3. A client is receiving treatment for delusional behavior. He believes that his neighbor is purposefully poisoning his water system in an attempt to make him sick. Which of the following responses of the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Did you have the water tested to be sure?
- B. Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?
- C. Let's just sit here and watch this television program.
- D. Don't be silly; your neighbor would do no such thing.
Correct answer: Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?
Rationale: When a client presents with delusional beliefs, the nurse should avoid arguing with the client and should accept the client's initial need to hold onto the delusions. By asking the client 'Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?' the nurse encourages the client to express his beliefs further. This open-ended question allows the client to elaborate on his delusions without feeling judged. It helps build trust between the nurse and the client, which is crucial for therapeutic communication. This approach may eventually lead to the client being more receptive to exploring and addressing his delusions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A may come off as dismissive and does not address the client's underlying beliefs. Choice C is a distraction and does not address the client's concerns. Choice D is confrontational and dismissive of the client's beliefs, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.
4. The client with partial-thickness (second-degree) and full-thickness (third-degree) burns is at risk of infection. What intervention has the highest priority in decreasing the client's risk of infection?
- A. Administration of plasma expanders
- B. Use of careful handwashing technique
- C. Application of a topical antibacterial cream
- D. Limiting visitors to the client with burns
Correct answer: Use of careful handwashing technique
Rationale: The correct answer is the use of careful handwashing technique. Proper handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infectious organisms. Option A, administration of plasma expanders, addresses hypovolemia in burn patients but does not directly decrease the risk of infection. Option C, application of a topical antibacterial cream, is beneficial but not as effective as proper handwashing in preventing infection. Option D, limiting visitors, may help reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens but is not as critical as ensuring healthcare providers maintain strict hand hygiene, which is the cornerstone of infection control in any healthcare setting.
5. Which intervention would the nurse use to provide emotional support for a resident in a nursing home who recently immigrated from another country?
- A. Offer choices consistent with the resident's heritage.
- B. Assist the resident in adjusting to the nursing home culture.
- C. Ensure that the resident is treated respectfully like the other residents.
- D. Correct any misconceptions the resident may have about appropriate health practices.
Correct answer: Offer choices consistent with the resident's heritage.
Rationale: When providing emotional support to a resident in a nursing home who recently immigrated from another country, it is essential for the nurse to offer choices that align with the resident's heritage. This approach respects the resident's cultural beliefs and practices, promoting a sense of familiarity and comfort. Assisting the resident in adjusting to the nursing home culture is important but may not address the specific emotional support needed. While ensuring that the resident is treated respectfully is crucial, offering choices consistent with the resident's heritage goes a step further by acknowledging and valuing the resident's cultural background. Correcting any misconceptions about health practices is essential, but in this context, emotional support through cultural sensitivity takes precedence.
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