NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is at risk for difficult parenting issues. Which basis would the nurse conclude as the probable cause for this difficulty?
- A. Lack of social support
- B. Unrealistic expectations
- C. Loss of the expected healthy child
- D. Having a child with cognitive impairment
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Loss of the expected healthy child.' Parents of a child with cerebral palsy often grieve the loss of the healthy child they expected, mourning what could have been and what may never be. While lack of social support can contribute to parenting difficulties, it is not the primary basis in this case. Unrealistic expectations may play a role for some parents, but not all. Additionally, it is important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy experience cognitive impairment; around 30% to 50% of children with cerebral palsy have cognitive challenges.
2. When performing a return demonstration of using a gait belt for a female patient with right-sided weakness, which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned the correct procedure?
- A. Standing on the female patient's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence of weakness is observed.
- B. Standing on the female patient's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from the back.
- C. Standing behind the female patient, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait belt.
- D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of the female patient, the caregiver guides her forward by gently pulling on the gait belt.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness using a gait belt, the caregiver must stand on the weak side of the patient to provide optimal support and security. By standing on the weak side and holding the gait belt from the back, the caregiver can effectively prevent falls and guide the patient's movements. This position allows for better control over the patient's balance. Standing on the strong side (option A) does not offer the necessary support if the patient leans towards the weak side. Standing behind the patient and holding both sides of the gait belt (option C) does not provide focused support to the weak side. Standing slightly in front and to the right (option D) may not offer adequate assistance to prevent falls on the weak side, making it an incorrect choice.
3. The client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. Which reaction cues the nurse to realize this when caring for a client who has lost an arm in a motor vehicle accident?
- A. The client is going through a grieving period.
- B. The client talks as if another person is affected.
- C. The client is willing to learn techniques to adapt.
- D. The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's recognition of the reality and subsequent anxiety cues the nurse that the client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. During this phase, the client may refuse to discuss the change and may use withdrawal as a coping mechanism. The grieving period typically occurs during the acknowledgement phase, where the client and family come to terms with the change in physical appearance. Initially, shock and depersonalization may lead the client to talk as if another person is affected by the change. Finally, in the rehabilitation stage, the client is ready to learn techniques to adapt to the change, such as through the use of prosthetics or modifying lifestyles and goals.
4. A client who has multiple sclerosis is admitted to the hospital with increasingly frequent and severe exacerbations. One day, the client's partner confides to the nurse, 'Life is getting very hard and depressing, and I am upset with myself for thinking about a nursing home.' After listening to the partner's concerns, which response would the nurse make?
- A. 'Joining a support group of people who are coping with this situation may be helpful.'
- B. 'You may be able to decrease your feelings of guilt by seeking counseling.'
- C. 'It would be helpful if you became involved in volunteer work at this time.'
- D. 'I recognize it's hard to deal with, but try to remember that this, too, shall pass.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Joining a support group of individuals facing similar circumstances can provide valuable support and the opportunity to share experiences, making it the most appropriate response. The response suggesting counseling to decrease feelings of guilt is premature because the partner did not directly express guilt and it may not be the most immediate need. Suggesting involvement in volunteer work at this time fails to address the partner's current emotional distress and may come across as dismissive. Offering false reassurance by stating 'this, too, shall pass' does not validate the partner's feelings and minimizes the seriousness of their concerns.
5. The nurse develops a goal that makes a client feel as if they are engaging in a competition. Which type of motivation is the nurse using in this situation?
- A. Power motivation
- B. Affiliative motivation
- C. Avoidance motivation
- D. Achievement motivation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The nurse is using power motivation in this situation. Power-motivated individuals tend to have assertive and aggressive behavior. By designing goals that make clients feel like they are in a competition, the nurse appeals to their need for power and accomplishment, even when they are competing against themselves. Affiliative motivation is characterized by nonassertive behavior and dependence on others, which is not applicable here. Avoidance motivation focuses on anxiety, fear of failure, and phobias, which are not relevant to the scenario. Achievement motivation does not involve aggressive behavior or the need for competition, making it an incorrect choice for this scenario.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access