NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. 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.
2. The primary health care provider tells a mother that her newborn has multiple visible birth defects. The mother seems composed and asks to see her baby. Which nursing action will be most helpful in easing the mother's stress when she sees her child for the first time?
- A. Bringing the infant as requested before she changes her mind
- B. Describing how the infant looks before bringing the infant to her
- C. Staying with her after bringing the infant to help her verbalize her feelings
- D. Showing the mother pictures of the birth defects, then bringing the infant to her
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the mother time to verbalize her feelings and providing support when she sees her newborn with birth defects for the first time is crucial. Staying with her allows for immediate emotional support, acceptance, and understanding, which can help ease her stress. Bringing the infant as requested without proper emotional support may overwhelm the mother. Describing the infant's appearance before she sees the baby might not be accurate and could add to her distress. Showing pictures of the birth defects before the mother sees her baby may not be helpful and could increase her anxiety. Engaging in discussions about treatment at this point may be premature and overwhelming for the mother.
3. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?
- A. Increase in pulse rate
- B. Widened pulse pressure
- C. Increase in body temperature
- D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.
4. Which psychosocial attribute plays an important role in the development of a healthy personality from birth to 1 year of age?
- A. Initiative versus guilt
- B. Trust versus mistrust
- C. Autonomy versus shame
- D. Industry versus inferiority
Correct answer: B
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first attribute that helps develop a healthy personality after birth is trust. Mistrust develops if the care provided to the infant is inconsistent. Initiative versus guilt is observed at 3 to 6 years of age, when children explore their surroundings and may experience guilt if their actions conflict with parental expectations. Autonomy versus shame occurs between 1 and 3 years of age, as children develop motor skills and new activities, with shame emerging if they feel self-conscious. Industry versus inferiority is evident in children aged 6 to 12 years, where successful task completion fosters a sense of industry, while excessive expectations can lead to feelings of inferiority. Therefore, the correct attribute for a healthy personality development from birth to 1 year of age is trust versus mistrust.
5. For a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which reaction is most likely to occur when the performance of a ritual is interrupted?
- A. Anxiety
- B. Hostility
- C. Aggression
- D. Withdrawal
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder is interrupted while performing a ritual, the most likely reaction is anxiety. The compulsive ritual serves as a coping mechanism to control anxiety, so any disruption to this ritual can heighten the individual's anxiety levels. Hostility is typically part of the disorder itself and not a direct reaction to the interruption of the ritual. Aggression may occur only if anxiety escalates to a panic level, leading to overt anger expression. Withdrawal is not a common behavioral pattern associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and is not a typical reaction to ritual interruption.
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