NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
- B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
- C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
- D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.
2. When caring for a patient who speaks a different language and an interpreter is unavailable, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Talk slowly to ensure clear understanding
- B. Speak loudly in close proximity to the patient's ears
- C. Repeat important words to emphasize their significance
- D. Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When faced with a language barrier and lacking an interpreter, using simple gestures can help convey meaning to the patient. This approach can assist in basic communication and understanding. Talking slowly may not be effective if the patient does not understand the language, and speaking loudly can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Repeating words may not aid comprehension if the patient is unfamiliar with the language. Therefore, using gestures is the most appropriate option in this situation.
3. Which therapeutic technique can the nurse use when an anxious client exhibits pressured and rambling speech?
- A. Touch
- B. Silence
- C. Focusing
- D. Summarizing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Focusing is the appropriate therapeutic technique to use when an anxious client exhibits pressured and rambling speech. By focusing on one specific aspect, the intended meaning is easier to understand and helps the client stay on track. Touch is not recommended in this scenario as it can invade the client's personal space and potentially increase anxiety. Silence may allow the client to continue rambling without addressing the underlying concerns. Summarizing requires the identification and exploration of the client's concerns, which may be challenging when the speech is pressured and disorganized.
4. Which intervention would the nurse implement to develop a caring relationship with the client's family?
- A. Deciding health care options for the client
- B. Identifying the client's family members and their roles
- C. Declining to inform the client's family after performing a procedure
- D. Refraining from discussing the client's health with the family
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To establish a caring relationship with the client's family, the nurse should start by identifying the family members and understanding their roles in the client's life. This step is crucial in determining how they can contribute to the client's healthcare and support. Deciding healthcare options for the client (Choice A) is not the nurse's role; it should be a collaborative decision with the client and family. Declining to inform the client's family after a procedure (Choice C) goes against transparency and collaboration in care. Refraining from discussing the client's health with the family (Choice D) can hinder effective communication and support, which are essential in developing a caring relationship with the family.
5. Which response would the nurse make when a client moans softly, 'Oh no, I'm next. They couldn't protect him, and they can't protect me,' after learning a recently discharged client committed suicide?
- A. ''The other person was a lot sicker than you are.''
- B. 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.''
- C. 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here.''
- D. 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system.''
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse would make the statement, 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.' This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and opens up the opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Choice A, 'The other person was a lot sicker than you are,' dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address the underlying fear of self-harm. Choice C, 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here,' invalidates the client's concerns and does not encourage further discussion. Choice D, 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's expressed fear, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
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