NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. The parents tell the nurse that their preschooler often awakes from sleep screaming in the middle of the night. The preschooler is not easily comforted and screams if the parents try to restrain the child. What should the nurse instruct the parents to do?
- A. Always read a story to the child before bedtime.
- B. Intervene only if necessary to protect the child from injury.
- C. Discuss counseling options with the primary health care provider.
- D. Try to wake the child and ask the child to describe the dream.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Waking up screaming from sleep at night indicates sleep terrors. The nurse would advise the parents to observe the child and intervene only if there is a risk for injury. Reading a story before bedtime helps calm the child before sleeping, but it does not ensure that the child will not have a sleep terror. There is no need for professional counseling because sleep terrors are a common phenomenon in preschool-age children. Trying to wake the child and asking the child to describe the dream is not appropriate as the child is not aware of anybody's presence during a sleep terror, and this may cause the child to scream and thrash more.
2. 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: A
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.
3. A term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is known as:
- A. Ethnicity
- B. Culture
- C. Race
- D. Minority
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is 'Race.' Race categorizes people based on physical traits like skin color. Ethnicity refers to shared cultural characteristics, traditions, language, and heritage, not physical attributes. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices shared by a group. 'Minority' refers to a smaller number or part compared to the whole, not specifically based on physiological characteristics.
4. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?
- A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
- B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
- C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
- D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.
5. What would be the first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a situation of moral dilemma?
- A. Helping the client make a moral decision
- B. Recognizing one's own moral development level
- C. Abiding by the decision of the hospital authority
- D. Having one's own opinion that differs from the health care team
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a moral dilemma is to recognize their own moral development level. By understanding their own moral reasoning, a nurse can effectively navigate moral challenges. Helping clients make moral decisions comes after the nurse has assessed their own moral standpoint. Abiding by hospital authority decisions may not always align with a nurse's ethical beliefs, so it's crucial for a nurse to form their own opinions and communicate concerns with the healthcare team to ensure ethical practice and decision-making.
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