NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. 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: Staying with her after bringing the infant to help her verbalize her feelings
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.
2. The nurse is teaching an obese client, newly diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, about reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Which health promotion brochure is most important for the nurse to provide to this client?
- A. Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home
- B. Smoking Cessation as a Lifelong Commitment
- C. Decreasing Cholesterol Levels Through Diet
- D. Stress Management for a Healthier You
Correct answer: Decreasing Cholesterol Levels Through Diet
Rationale: The most important health promotion brochure to provide to an obese client newly diagnosed with arteriosclerosis is one focused on decreasing cholesterol levels through diet. Arteriosclerosis is significantly influenced by excess dietary fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol. Monitoring blood pressure at home, while important, does not directly address the underlying cause of arteriosclerosis. Smoking cessation and stress management are crucial for overall cardiovascular health, but lowering cholesterol through diet takes precedence in this scenario.
3. Which behavioral characteristic describes the domestic abuser?
- A. Alcoholic
- B. Overconfident
- C. High tolerance for frustrations
- D. Low self-esteem
Correct answer: Low self-esteem
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low self-esteem.' Domestic abusers often exhibit behaviors stemming from their own experiences of abuse, leading to a cycle of violence. They commonly have low self-esteem, which drives their need to exert control and power over their partners. Choice A, 'Alcoholic,' is not a defining behavioral characteristic of domestic abusers. Choice B, 'Overconfident,' is not typically associated with abusers who often exhibit insecurity and control issues. Choice C, 'High tolerance for frustrations,' is not a primary characteristic of domestic abusers; rather, they often have a low tolerance for situations that challenge their need for control.
4. Which of the following is an example of passive aggression?
- A. Clenched fists
- B. Yelling
- C. Jealousy
- D. Intimidation
Correct answer: C: Jealousy
Rationale: Passive aggression involves expressing negative feelings indirectly, such as through subtle actions or behaviors. While choices A, B, and D involve more direct and aggressive expressions of anger, jealousy is an example of passive aggression where negative emotions are subtly displayed without openly confronting the issue. Jealousy can manifest as resentment, envy, or possessiveness, and is a common form of passive aggression in interpersonal relationships.
5. Why might a nurse manager suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions?
- A. Individuals with this disorder respond well to small therapeutic groups.
- B. Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
- C. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens increases as therapeutic group involvement increases.
- D. Involvement in small therapeutic groups may decrease the regression and dependency associated with institutionalization.
Correct answer: Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
Rationale: The nurse manager would suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions because individuals who are suspicious find group settings threatening. Paranoid individuals struggle in groups as they may not trust others enough to engage effectively and tolerate the necessary interactions for group therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is that therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While some individuals with schizophrenia may respond well to small therapeutic groups, those with paranoid delusions may find them threatening. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens may not necessarily increase with group therapy, especially for acutely ill psychiatric clients not ready to accept reality. Involvement in small therapeutic groups is not primarily aimed at decreasing regression and dependency associated with institutionalization, making it an inappropriate option for the client's specific needs.
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