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: 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.
2. Before discharging an anxious client, which information about anxiety would the nurse teach the family?
- A. Anxiety is a totally unique feeling and experience.
- B. Apprehension is generalized to the total environment.
- C. Fears result from conscious actions, thoughts, and wishes.
- D. Anxiety is a pattern of emotional and behavioral responses to stress.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Anxiety is a human response consisting of both physical and emotional changes that everyone experiences when faced with stressful situations. It is a pattern of emotional and behavioral responses to stress. Anxiety is a common experience for many individuals. Apprehension is usually related to a specific aspect of the environment rather than the total environment. Fears are not intentionally or consciously generated.
3. What initial treatment would the nurse expect for a preschool-aged child experiencing severe fear of the dark?
- A. Prescription medication
- B. Mental health counseling
- C. Cognitive behavioral therapy
- D. Repetition of brave statements
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Repetition of brave statements is an effective initial treatment for preschool-aged children with severe fear of the dark. This technique involves encouraging the child to repeat positive and reassuring statements to themselves to build confidence and reduce fear. Prescription medication is not typically the first-line approach for this type of fear in children due to potential side effects and safety concerns. Mental health counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy may be considered if the fear persists or is severe, but they are usually not the initial treatments for preschool-aged children with fear of the dark.
4. Which response would the nurse make to a client with borderline personality disorder who receives the wrong tray for lunch and becomes upset at the dietary staff regarding this mistake?
- A. 'Getting angry is not appropriate; let's address this calmly.''
- B. ''Yelling is not acceptable and won't help us resolve this issue.''
- C. 'You must eat the first tray of food, and then I'll get another tray for you.''
- D. 'It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.''
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response from the nurse would be, ''It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.'' When interacting with clients with borderline personality disorder, it is crucial for nurses to acknowledge the client's emotions empathetically and provide constructive solutions. While expressing anger is understandable, guiding the client towards a more constructive approach is essential. Yelling is not a helpful way to address the situation and threatening seclusion is inappropriate. Additionally, instructing the client to eat the first tray before receiving another one is punitive and disregards the client's preferences and rights.
5. Which feeling would be difficult for a client with major depression to express?
- A. Need for comforting
- B. Anger toward others
- C. Remorse for past behaviors
- D. Feelings of low self-esteem
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with major depression often have difficulty expressing anger toward others as their anger is typically directed inwards. Expressing the need for comforting is common among clients with major depression. They can also articulate remorse for past behaviors to an excessive degree. Furthermore, feelings of low self-esteem can be openly expressed by clients with major depression. Therefore, the difficulty in expressing anger toward others is the most appropriate choice as clients with major depression tend to internalize their anger.
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