NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions
1. The wife of a client who is dying says, 'I want to see him, but I can only come twice a week because of work, household chores, and caring for our cat and dog.' Which defense mechanism is the wife using?
- A. Projection
- B. Sublimation
- C. Compensation
- D. Rationalization
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The wife is using rationalization as a defense mechanism. Rationalization involves offering a socially acceptable or logical explanation to justify an unacceptable feeling or behavior. In this scenario, the wife justifies her limited visits to her dying husband by citing other responsibilities such as work, household chores, and pet care. Projection involves denying one's unacceptable feelings and attributing them to others. Sublimation is the substitution of unacceptable feelings or drives with socially acceptable behaviors. Compensation involves making up for a perceived deficiency by emphasizing another perceived asset.
2. Which implemented strategies would not be effective in preventing post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff?
- A. Providing breaks to the staff whenever needed
- B. Encouraging the staff to work for more than 12 hours per day
- C. Encouraging the staff to encourage and support their coworkers
- D. Asking the staff and managers to talk about their feelings with each other
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff, it is crucial to avoid overworking them. Encouraging staff to work for more than 12 hours per day can lead to burnout and increased stress levels, thus exacerbating post-traumatic stress. Providing breaks whenever needed is essential to ensure rest and rejuvenation during demanding shifts. Encouraging staff to support and uplift their coworkers can create a positive work environment, fostering resilience against stress. Additionally, promoting open communication by asking staff and managers to discuss their feelings can facilitate emotional processing and mutual support, ultimately reducing the risk of post-traumatic stress.
3. During her shift at the hospital, a nurse receives a stern reprimand from a physician over something over which she had no control. The nurse does not respond. When she returns home that evening, she sees her children's toys all over the floor, gets mad, and begins to yell at them. Which form of defense mechanism is this nurse using?
- A. Symbolization
- B. Suppression
- C. Displacement
- D. Projection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Displacement is the process of redirecting feelings or impulses from one person to another. In this scenario, the nurse chose not to respond to the physician, but instead displaced her negative emotions onto her children, who are less threatening and more vulnerable. This defense mechanism allowed her to express her anger in a safer outlet. Symbolization involves representing unconscious feelings or impulses through symbols, not redirecting them. Suppression is the conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts or feelings out of awareness, not displacing them onto others. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or emotions to someone else, which is not evident in this case.
4. Which component of cultural competence is being demonstrated when the nurse motivates the immigrant to accept differences in the way a pregnant woman is cared for in her current residence?
- A. Cultural desire
- B. Cultural awareness
- C. Cultural knowledge
- D. Cultural encounters
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cultural desire.' Cultural desire involves the nurse's motivation and commitment toward caring for individuals from diverse backgrounds. In this scenario, motivating the immigrant to accept differences in prenatal care reflects the nurse's genuine interest in providing culturally competent care. Cultural awareness involves self-examination of one's beliefs and biases. Cultural knowledge refers to understanding various cultural practices and beliefs. Cultural encounters focus on interactions across cultures to enhance communication and mutual understanding. Therefore, in this context, the nurse's actions align more closely with the concept of cultural desire.
5. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?
- A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
- B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
- C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
- D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.
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