NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which approach is best to use with a client who is angry and agitated?
- A. Confront the client about the behavior.
- B. Turn on the television to distract the client.
- C. Maintain a calm, consistent approach with the client.
- D. Explain to the client why the behavior is unacceptable.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When dealing with an angry and agitated client, it is crucial to maintain a calm and consistent approach. Consistency allows the client to predict the caregiver's behavior, which can help reduce their anxiety and agitation. Confronting the client about their behavior may escalate the situation and increase their anger. Using distractions like turning on the television is not addressing the underlying issue and may not be effective in calming the client. Explaining to the client why their behavior is unacceptable is not suitable in the moment of agitation, as the client may not be in a state to attend to logical explanations and perceived criticisms should be avoided to prevent further escalation.
2. After undergoing dilation and curettage following an early miscarriage, a client is crying. Which response would the nurse give?
- A. ''This must be a very difficult experience for you to deal with.''
- B. 'You'll have other children to take the place of the child you lost.''
- C. 'Of course you're sad now, but at least you know you can get pregnant.''
- D. 'I know how you feel, but when a woman miscarries, it's usually for the best.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the client's grief without judgment and provides validation. Choice B is inappropriate as it suggests replacing the lost child with other children, which is insensitive and dismissive of the client's current loss. Choice C minimizes the client's feelings by focusing on the ability to get pregnant rather than addressing the emotional impact of the miscarriage. Choice D is dismissive and patronizing, suggesting that the miscarriage was for the best, which can be hurtful and diminish the client's grief.
3. 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.
4. An ambulatory client reports edema during the day in his feet and an ankle that disappears while sleeping at night. What is the most appropriate follow-up question for the nurse to ask?
- A. Have you had a recent heart attack?
- B. Do you become short of breath during your normal daily activities?
- C. How many pillows do you use at night to sleep comfortably?
- D. Do you smoke?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is asking about shortness of breath during normal daily activities because these symptoms suggest right-sided heart failure, leading to increased pressure in the systemic venous system. This pressure causes fluid to shift into the interstitial spaces, resulting in edema. In an ambulatory patient, lower extremities are typically affected first due to gravity. By asking about shortness of breath, the nurse can gather information to confirm the nursing diagnosis of activity intolerance and fluid volume excess, both associated with right-sided heart failure. The other choices are less relevant in this context and do not directly address the client's presenting symptoms.
5. The client is being instructed on the proper use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction should the nurse provide to ensure the optimal benefits from the drug?
- A. Fill your lungs with air through your mouth and then compress the inhaler.
- B. Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth.
- C. Compress the inhaler while inhaling quickly through your nose.
- D. Exhale completely after compressing the inhaler and then inhale.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To ensure optimal benefits from a metered-dose inhaler, the client should be instructed to compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through the mouth. This technique facilitates the medication to reach deep into the lungs, allowing for an optimal bronchodilation effect. Option B is correct as it promotes the proper coordination of inhaler compression and inhalation, ensuring effective drug delivery. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not support deep lung penetration of the medication, which is essential for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions.
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