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 a mastectomy or a hysterectomy, a client may feel incomplete as a woman. Which statement would alert the nurse to this feeling in a client who has undergone a total hysterectomy?
- A. "I don't know who can help me during my recovery."
- B. "I feel washed out; there isn't much left."
- C. "I'm scared about the pain in recovery."
- D. "I can't wait to get home; I so want to see my grandchild."
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is "I feel washed out; there isn't much left." This statement suggests a feeling of emptiness or incompleteness after the surgical procedure. Concern about who can assist during recovery, fear of pain, or excitement to go home and see a grandchild are not indicative of feeling incomplete as a woman after a hysterectomy. These other statements focus on practical concerns, physical discomfort, and positive emotions, respectively.
3. The client admitted for uncontrolled diabetes is worried about how to pay bills for the family while hospitalized. Which statement by the nurse is therapeutic?
- A. "You are worried about paying your bills?"
- B. "Don't worry; your bills will get paid eventually."
- C. "When was the last time you were admitted for hyperglycemia?"
- D. "You really shouldn't be drinking alcohol because of your diagnosis of diabetes."
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The therapeutic communication technique used in this scenario is reflection. By repeating the client's concern, the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings and encourages further exploration of the topic. Choice A is correct as it reflects the client's worry without offering false assurance, advice, or using professional jargon. Choice B dismisses the client's concerns with false reassurance. Choice C introduces professional jargon, which may hinder effective communication. Choice D provides advice, which can limit the client's expression of feelings and concerns.
4. A client had a first-trimester abortion and has been unable to function for 3 months. Which type of grief is the client experiencing?
- A. Complex bereavement
- B. Anticipatory
- C. Disenfranchised
- D. Complicated
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing disenfranchised grief. Disenfranchised grief refers to grief over a loss that is not socially recognized or acknowledged. In this case, grief after an abortion falls into this category. It can lead to prolonged emotional distress as the loss may not be openly acknowledged or supported by others. Complex bereavement is characterized by dysfunctional grieving that extends beyond 12 months. Anticipatory grief occurs when the loss is expected or predictable, allowing individuals to start the grieving process before the actual loss. Complicated grief is marked by an inability to progress through the grief stages, leading to intense feelings of depression, anger, and emptiness, often coupled with a preoccupation with the deceased.
5. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?
- A. Increase in pulse rate
- B. Widened pulse pressure
- C. Increase in body temperature
- D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.
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