NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which approach would be most appropriate for the involved parent of a child diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
- A. Confrontation
- B. Open communication
- C. Health teaching about childrearing
- D. Validation of the child's physical status
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate approach for the involved parent of a child diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy is open communication. Maintaining open communication is crucial in building a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Confrontation may cause the parent to become defensive and hinder effective communication. Health teaching about childrearing may not be well-received at this point as the parent may not be ready for it. Validation of the child's physical status may inadvertently reinforce the parent's behavior by focusing solely on physical symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issues.
2. 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.
3. Which initial response would the nurse make to a 67-year-old man with type 2 diabetes who sadly confides in the nurse that he has been unable to have an erection for several years?
- A. 'At your age, sex isn't that important.''
- B. ''That is a natural occurrence at your age.''
- C. ''You sound upset about not being able to have an erection.''
- D. 'Maybe it's time for you to speak to your primary health care provider about this.''
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is, 'You sound upset about not being able to have an erection.' When a client discloses personal information, the nurse should respond in a non-judgmental manner to encourage further communication and gather more details. This response demonstrates empathy and understanding, opening the door for the patient to express his feelings and concerns. Choice A, 'At your age, sex isn't that important,' is dismissive and fails to address the client's emotions or concerns, potentially hindering open communication. Choice B, 'That is a natural occurrence at your age,' provides inaccurate information as the inability to have an erection is not considered a normal part of aging. Choice D, 'Maybe it's time for you to speak to your primary health care provider about this,' while important eventually, should not be the initial response as the nurse should first explore the client's feelings and concerns before discussing potential referrals or interventions.
4. During a discussion about glaucoma at the community center, which comment by one of the retirees would the nurse give a supportive comment to reinforce correct information?
- A. ''I usually avoid driving at night since lights sometimes seem to make things blur.''
- B. ''I take half of the usual dose for my sinuses to maintain my blood pressure.''
- C. ''I have to sit at the side of the pool with the grandchildren since I can't swim with this eye problem.''
- D. ''I take extra fiber and drink lots of water to avoid getting constipated.''
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is ''I take extra fiber and drink lots of water to avoid getting constipated.'' In individuals with glaucoma, activities that involve straining, such as constipation, should be avoided as they can increase intraocular pressure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the management of glaucoma. Driving at night or taking sinus medication are not directly related to glaucoma, and sitting by the pool due to an eye problem does not provide information relevant to managing glaucoma.
5. A newly diagnosed client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comments to the nurse, 'There are so many rotten people around. Why couldn't one of them get HIV instead of me?' Which statement is the nurse's best response?
- A. 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying.'
- B. 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder.'
- C. 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?'
- D. 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client is expressing feelings of unfairness and questioning why they have HIV. The nurse's best response is to acknowledge the client's emotions. Choice B, 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder,' reflects empathy and validates the client's feelings, which can help them move towards acceptance. Choice A, 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying,' introduces the topic of death, which may not be the primary concern at this stage. Choice C, 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?' is judgmental and could induce guilt in the client. Choice D, 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?' deflects the conversation and does not address the client's current emotional needs.
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