which behavior by the client exhibits denial after a recent diagnosis

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions

1. Which behavior by the client exhibits denial after a recent diagnosis?

A. Attempts to minimize the illness
B. Lacks an emotional response to the illness
C. Refuses to discuss the condition with the client's spouse
D. Expresses displeasure with the prescribed activity program

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attempts to minimize the illness.' This behavior is a classic sign of denial, where the individual tries to downplay the seriousness of the illness to cope with it. By minimizing the illness, the client avoids facing the reality of the situation, which is characteristic of denial. Lacking an emotional response to the illness suggests suppression of emotions rather than denial. Refusing to discuss the condition with the spouse may stem from other issues like relationship strain or fear of causing distress, but it doesn't directly indicate denial. Expressing displeasure with the prescribed activity program typically reflects displaced anger, not denial of the illness.

2. What should be the initial action for a client admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation center who has a strong odor of alcohol on their breath on the fourth day after admission?

A. Ask where the client obtained the alcohol.
B. Locate the alcoholic substance.
C. Convey empathy and support to the client.
D. Document the client's drinking behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial action should be to locate the alcoholic substance. The nurse needs to find and remove the substance to prevent the client or others from consuming more alcohol. Asking where the client obtained the alcohol is not the priority; the focus is on ensuring the client's safety. Conveying empathy and support is essential but should not be the first action in this scenario. Documenting the client's drinking behavior can be done after ensuring immediate safety measures are in place.

3. After a needle stick occurs while removing the cap from a sterile needle, which action should the nurse take?

A. Complete an incident report.
B. Select another sterile needle.
C. Disinfect the needle with an alcohol swab.
D. Notify the supervisor of the department immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a needle stick, the needle is considered contaminated and should be discarded. The nurse should select another sterile needle to use. Completing an incident report is not necessary in this situation because the needle was sterile when the nurse was stuck and not in contact with any other person's body fluids. Notifying the supervisor immediately is not required as the situation can be managed by selecting a new needle. Disinfecting the needle with an alcohol swab is not recommended as it does not meet the standards of safe practice and infection control.

4. According to psychodynamic theory, what purpose do delusions serve?

A. Delusions are a defense against anxiety caused by real or imagined threats.
B. Magical thinking is a delusion that ensures desirable outcomes.
C. Delusions are a method of dealing with and interpreting external stimuli.
D. Subconsciously, delusions are a way to safely express anger and hostility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to psychodynamic theory, delusions serve as a defense mechanism against anxiety triggered by real or perceived threats. Delusions are the individual's unconscious way of protecting themselves from overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Magical thinking, on the other hand, involves believing that one's thoughts can influence external events. This is not the same as delusions. Delusions are not a way of interpreting external stimuli but rather a defense mechanism. Expressing anger and hostility is typically associated with defense mechanisms like displacement or projection, not delusions.

5. Which nurse statement defines boundaries in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship when talking to a depressed client who has just been admitted to the psychiatric unit?

A. ''Tell me about the relationship that you have with your mother and father.''
B. ''Hello! I'm Nurse Andrea. I'll introduce you around and help you settle in.''
C. ''What is the main thing that you would like to work on during therapy?'
D. ''I understand that you have been depressed. What can you tell me about that?'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, setting boundaries involves establishing the nurse's role and responsibilities while maintaining a professional distance. Option B demonstrates a clear boundary by introducing the nurse and offering assistance with settling in, which is appropriate for the initial phase of building rapport with the client. Choices A, C, and D delve into personal or therapeutic topics that are more suitable for the working phase of the relationship when the client's goals and problems are being addressed. Asking about the client's family relationships (Choice A), therapy focus (Choice C), or delving into the client's depression (Choice D) would be more relevant in later stages of the therapeutic process, once trust and rapport have been established during the orientation phase.