NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which of the following is a symptom associated with sensory overload?
- A. Disorientation
- B. Drowsiness
- C. Emotional lability
- D. Depression
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Disorientation is a common symptom associated with sensory overload. When an individual experiences sensory overload, their brain may become overwhelmed with excessive information, leading to disorientation. This can manifest as an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts, and restless behavior. Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to either control the amount of environmental stimuli they are exposed to or process the stimuli effectively. Drowsiness, emotional lability, and depression are not typical symptoms of sensory overload. Drowsiness may indicate fatigue or boredom, emotional lability refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, and depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
2. A college athlete sustained a complete transection of the spinal cord while practicing on a trampoline. The health care provider explained that return of function to the lower extremities is not likely. Two weeks later, the client verbalizes the need to practice for an upcoming tournament. Which conclusion would the nurse make about the client's statement?
- A. Exhibiting denial
- B. Verbalizing a fantasy
- C. No longer able to adapt
- D. Motivated to recover mobility
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exhibiting denial.' Denial is a common defense mechanism when facing a serious health issue. The individual rejects the existence of the problem due to the overwhelming anxiety and emotional distress it causes. In this case, the athlete's desire to practice for an upcoming tournament despite being informed about the unlikely return of lower extremity function indicates denial of the severity of their condition. Choice B, 'Verbalizing a fantasy,' is incorrect as a fantasy involves creating imagined events to fulfill unconscious wishes, which is not evident here. Choice C, 'No longer able to adapt,' is incorrect because the client is actually demonstrating a maladaptive coping mechanism by denying the reality of their situation. Choice D, 'Motivated to recover mobility,' is incorrect as the client's goal of practicing for a tournament does not align with the realistic expectation of recovering mobility after a complete spinal cord transection.
3. A term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is known as:
- A. Ethnicity
- B. Culture
- C. Race
- D. Minority
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is 'Race.' Race categorizes people based on physical traits like skin color. Ethnicity refers to shared cultural characteristics, traditions, language, and heritage, not physical attributes. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices shared by a group. 'Minority' refers to a smaller number or part compared to the whole, not specifically based on physiological characteristics.
4. A parent of a young child says, 'I'm so upset! The doctor prescribed an antidepressant!' Which response is best?
- A. Tell me more about what's bothering you.'
- B. Weren't you told about the need for the medication?'
- C. I'll notify the healthcare provider about your concerns.'
- D. 'Maybe the medication is for attention deficit disorder.'
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response in this situation is to express empathy and encourage the parent to share more about their concerns. Option A ('Tell me more about what's bothering you.') allows the nurse to show understanding and gather more information to address the parent's distress effectively. Option B ('Weren't you told about the need for the medication?') is confrontational and may make the parent defensive, hindering effective communication. Option C ('I'll notify the healthcare provider about your concerns.') is premature; the nurse should first assess the parent's feelings before deciding on further actions. Option D ('Maybe the medication is for attention deficit disorder.') assumes without clarification, which is not appropriate; the nurse should validate the prescription before suggesting alternative reasons.
5. Which parameter would be assessed to determine the degree of anxiety being experienced by the client?
- A. Memory state
- B. Creativity level
- C. Perceptual field
- D. Delusional system
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct parameter to assess the degree of anxiety experienced by a client is the perceptual field. As anxiety increases, perceptual fields tend to narrow. Memory state, creativity level, and delusional system are not directly related to the level of anxiety and are not appropriate parameters for determining the degree of anxiety. Memory state refers to the ability to remember, creativity level to the ability to generate new ideas or solutions, and delusional system to a set of false beliefs.
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