NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. Which statement regarding an interpreter is correct?
- A. Relatives or friends of the client cannot serve as interpreters.
- B. The interpreter should aim to convey meaning rather than provide literal translations.
- C. Interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important.
- D. The interpreter should be available only during client-provider communication.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important. Health care facilities should provide professional interpreters to ensure accurate communication with clients who do not speak English proficiently. It is crucial for interpreters to understand and convey cultural nuances to prevent misunderstandings. Relatives or friends of the client should not serve as interpreters as they may not be impartial or adequately skilled. Providing literal word-for-word translations is not always effective as it may not capture the intended meaning. Interpreters should be available throughout the client's care process, not just during direct communication, to ensure effective and culturally sensitive care.
2. Why is it important for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation?
- A. To decrease the client's anxiety
- B. To help the family better adapt to necessary role changes
- C. To improve communication between family and nursing staff
- D. To ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for the client
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation to help them better adapt to necessary role changes. By providing early notification, the family can start preparing for potential adjustments. While reducing the client's anxiety and improving communication with the nursing staff are important, the primary purpose is to assist the family in undertaking the required role changes. Creating a relaxed atmosphere for the client, although beneficial, is not the main objective in this situation.
3. Which thought process would the nurse document the mental health client is experiencing after the client says, 'The FBI is out to kill me'?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Error in judgment
- C. Delusion of persecution
- D. Self-accusatory delusion
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would document that the client is experiencing a delusion of persecution. A delusion of persecution is a fixed and firm belief of being harassed, in danger, or at the mercy of others, as illustrated by 'The FBI is out to kill me.' Hallucinations are perceived experiences that occur without actual sensory stimulation. Error in judgment refers to poor decision-making, not a distortion of reality like a delusion. A self-accusatory delusion involves accepting blame for an act that was never committed or a feeling that was never acted on. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Delusion of persecution.'
4. The primary health care provider tells a mother that her newborn has multiple visible birth defects. The mother seems composed and asks to see her baby. Which nursing action will be most helpful in easing the mother's stress when she sees her child for the first time?
- A. Bringing the infant as requested before she changes her mind
- B. Describing how the infant looks before bringing the infant to her
- C. Staying with her after bringing the infant to help her verbalize her feelings
- D. Showing the mother pictures of the birth defects, then bringing the infant to her
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the mother time to verbalize her feelings and providing support when she sees her newborn with birth defects for the first time is crucial. Staying with her allows for immediate emotional support, acceptance, and understanding, which can help ease her stress. Bringing the infant as requested without proper emotional support may overwhelm the mother. Describing the infant's appearance before she sees the baby might not be accurate and could add to her distress. Showing pictures of the birth defects before the mother sees her baby may not be helpful and could increase her anxiety. Engaging in discussions about treatment at this point may be premature and overwhelming for the mother.
5. Which term or description would the nurse use for a client who repeatedly performs ritualistic behaviors throughout the day to limit anxious feelings?
- A. Obsessions
- B. Compulsions
- C. Under personal control
- D. Related to rebelliousness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Compulsions.' A compulsion is an uncontrollable, persistent urge to perform an act repetitively to relieve anxiety. In this scenario, the client's repetitive ritualistic behaviors are indicative of compulsions. Obsessions, on the other hand, are persistent ideas, thoughts, or impulses that cannot be eliminated with logical reasoning. The behavior is not under personal control because avoiding it increases anxiety, making it a defense mechanism. It is not related to rebelliousness; instead, clients engage in these behaviors to reduce anxiety.
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