which term or description would the nurse use for a client who repeatedly performs ritualistic behaviors throughout the day to limit anxious feelings
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Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX PN Questions

1. Which term or description would the nurse use for a client who repeatedly performs ritualistic behaviors throughout the day to limit anxious feelings?

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.

2. The family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is at risk for difficult parenting issues. Which basis would the nurse conclude as the probable cause for this difficulty?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Loss of the expected healthy child.' Parents of a child with cerebral palsy often grieve the loss of the healthy child they expected, mourning what could have been and what may never be. While lack of social support can contribute to parenting difficulties, it is not the primary basis in this case. Unrealistic expectations may play a role for some parents, but not all. Additionally, it is important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy experience cognitive impairment; around 30% to 50% of children with cerebral palsy have cognitive challenges.

3. A client at a local university claims to be the president of the university. Which type of delusion is the client displaying?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Grandiose.' This type of delusion involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance, where the individual believes they are a prominent figure or possess special abilities. In this scenario, the client claiming to be the president of the university is displaying grandiose delusions. Somatic delusions relate to bodily functions or sensations, which are not present in this case. Erotomanic delusions involve the fixed belief that another person is in love with the individual, which is not applicable here. Persecutory delusions involve the belief that one is being targeted or conspired against, which is also not demonstrated in the given situation.

4. Which response would the nurse make to a client who says, 'The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles'?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The response, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them,' demonstrates empathy and validation of the client's experience while also gently bringing in the nurse's reality. This response acknowledges the client's feelings without reinforcing the hallucinations. Asking about the characteristics of the voices (Choice A) can inadvertently validate the hallucinations. Offering false reassurance (Choice B) may not be helpful as it does not address the client's distress. Encouraging the client to leave the room and keep busy (Choice D) is nontherapeutic as it disregards the client's experience and may increase anxiety.

5. When doing an admission assessment for a patient, the nurse notices that the patient pauses before answering questions about the health history. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient pauses before answering questions about their health history, it is important for the nurse to be patient and wait for the patient to answer the questions. Patients from different cultures may take time to consider a question carefully before responding. By waiting patiently, the nurse shows respect for the patient's pace and helps foster a trusting relationship. Asking a family member to answer instead may not provide accurate information from the patient themselves. Reminding the patient about other patients needing care could make the patient feel rushed or unimportant. Giving the patient an assessment form and pen does not address the underlying reason for the pause and may come across as dismissive of the patient's need for time to respond thoughtfully.

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