NCLEX-RN
Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions
1. 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.'
2. Which term describes what an adolescent client is experiencing when she says to the nurse who has been caring for her, 'You're just like my mother; I hate you'?
- A. Insight
- B. Universality
- C. Transference
- D. Identification
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously assigns feelings and attitudes originally associated with another important person in the client's life. In this scenario, the adolescent client is projecting emotions connected to her mother onto the nurse. This client's statement does not demonstrate insight but rather reflects the mechanism of transference. Universality refers to the sense that one is not alone in any situation, which is not evident in the client's statement. Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual takes on characteristics of someone considered admirable, which is not the case in this situation.
3. During the evacuation of a group of clients from a medical unit due to a fire, the nurse observes an ambulatory client walking alone toward the stairway at the end of the hall. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Assign an unlicensed assistive person to transport the client via a wheelchair.
- B. Remind the client to walk carefully down the stairs until reaching a lower floor.
- C. Ask the client to help by assisting a wheelchair-bound client to a nearby elevator.
- D. Open the closest fire doors so that ambulatory clients can evacuate more rapidly.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the evacuation of a unit due to a fire, ambulatory clients should be evacuated via the stairway if possible and reminded to walk carefully to ensure their safety. They do not necessarily require assistance via a wheelchair. Elevators should not be used during a fire evacuation as they can pose a risk, and fire doors should be kept closed to contain the fire and smoke, preventing its spread to other areas of the building. Therefore, reminding the client to walk carefully down the stairs is the most appropriate action in this situation. Assigning an unlicensed assistive person to transport the client via a wheelchair may delay the evacuation process and put both individuals at risk. Asking the client to help by assisting a wheelchair-bound client to an elevator is not safe during a fire evacuation. Opening fire doors indiscriminately can lead to the spread of fire and smoke, endangering the clients and staff further.
4. After a client has a spontaneous abortion at 12 weeks' gestation, the nurse notes that both she and her partner are visibly upset and crying. Which statement would be a therapeutic response?
- A. 'I'll be here if you want to talk.''
- B. 'Try to relax"?it'll speed up the healing process.''
- C. 'With any luck, you'll get pregnant again soon.''
- D. 'It's best that this happened early rather than having the baby die after it was born.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A therapeutic response in this situation is to offer support and empathy. Saying, 'I'll be here if you want to talk' gives the client and her partner the opportunity to express their emotions and seek comfort. It acknowledges their distress and assures them of the nurse's availability. Choice B, advising to relax to speed up the healing process, dismisses their current emotions and may hinder open communication. Choice C, suggesting getting pregnant again soon, minimizes their grief over the loss and may not be what the couple needs to hear at that moment. Choice D, stating it's best that the miscarriage happened early, is insensitive as it invalidates the couple's feelings of loss and grief. Grieving is a natural process, and the timing of the loss does not diminish its significance.
5. Why might a nurse manager suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions?
- A. Individuals with this disorder respond well to small therapeutic groups.
- B. Therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious.
- C. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens increases as therapeutic group involvement increases.
- D. Involvement in small therapeutic groups may decrease the regression and dependency associated with institutionalization.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse manager would suggest avoiding therapeutic group work for a client with schizophrenia who has paranoid delusions because individuals who are suspicious find group settings threatening. Paranoid individuals struggle in groups as they may not trust others enough to engage effectively and tolerate the necessary interactions for group therapy. Therefore, the correct answer is that therapeutic group work tends to be threatening to individuals who are suspicious. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While some individuals with schizophrenia may respond well to small therapeutic groups, those with paranoid delusions may find them threatening. Compliance with unit rules and medication regimens may not necessarily increase with group therapy, especially for acutely ill psychiatric clients not ready to accept reality. Involvement in small therapeutic groups is not primarily aimed at decreasing regression and dependency associated with institutionalization, making it an inappropriate option for the client's specific needs.
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