NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about cognitive development at this age?
- A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas.
- B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts.
- C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective.
- D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is that 10-year-olds are able to think logically in organizing facts. At this age, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. In this stage, they can understand and organize information logically and can manipulate objects mentally. Choice A is incorrect because simple associations of ideas are more characteristic of earlier developmental stages. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to egocentrism, which is more typical of the preoperational stage. Choice D is incorrect as basing conclusions on previous experiences is a broader concept that applies across different ages and stages of development, rather than being specific to 10-year-olds in the concrete operational stage.
2. A client with generalized anxiety disorder presents with restlessness and fatigue. Which additional clinical manifestation would the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hoarding
- B. Panic attacks
- C. Excessive worry
- D. Fear of leaving the house
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse would monitor for excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by physical and cognitive symptoms of chronic or excessive anxiety and worry. Excessive worry is a core feature of generalized anxiety disorder. Hoarding is a symptom of hoarding disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are typical of panic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder. Fear of leaving the house is a characteristic of agoraphobia, which is distinct from generalized anxiety disorder.
3. Which of the following individuals is at the highest risk of experiencing intimate partner violence?
- A. A 36-year-old woman who is recently divorced
- B. A 22-year-old man who is unemployed but living with friends
- C. A 20-year-old woman who grew up with a psychologically abusive father
- D. A 40-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Intimate partner violence is a serious issue encompassing physical, psychological, or sexual abuse within an intimate relationship. Individuals who have experienced psychological abuse in their upbringing are at a higher risk of becoming victims themselves due to the normalization of abusive behaviors. While factors such as age, mental health conditions, and social support can contribute to vulnerability, growing up in an abusive environment can significantly heighten the risk of intimate partner violence. The other options, such as recent divorce (A), unemployment (B), and schizophrenia diagnosis (D), do not directly correlate with the same level of increased risk associated with a history of psychological abuse.
4. Which assessment data would be most important to obtain from an Asian-American client with major depressive disorder who maintains traditional cultural beliefs and values?
- A. Dietary practices
- B. Concept of space
- C. Immigration status
- D. Role within the family
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most important assessment data to obtain from an Asian-American client with major depressive disorder who maintains traditional cultural beliefs and values is their role within the family. In traditional Asian cultures, the family holds significant importance and plays a central role in influencing an individual's well-being. Understanding the client's role within the family can provide crucial insights into their support system, stressors, and coping mechanisms. Dietary practices, concept of space, and immigration status, while potentially relevant, are not as vital in this context compared to understanding the dynamics and influence of the family structure on the individual's mental health.
5. After informing an older client that an IV line needs to be inserted, the client becomes very apprehensive, loudly verbalizing a dislike for all healthcare providers and nurses. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Ask the client to remain quiet so the procedure can be performed safely.
- B. Concentrate on completing the insertion as efficiently as possible.
- C. Calmly reassure the client that the discomfort will be temporary.
- D. Tell the client a joke as a means of distraction from the procedure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should respond with a calm demeanor to help reduce the client's apprehension. By calmly reassuring the client that the discomfort from the procedure will be temporary, the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings and provides comfort. This response shows empathy and understanding, which can help build trust. Asking the client to remain quiet may escalate the situation and not address the client's underlying concerns. Concentrating solely on completing the insertion efficiently may overlook the client's emotional needs and may increase their anxiety. Telling a joke may not be appropriate in this serious situation and could be perceived as insensitive, failing to address the client's emotional distress effectively.
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