NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Psychosocial Integrity Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is brought to the emergency department after overdosing on sleeping pills. The nurse is able to wake the client. Which question does the nurse ask first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Determining the amount of medication taken is critical to assess the overdose’s severity and guide immediate treatment. Intent, emotional state, or reasons are secondary to ensuring physical safety.
Question 2 of 5
A pregnant client is newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The client cries when receiving this information and keeps repeating, 'What have I done to cause this? If only I could live my life over.' Considering this statement, which concern should the nurse identify for the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client is putting the blame for the diabetes on herself, thus lowering her self-esteem. She is expressing fear and grief. There are no data in the question to support the problems in options 1 and 4. Client lack of understanding is important to consider, but not at this time because the client will not be able to comprehend information in her current state.
Question 3 of 5
While assisting with bathing, the client who has sustained a spinal cord injury states, 'I can't do this. I wish I were dead.' Which therapeutic response should the nurse make to encourage communication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clarifying is a therapeutic technique that involves restating what was said to obtain additional information. By asking 'why' in option 1, the nurse puts the client on the defensive. Option 3 changes the subject. In option 4, false reassurance is offered. The remaining options are nontherapeutic statements that block communication.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is having surgery the next morning. The client says, 'I'm really scared about surgery. I've never been put to sleep before and I'm afraid I might not wake up.' Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging fear as normal and encouraging the client to express feelings (
C) is therapeutic, promoting open communication. Minimizing concerns (
A), suggesting cancellation (
B), or offering false reassurance (
D) dismisses the client's emotions.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse obtains an electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm strip for an adult client who is anxious about the results. The ECG shows that the heart rate is 90 beats per minute. Which statement should the nurse make to the client to relieve anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A normal adult resting pulse rate ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute; therefore, the rate is normal. The nurse would not tell a client not to worry. Options 3 and 4 indicate that the ECG is abnormal.