NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which psychosocial attribute plays an important role in the development of a healthy personality from birth to 1 year of age?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first attribute that helps develop a healthy personality after birth is trust. Mistrust develops if the care provided to the infant is inconsistent. Initiative versus guilt is observed at 3 to 6 years of age, when children explore their surroundings and may experience guilt if their actions conflict with parental expectations. Autonomy versus shame occurs between 1 and 3 years of age, as children develop motor skills and new activities, with shame emerging if they feel self-conscious. Industry versus inferiority is evident in children aged 6 to 12 years, where successful task completion fosters a sense of industry, while excessive expectations can lead to feelings of inferiority. Therefore, the correct attribute for a healthy personality development from birth to 1 year of age is trust versus mistrust.
Question 2 of 9
A client who is in a late stage of pancreatic cancer intellectually understands the terminal nature of the illness. Which behaviors indicate the client is emotionally accepting the impending death?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Revising the will and planning a visit to a friend are indicative of emotional acceptance of impending death as they demonstrate realistic, productive, and constructive ways of using the remaining time. Alternating between crying and talking openly about death may suggest depression rather than acceptance. Seeking multiple medical opinions shows disbelief, denial, or desperation rather than acceptance. Refusing treatments and stating they won't help reflects anger and hopelessness, not acceptance.
Question 3 of 9
A 28-month-old toddler is admitted to the pediatric unit with suspected meningitis. A few hours later the mother tells the nurse, 'I have to leave now, but whenever I try to go, my child gets upset, and then I start to cry.' Which is the best action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best action for the nurse in this situation is to stay with the child while the mother leaves. By doing so, the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance to both the child and the mother. This approach acknowledges the mother's need to leave while ensuring the child is not left alone and is supported during the separation. Walking the mother to the elevator does not address the child's emotional needs and may not provide adequate support. Encouraging the mother to spend the night is not necessary and may not be feasible for her. Telling the mother to wait until the child falls asleep is not recommended as it may create a sense of dishonesty and uncertainty for the child, who should be aware of the mother's departure and reassured that she will return.
Question 4 of 9
A child is undergoing chemotherapy to treat a neuroblastoma, stage IV, and had his first chemotherapy session last week. He arrives with his mother for this week's session. How would the nurse greet the child?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate way for the nurse to greet the child is by asking, 'How did you feel after your last treatment?' This question allows the child to share their experience voluntarily, empowering them to feel in control of the conversation. It also demonstrates empathy and a caring attitude. Option B, 'What are your thoughts on the treatment so far?' is broad and may not address the child's immediate feelings after the last session. Option C, 'Did you experience any side effects after the last session?' focuses solely on side effects and may predispose the child to think negatively. Option D, 'Are you ready for the next round of treatment?' does not address the child's current well-being or feelings, missing an opportunity for emotional support and connection.
Question 5 of 9
Which mental health disorder is most likely to be treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly used to treat severe cases of clinical depression in individuals who have not responded well to psychotropic medications or when immediate intervention is necessary due to the severity of the depression. ECT is not typically a first-line treatment for substance abuse disorders, antisocial personality disorder, or psychosis occurring in schizophrenia. Clients with clinical depression who meet specific criteria and have not benefited from other treatments may be considered for ECT to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Question 6 of 9
The wife of a client who is dying says, 'I want to see him, but I can only come twice a week because of work, household chores, and caring for our cat and dog.' Which defense mechanism is the wife using?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The wife is using rationalization as a defense mechanism. Rationalization involves offering a socially acceptable or logical explanation to justify an unacceptable feeling or behavior. In this scenario, the wife justifies her limited visits to her dying husband by citing other responsibilities such as work, household chores, and pet care. Projection involves denying one's unacceptable feelings and attributing them to others. Sublimation is the substitution of unacceptable feelings or drives with socially acceptable behaviors. Compensation involves making up for a perceived deficiency by emphasizing another perceived asset.
Question 7 of 9
Your patient has been confused for years. Your patient can be best described as having a chronic ___________ disorder.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients who experience long-term confusion often have a chronic thinking, or cognitive, disorder. Alzheimer's disease is a prime example of a disorder that results in prolonged confusion and memory loss. Choice A, 'physical', is incorrect as the issue described is related to cognitive functioning, not physical health. Choice B, 'psychotic', refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality, which is not the primary issue presented in the scenario. Choice D, 'palliative', is not relevant as it pertains to specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress rather than managing chronic confusion.
Question 8 of 9
Which behavior by the client exhibits denial after a recent diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attempts to minimize the illness.' This behavior is a classic sign of denial, where the individual tries to downplay the seriousness of the illness to cope with it. By minimizing the illness, the client avoids facing the reality of the situation, which is characteristic of denial. Lacking an emotional response to the illness suggests suppression of emotions rather than denial. Refusing to discuss the condition with the spouse may stem from other issues like relationship strain or fear of causing distress, but it doesn't directly indicate denial. Expressing displeasure with the prescribed activity program typically reflects displaced anger, not denial of the illness.
Question 9 of 9
What action would the nurse take for a 4-year-old child who is called to the operating room for a planned myringotomy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action is to have the parents accompany the child to the operating suite. Current practice encourages parents to stay with the child as long as possible to reduce stress related to a frightening experience. Removing the child's undergarments is usually not necessary for a myringotomy procedure. Placing the child's toys on the bedside table is important, especially a favorite one, for comfort until sedation is induced. Allowing the child to climb onto the stretcher may not be safe or appropriate as the child is too young to do so independently.