NCLEX-RN
Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child's function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents' description of the child's behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child's feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.
Question 2 of 5
According to psychodynamic theory, what purpose do delusions serve?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: According to psychodynamic theory, delusions serve as a defense mechanism against anxiety triggered by real or perceived threats. Delusions are the individual's unconscious way of protecting themselves from overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Magical thinking, on the other hand, involves believing that one's thoughts can influence external events. This is not the same as delusions. Delusions are not a way of interpreting external stimuli but rather a defense mechanism. Expressing anger and hostility is typically associated with defense mechanisms like displacement or projection, not delusions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse in the psychiatric day program provides care for a client diagnosed with recurrent depression. In doing the initial assessment based on the therapist's recommendation for a cognitive approach to therapy, which aspect is important for the nurse to evaluate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cognitive therapy focuses on thought patterns and self-awareness. Evaluating the client's insight into their depression is critical to assess their understanding of their condition and tailor therapy effectively. Other aspects are less directly tied to cognitive approaches.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with end-stage kidney disease and multiple organ failure. Which action by the nurse indicates an understanding of end-of-life care? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,E
Rationale: Explaining signs of nearing death (
A), what to expect (
B), and discussing goals/wishes (E) support informed, compassionate end-of-life care. Prioritizing life-lengthening treatments (
C) disregards palliative focus, and avoiding death discussions (
D) hinders open communication.
Question 5 of 5
A client who is in labor has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and states to the nurse, 'I know I will have a sick-looking baby.' Which appropriate therapeutic response should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option 3 is the most therapeutic response, and it will elicit the best information. It addresses the therapeutic communication technique of paraphrasing. Option 3 also is an open-ended response that will provide an opportunity for the client to verbalize her concerns. Parents need to know that their baby will not look sick from HIV at birth and that there may be a period of uncertainty before it is known whether the baby has acquired the infection. Options 1 and 2 provide false reassurances. The client should not be told that there is no reason to worry.