LPN Psychosocial Integrity 2026 Update
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm
B. Ask the client to describe their feelings in detail
C. Teach the client a new relaxation technique
D. Administer an anti-anxiety medication immediately
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse’s priority is to provide a safe, calm
environment and stay with the client to decrease their sense of fear and abandonment.
2. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect during the first 24 to 48 hours?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia
B. Decreased muscle tone and apathy
C. Increased appetite and sleepiness
D. Tremors and tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically include tremors, tachycardia,
hypertension, and diaphoresis as the central nervous system becomes hyperexcitable.
,3. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink
because my wife nags me all the time’?
A. Displacement
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: D
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with seemingly logical
reasons to avoid the true underlying conflict.
4. A nurse is monitoring a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which of the following questions is the priority to ask?
A. ‘Do you recognize the voice you are hearing?’
B. ‘How long have you been hearing these voices?’
C. ‘What are the voices telling you to do?’
D. ‘Does the voice sound like a man or a woman?’
Answer: C
Rationale: The priority is to assess for command hallucinations that may direct the client
to hurt themselves or others.
5. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, ‘Everything
will be better soon. I’ve finally found a solution.’ What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Document the client’s improved mood
B. Assess the client for suicidal ideation and a specific plan
C. Ask the client about their specific plans for the future
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
Answer: B
, Rationale: A sudden improvement in mood in a depressed client can indicate they have
decided to commit suicide and feel a sense of relief.
6. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using by saying,
‘You seem to be feeling very frustrated today’?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Sharing observations
Answer: D
Rationale: Sharing observations involves the nurse commenting on how the client looks,
sounds, or acts, which helps start a conversation.
7. A client with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase and is moving rapidly
around the unit. Which of the following snack choices is most appropriate?
A. A bowl of hot chicken soup
B. A sandwich and an apple
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. A large salad with dressing
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state require ‘finger foods’ that are high in protein and
calories and can be eaten while moving.
8. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is confused and agitated at
night. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep the room dark to promote sleep
B. Apply soft wrist restraints
C. Move the client to a room far from the nurse’s station
D. Provide a consistent nighttime routine and soft lighting
Answer: D
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm
B. Ask the client to describe their feelings in detail
C. Teach the client a new relaxation technique
D. Administer an anti-anxiety medication immediately
Answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, the nurse’s priority is to provide a safe, calm
environment and stay with the client to decrease their sense of fear and abandonment.
2. A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect during the first 24 to 48 hours?
A. Hypotension and bradycardia
B. Decreased muscle tone and apathy
C. Increased appetite and sleepiness
D. Tremors and tachycardia
Answer: D
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically include tremors, tachycardia,
hypertension, and diaphoresis as the central nervous system becomes hyperexcitable.
,3. Which defense mechanism is a client using when they state, ‘I only drink
because my wife nags me all the time’?
A. Displacement
B. Reaction Formation
C. Projection
D. Rationalization
Answer: D
Rationale: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with seemingly logical
reasons to avoid the true underlying conflict.
4. A nurse is monitoring a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory
hallucinations. Which of the following questions is the priority to ask?
A. ‘Do you recognize the voice you are hearing?’
B. ‘How long have you been hearing these voices?’
C. ‘What are the voices telling you to do?’
D. ‘Does the voice sound like a man or a woman?’
Answer: C
Rationale: The priority is to assess for command hallucinations that may direct the client
to hurt themselves or others.
5. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, ‘Everything
will be better soon. I’ve finally found a solution.’ What is the nurse’s priority
action?
A. Document the client’s improved mood
B. Assess the client for suicidal ideation and a specific plan
C. Ask the client about their specific plans for the future
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy
Answer: B
, Rationale: A sudden improvement in mood in a depressed client can indicate they have
decided to commit suicide and feel a sense of relief.
6. Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using by saying,
‘You seem to be feeling very frustrated today’?
A. Reflecting
B. Restating
C. Focusing
D. Sharing observations
Answer: D
Rationale: Sharing observations involves the nurse commenting on how the client looks,
sounds, or acts, which helps start a conversation.
7. A client with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase and is moving rapidly
around the unit. Which of the following snack choices is most appropriate?
A. A bowl of hot chicken soup
B. A sandwich and an apple
C. Spaghetti and meatballs
D. A large salad with dressing
Answer: B
Rationale: Clients in a manic state require ‘finger foods’ that are high in protein and
calories and can be eaten while moving.
8. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is confused and agitated at
night. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A. Keep the room dark to promote sleep
B. Apply soft wrist restraints
C. Move the client to a room far from the nurse’s station
D. Provide a consistent nighttime routine and soft lighting
Answer: D
