NCLEX RN Psychosocial Integrity Exam 3
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, “My family would be
better off without me.” Which response by the nurse is the priority?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you think your family feels that way?”
C. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
D. “Your family needs you.”
Rationale: Directly assessing suicidal thoughts is essential when a client
expresses hopelessness or perceived burdensomeness.
2. A client experiencing a panic attack is trembling and hyperventilating.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Teach the client deep-breathing exercises in detail.
B. Remain with the client and use short, calm statements.
C. Ask the client to identify the cause of the panic.
D. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
Rationale: During severe anxiety, the client's ability to process
information is impaired. Staying with the client and providing simple
reassurance promotes safety.
3. Which finding is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder?
,A. Recurrent hallucinations
B. Episodes of elevated mood
C. Excessive worry occurring on most days
D. Persistent memory loss
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive,
difficult-to-control worry across multiple areas of life.
4. A client with schizophrenia says, “The voices are telling me that I am
worthless.” Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “The voices aren't real, so ignore them.”
B. “What did you do to make the voices angry?”
C. “I don't hear the voices, but I understand that you hear them.”
D. “You should stop listening to them.”
Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client's experience without
validating the hallucination as reality.
5. A client taking an antipsychotic develops severe muscle rigidity,
fever, confusion, and diaphoresis. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Acute dystonia
C. Akathisia
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a medical emergency
characterized by rigidity, hyperthermia, altered mental status, and
autonomic instability.
6. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing
acute mania?
,A. Encourage participation in lengthy group activities.
B. Provide a stimulating environment.
C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior.
D. Allow the client to make all decisions independently.
Rationale: Consistent limits help reduce impulsive and potentially
dangerous behavior during mania.
7. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing mania and has not slept
for 2 days. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage vigorous exercise before bedtime.
B. Reduce environmental stimuli and provide opportunities for rest.
C. Encourage caffeinated beverages.
D. Keep the client involved in group activities continuously.
Rationale: Decreasing stimulation and promoting rest help manage
manic symptoms and sleep deprivation.
8. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their
hands. Which nursing response is appropriate?
A. “You need to stop washing your hands.”
B. “Let's identify what you are feeling when you have the urge to
wash.”
C. “Your hands are already clean.”
D. “I'll prevent you from washing your hands.”
Rationale: Exploring anxiety and triggers promotes insight and healthier
coping without abruptly reinforcing or eliminating the ritual.
9. A client experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder reports
nightmares and hypervigilance. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage avoidance of all reminders of the trauma.
B. Provide a safe environment and establish predictable routines.
, C. Encourage the client to suppress memories.
D. Challenge the client to recount the trauma immediately.
Rationale: Safety, predictability, and trust are important components of
care for clients with PTSD.
10. Which statement by a client demonstrates effective coping with
stress?
A. “I avoid everyone when I'm stressed.”
B. “I drink alcohol to help me relax.”
C. “I exercise and talk with someone I trust when I feel
overwhelmed.”
D. “I keep my problems to myself.”
Rationale: Exercise and seeking appropriate social support are adaptive
coping strategies.
11. A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted with severe malnutrition.
Which assessment finding requires immediate attention?
A. Fear of gaining weight
B. Distorted body image
C. Cardiac dysrhythmia
D. Excessive exercise
Rationale: Severe malnutrition can cause electrolyte abnormalities and
cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening.
12. Which finding is commonly associated with bulimia nervosa?
A. Severe obesity in every client
B. Enlarged parotid glands and dental enamel erosion
C. Complete absence of appetite
D. Persistent psychosis
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. A client with major depressive disorder says, “My family would be
better off without me.” Which response by the nurse is the priority?
A. “You should focus on the positive things in your life.”
B. “Why do you think your family feels that way?”
C. “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
D. “Your family needs you.”
Rationale: Directly assessing suicidal thoughts is essential when a client
expresses hopelessness or perceived burdensomeness.
2. A client experiencing a panic attack is trembling and hyperventilating.
What should the nurse do first?
A. Teach the client deep-breathing exercises in detail.
B. Remain with the client and use short, calm statements.
C. Ask the client to identify the cause of the panic.
D. Leave the client alone in a quiet room.
Rationale: During severe anxiety, the client's ability to process
information is impaired. Staying with the client and providing simple
reassurance promotes safety.
3. Which finding is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder?
,A. Recurrent hallucinations
B. Episodes of elevated mood
C. Excessive worry occurring on most days
D. Persistent memory loss
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive,
difficult-to-control worry across multiple areas of life.
4. A client with schizophrenia says, “The voices are telling me that I am
worthless.” Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “The voices aren't real, so ignore them.”
B. “What did you do to make the voices angry?”
C. “I don't hear the voices, but I understand that you hear them.”
D. “You should stop listening to them.”
Rationale: The nurse acknowledges the client's experience without
validating the hallucination as reality.
5. A client taking an antipsychotic develops severe muscle rigidity,
fever, confusion, and diaphoresis. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A. Tardive dyskinesia
B. Acute dystonia
C. Akathisia
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Rationale: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a medical emergency
characterized by rigidity, hyperthermia, altered mental status, and
autonomic instability.
6. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing
acute mania?
,A. Encourage participation in lengthy group activities.
B. Provide a stimulating environment.
C. Set clear, consistent limits on behavior.
D. Allow the client to make all decisions independently.
Rationale: Consistent limits help reduce impulsive and potentially
dangerous behavior during mania.
7. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing mania and has not slept
for 2 days. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Encourage vigorous exercise before bedtime.
B. Reduce environmental stimuli and provide opportunities for rest.
C. Encourage caffeinated beverages.
D. Keep the client involved in group activities continuously.
Rationale: Decreasing stimulation and promoting rest help manage
manic symptoms and sleep deprivation.
8. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder repeatedly washes their
hands. Which nursing response is appropriate?
A. “You need to stop washing your hands.”
B. “Let's identify what you are feeling when you have the urge to
wash.”
C. “Your hands are already clean.”
D. “I'll prevent you from washing your hands.”
Rationale: Exploring anxiety and triggers promotes insight and healthier
coping without abruptly reinforcing or eliminating the ritual.
9. A client experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder reports
nightmares and hypervigilance. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Encourage avoidance of all reminders of the trauma.
B. Provide a safe environment and establish predictable routines.
, C. Encourage the client to suppress memories.
D. Challenge the client to recount the trauma immediately.
Rationale: Safety, predictability, and trust are important components of
care for clients with PTSD.
10. Which statement by a client demonstrates effective coping with
stress?
A. “I avoid everyone when I'm stressed.”
B. “I drink alcohol to help me relax.”
C. “I exercise and talk with someone I trust when I feel
overwhelmed.”
D. “I keep my problems to myself.”
Rationale: Exercise and seeking appropriate social support are adaptive
coping strategies.
11. A client with anorexia nervosa is admitted with severe malnutrition.
Which assessment finding requires immediate attention?
A. Fear of gaining weight
B. Distorted body image
C. Cardiac dysrhythmia
D. Excessive exercise
Rationale: Severe malnutrition can cause electrolyte abnormalities and
cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening.
12. Which finding is commonly associated with bulimia nervosa?
A. Severe obesity in every client
B. Enlarged parotid glands and dental enamel erosion
C. Complete absence of appetite
D. Persistent psychosis
