NCLEX-RN
PSYCHOSOCIAL INTEGRITY
Latest Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations
telling him to harm himself. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Encourage the patient to ignore the voices
B) Ensure the patient’s safety and remove harmful objects
C) Inform the patient that the voices are not real
D) Administer PRN antipsychotic medication immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the top priority in patients with command
hallucinations. Removing harmful objects and close monitoring prevent
self-harm.
2.
Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate for a
patient experiencing anxiety?
A) Changing the subject
B) Providing false reassurance
C) Using open-ended questions
D) Giving unsolicited advice
Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to express feelings
and thoughts which helps reduce anxiety.
3.
A client diagnosed with PTSD is hypervigilant and easily startled in a
,noisy hospital environment. What nursing intervention is best to minimize
distress?
A) Use distraction techniques
B) Provide a quiet room away from noise
C) Avoid discussing trauma to prevent triggering
D) Encourage the client to stay active
Answer: B
Rationale: A quiet environment helps reduce sensory triggers that
exacerbate PTSD symptoms.
4.
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is mainly implicated in major
depressive disorder?
A) Increased dopamine
B) Decreased serotonin
C) Increased acetylcholine
D) Decreased glutamate
Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased serotonin levels are commonly associated with
depression, influencing mood regulation.
5.
The nurse is caring for an older adult client with dementia who becomes
agitated during bathing. Which approach is most effective?
A) Restrain the client during the bath
B) Explain each step clearly and calmly before proceeding
C) Rush through the bathing to reduce agitation
D) Avoid bathing to prevent agitation
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear, calm communication and explanation help reduce
confusion and agitation in dementia clients.
True/False (T/F)
6.
,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating anxiety by
addressing distorted thought patterns.
True
Rationale: CBT focuses on modifying negative thought patterns that
contribute to anxiety.
7.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is contraindicated in clients with severe
depression who have suicidal ideation.
False
Rationale: ECT is often used for severe depression with suicidality,
especially when fast symptom relief is needed.
8.
Borderline Personality Disorder clients typically display emotional
dysregulation and fear of abandonment.
True
Rationale: These are hallmark symptoms of borderline personality
disorder.
9.
Milieu therapy involves the use of group activities to promote
socialization and emotional growth.
True
Rationale: Milieu therapy uses structured environment and community to
foster growth.
10.
A gradual dose tapering of benzodiazepines is necessary to prevent
withdrawal symptoms.
True
Rationale: Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal including seizures and
agitation.
Short Answer (SA)
, 11.
Name two key symptoms that differentiate bipolar disorder from major
depressive disorder.
Answer: Presence of manic episodes and rapid mood swings.
Rationale: Bipolar disorder includes periods of mania or hypomania,
which do not occur in MDD.
12.
Explain the primary goal of crisis intervention in a suicidal patient.
Answer: To ensure patient safety and stabilize immediate emotional
distress.
Rationale: Crisis intervention aims to prevent suicide and provide coping
strategies.
13.
What is the main role of a nurse during a group therapy session?
Answer: To facilitate discussion and ensure a safe, supportive
environment.
Rationale: Nurses guide and monitor group dynamics and participants’
contributions.
14.
Identify one primary difference between delusions and hallucinations.
Answer: Delusions are false fixed beliefs; hallucinations are false sensory
perceptions.
Rationale: Delusions involve cognition; hallucinations involve sensory
experience.
15.
Define "transference" in the nurse-patient relationship.
PSYCHOSOCIAL INTEGRITY
Latest Exam Review
2026
(With Solutions)
A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations
telling him to harm himself. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Encourage the patient to ignore the voices
B) Ensure the patient’s safety and remove harmful objects
C) Inform the patient that the voices are not real
D) Administer PRN antipsychotic medication immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Safety is the top priority in patients with command
hallucinations. Removing harmful objects and close monitoring prevent
self-harm.
2.
Which therapeutic communication technique is most appropriate for a
patient experiencing anxiety?
A) Changing the subject
B) Providing false reassurance
C) Using open-ended questions
D) Giving unsolicited advice
Answer: C
Rationale: Open-ended questions encourage patients to express feelings
and thoughts which helps reduce anxiety.
3.
A client diagnosed with PTSD is hypervigilant and easily startled in a
,noisy hospital environment. What nursing intervention is best to minimize
distress?
A) Use distraction techniques
B) Provide a quiet room away from noise
C) Avoid discussing trauma to prevent triggering
D) Encourage the client to stay active
Answer: B
Rationale: A quiet environment helps reduce sensory triggers that
exacerbate PTSD symptoms.
4.
Which neurotransmitter imbalance is mainly implicated in major
depressive disorder?
A) Increased dopamine
B) Decreased serotonin
C) Increased acetylcholine
D) Decreased glutamate
Answer: B
Rationale: Decreased serotonin levels are commonly associated with
depression, influencing mood regulation.
5.
The nurse is caring for an older adult client with dementia who becomes
agitated during bathing. Which approach is most effective?
A) Restrain the client during the bath
B) Explain each step clearly and calmly before proceeding
C) Rush through the bathing to reduce agitation
D) Avoid bathing to prevent agitation
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear, calm communication and explanation help reduce
confusion and agitation in dementia clients.
True/False (T/F)
6.
,Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating anxiety by
addressing distorted thought patterns.
True
Rationale: CBT focuses on modifying negative thought patterns that
contribute to anxiety.
7.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is contraindicated in clients with severe
depression who have suicidal ideation.
False
Rationale: ECT is often used for severe depression with suicidality,
especially when fast symptom relief is needed.
8.
Borderline Personality Disorder clients typically display emotional
dysregulation and fear of abandonment.
True
Rationale: These are hallmark symptoms of borderline personality
disorder.
9.
Milieu therapy involves the use of group activities to promote
socialization and emotional growth.
True
Rationale: Milieu therapy uses structured environment and community to
foster growth.
10.
A gradual dose tapering of benzodiazepines is necessary to prevent
withdrawal symptoms.
True
Rationale: Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal including seizures and
agitation.
Short Answer (SA)
, 11.
Name two key symptoms that differentiate bipolar disorder from major
depressive disorder.
Answer: Presence of manic episodes and rapid mood swings.
Rationale: Bipolar disorder includes periods of mania or hypomania,
which do not occur in MDD.
12.
Explain the primary goal of crisis intervention in a suicidal patient.
Answer: To ensure patient safety and stabilize immediate emotional
distress.
Rationale: Crisis intervention aims to prevent suicide and provide coping
strategies.
13.
What is the main role of a nurse during a group therapy session?
Answer: To facilitate discussion and ensure a safe, supportive
environment.
Rationale: Nurses guide and monitor group dynamics and participants’
contributions.
14.
Identify one primary difference between delusions and hallucinations.
Answer: Delusions are false fixed beliefs; hallucinations are false sensory
perceptions.
Rationale: Delusions involve cognition; hallucinations involve sensory
experience.
15.
Define "transference" in the nurse-patient relationship.
