LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Psychosocial Integrity Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An LPN is caring for a client with advanced dementia who has become increasingly agitated and is yelling out. Which of the following interventions should the LPN implement first?
- Administer a prescribed PRN sedative medication.
- Assess the client for potential sources of pain or discomfort. (Correct answer)
- Redirect the client by offering a familiar activity.
- Place the client in a quiet room to reduce stimuli.
Correct answer: Assess the client for potential sources of pain or discomfort.
Before implementing other interventions, the LPN should first assess for an underlying physiological cause of agitation, as clients with dementia may be unable to verbalize needs such as pain, hunger, or the need to use the toilet. Addressing a physical cause is the priority.
Question 2: A client receiving hospice care tells the LPN, 'I'm ready to give up. I don't want any more treatments.' Which response by the LPN is most therapeutic?
- "You shouldn't talk like that; you have to keep fighting."
- "Let's talk about the wonderful memories you have."
- "Tell me more about what you are feeling right now." (Correct answer)
- "I will let the doctor know so we can discuss your options."
Correct answer: "Tell me more about what you are feeling right now."
The most therapeutic response uses the open-ended technique of exploring the client's feelings. This validates the client's emotions and encourages further communication about their end-of-life wishes and concerns. Giving advice or changing the subject is non-therapeutic.
Question 3: An LPN is admitting a new client to a substance abuse treatment facility. During the initial interview, the client becomes defensive and states, 'I don't have a problem. I can quit anytime I want.' What is the LPN's most appropriate action?
- Confront the client with evidence of their substance abuse problem.
- Document the client's statement as denial and continue the admission process. (Correct answer)
- Explain the negative health consequences of continued substance use.
- Agree with the client to build rapport and trust.
Correct answer: Document the client's statement as denial and continue the admission process.
Denial is a common coping mechanism in clients with substance use disorders. The LPN's role is to remain non-judgmental, accurately document the client's statements and behaviors, and proceed with the established admission protocol. Confronting the client can create a barrier to the therapeutic relationship.
Question 4: An LPN in a pediatric clinic is assessing a toddler with numerous bruises in various stages of healing on their trunk and back. The parent states the child is clumsy and falls a lot. Which of the following actions is the LPN's legal responsibility?
- Document the findings and ask the parent to return in one week.
- Confront the parent about the suspicious nature of the injuries.
- Tell the parent to implement better safety measures at home.
- Report the suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
Nurses are mandated reporters. When there is a suspicion of child abuse, such as bruises in locations not typically associated with accidental falls, the LPN has a legal and ethical obligation to report their findings to Child Protective Services or the designated state agency for investigation.
Question 5: A client is scheduled for a surgical procedure and expresses significant anxiety, stating, 'I'm so scared I won't wake up from the anesthesia.' Which therapeutic communication technique should the LPN use?
- Providing false reassurance by saying, 'Everything will be perfectly fine.'
- Using reflection by stating, 'It sounds like you're worried about the surgery's outcome.' (Correct answer)
- Changing the subject to distract the client from their fears.
- Advising the client that their fear is irrational and common.
Correct answer: Using reflection by stating, 'It sounds like you're worried about the surgery's outcome.'
Reflection is a therapeutic technique where the nurse repeats back the emotional content of the client's message. This validates the client's feelings and encourages them to elaborate on their fears, fostering a trusting relationship.
Question 6: An LPN is caring for a client from a culture that practices stoicism in the face of pain. How can the LPN best assess this client's pain level?
- Assume the client is not in pain if they do not complain.
- Administer pain medication only when the client explicitly requests it.
- Observe for non-verbal cues such as facial grimacing, restlessness, or guarding. (Correct answer)
- Rely solely on the numerical pain scale for an accurate assessment.
Correct answer: Observe for non-verbal cues such as facial grimacing, restlessness, or guarding.
Cultural background can significantly influence how a client expresses pain. In a culture that values stoicism, verbal complaints may be minimal. Therefore, the LPN must be skilled in observing for non-verbal indicators of pain to ensure the client's comfort is adequately managed.
LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Psychosocial Integrity Questions and Answers 1
An LPN is caring for a client with advanced dementia who has become increasingly agitated and is yelling out.
Which of the following interventions should the LPN implement first?