Psychosocial Integrity Flashcards
6 cards from real RN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Psychosocial Integrity flashcards as text
A patient newly diagnosed with breast cancer states, 'I can't believe this is happening to me.' The nurse's best therapeutic response is:
Answer: 'This must be very frightening. Would you like to talk about how you're feeling?'
Acknowledging the patient's fear and inviting open dialogue is the most therapeutic response, demonstrating empathy and patient-centered communication.
Which behavior indicates a patient is in the bargaining stage of Kübler-Ross's stages of grief?
Answer: 'If I follow every treatment, maybe I'll see my grandchild born.'
Bargaining involves making deals or promises in exchange for more time or a change in outcome, as seen in the statement about surviving to witness a grandchild's birth.
A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse, 'The CIA has implanted a chip in my brain to control my thoughts.' The nurse's best response is:
Answer: 'That sounds frightening. I don't share that belief, but I'm here to help you stay safe.'
The nurse should neither argue with the delusion nor reinforce it, but acknowledge the patient's distress and provide reality orientation while maintaining therapeutic rapport.
A patient with major depressive disorder says, 'I've been giving my belongings away and I feel at peace now.' The nurse's priority action is:
Answer: Conduct an immediate suicide risk assessment
Giving away possessions and sudden calmness in a depressed patient are high-risk warning signs of suicidal intent requiring immediate safety assessment.
When using motivational interviewing to help a patient with alcohol use disorder, which statement best reflects the technique?
Answer: 'What would your life look like if you reduced your alcohol use?'
Motivational interviewing uses open-ended questions to help patients explore their own motivation for change, evoking internal ambivalence rather than imposing external pressure.
A nurse is caring for a patient who experienced sexual assault. Which statement by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Answer: 'I believe you. What happened was not your fault, and you are safe here.'
Validating the patient's experience, assigning no blame, and reassuring safety are foundational trauma-informed care principles for sexual assault survivors.