These NCLEX-RN practice questions target psychology — including MSE, Mental Status Exam, ECT, Following Electroconvulsive Therapy. The complete NCLEX-RN deck holds 1030 flashcards, 90 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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A patient awaiting a mastectomy says, I'm not sure if I can handle looking at myself after this. How should the nurse respond to facilitate therapeutic communication?
Show answer →The best response is a reflection of feelings or an open-ended statement: You're concerned about how you'll feel about your body after the procedure. Rationale: This acknowledges the patient's concern and encourages further expression. NCLEX strategy: Avoid Don't worry (false reassurance) or Why do you feel that way? (defensive). Focus on What or How or reflecting the emotion stated. Key 2026 NCLEX focus: Prioritizing the patient's emotional cues over clinical tasks during the assessment phase.
To assess a patient's abstract thinking during a Mental Status Exam (MSE), which specific question or task should the nurse ask the patient to perform?
Show answer →Ask the patient to **interpret a common proverb**, such as Don't cry over spilled milk or A stitch in time saves nine. **Rationale:** Patients with cognitive impairment (dementia) or certain types of schizophrenia may give a **concrete** interpretation (e.g., It means you shouldn't cry if you drop your milk bottle). Abstract thinking involves the ability to generalize and understand symbolic meanings. **NCLEX Tip:** Differentiating between abstract and concrete thinking helps the nurse determine the patient's functional level and ability to engage in complex therapies or understand discharge instructions. Concrete thinkers require simple, literal communication.
Following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a client is confused and cannot remember their name or the date. What is the nurse's best response?
Show answer →Reorient the client frequently and explain that temporary retrograde amnesia and post-ictal confusion are expected findings following the procedure. ECT induces a controlled grand mal seizure to treat refractory depression. NCLEX Tip: Pre-op care includes NPO status for 6-8 hours, witnessed informed consent, and administration of a muscle relaxant (succinylcholine) and anesthetic.
A client with Histrionic Personality Disorder wears provocative clothing and frequently interrupts the nurse with dramatic complaints of minor physical symptoms. What is the nurse's primary goal?
Show answer →The goal is to encourage more appropriate communication and maintain professional boundaries. Interventions: Give attention for non-attention-seeking behaviors and model matter-of-fact communication. Provide specific feedback on appropriate attire if it violates unit safety/norms. NCLEX Tip: Histrionic patients are theatrical and attention-seeking. They often use physical appearance to draw focus; the nurse must remain professional and focused on the care plan.
A community is devastated by a Category 5 hurricane. Survivors are experiencing acute stress and displacement. How should the nurse classify this type of crisis?
Show answer →Adventitious Crisis (or Social Crisis). Rational: These are unplanned, accidental, and not part of everyday life (e.g., natural disasters, terrorism, or violent crimes). Distinguish from Situational (external events like job loss/divorce) or Maturational (developmental stages like retirement or marriage). NCLEX strategy: Identifying the crisis type helps the nurse determine the expected duration and required resources.
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Try 30 free NCLEX-RN cards firstThe full NCLEX-RN deck contains 1030 flashcards, and 90 of them focus on psychology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our NCLEX-RN deck dedicates 90 of 1030 cards (9%) to psychology — always cross-check the official NCSBN exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the NCLEX-RN preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1030 cards is a one-time $7.
Management
90 cards
Obstetrics
70 cards
Pathology
210 cards
Pediatrics
70 cards
Pharmacology
120 cards
Procedures
120 cards
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