NCLEX-RN Psychosocial Integrity Practice Test
Therapeutic communication, crisis, suicide risk, withdrawal and grief. Here are 6 NCLEX-RN psychosocial integrity questions, each with the answer and the reason.
Updated by the Tigertest team. Based on the NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan Client Needs categories. Original questions, not affiliated with NCSBN.
- 1.
The nurse screens several clients for suicide risk. Which client is at highest risk?
- A.
Woman, 35, with a supportive spouse
- B.
Teen, 16, who failed a math test
- C.
Man, 45, with new type 2 diabetes
- D.
Man, 74, widowed, keeps a handgun
Answer: D.Older age, male sex, the loss of a spouse and access to a firearm are major risk factors combined in one client. The others have a single minor stressor or protective factors.
- A.
- 2.
A client whose wife died 2 months ago says, "I don't see the point of going on anymore." Which response by the nurse is best?
- A.
"Things will get easier as time goes by."
- B.
"Your children still need you so much."
- C.
"Are you thinking of ending your life?"
- D.
"Why do you feel there is no point now?"
Answer: C.A statement of hopelessness calls for a direct question about suicidal thoughts, which does not plant the idea and opens the door to a safety assessment. False reassurance and "why" questions block communication and leave the risk unassessed.
- A.
- 3.
A client with schizophrenia stares at an empty corner and says, "Do you hear them too? They're laughing at me." Which response by the nurse is best?
- A.
"Yes, I hear them. What are they saying?"
- B.
"Why would they be laughing at you?"
- C.
"Try to ignore them and watch TV."
- D.
"I don't hear them, but you look scared."
Answer: D.The nurse presents reality without arguing and acknowledges the feeling behind the experience. Agreeing reinforces the hallucination, "why" questions ask for an explanation the client cannot give, and telling the client to ignore the voices dismisses them.
- A.
- 4.
The nurse assesses a 2-year-old brought to the emergency department after a fall. Which finding is most suggestive of physical abuse?
- A.
Bruising over both shins
- B.
Loop-shaped marks on back
- C.
Scraped palms and knees
- D.
Small bump on the forehead
Answer: B.Patterned loop marks suggest a cord or belt, and the back is not a typical site for accidental injury. Bruised shins, scraped palms and knees and forehead bumps are common accidental injuries in a toddler who is learning to run.
- A.
- 5.
A client in an acute manic episode is pacing the unit and talking rapidly. Which activity should the nurse suggest?
- A.
A team volleyball tournament
- B.
Card game in the dayroom
- C.
Reading a novel quietly
- D.
Walking with a staff member
Answer: D.A noncompetitive physical activity with one staff member uses excess energy with little stimulation. Team and competitive games overstimulate, and a client in acute mania cannot concentrate on a novel.
- A.
- 6.
A client whose spouse died 3 weeks ago reports crying daily, poor sleep and sometimes hearing the spouse's voice at night. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
- A.
Normal, uncomplicated grief
- B.
New-onset psychotic disorder
- C.
Prolonged, complicated grief
- D.
Major depressive episode
Answer: A.Sadness, sleep changes and briefly sensing or hearing the deceased are common in the early weeks of grief. Prolonged grief is not considered until symptoms persist about a year in adults, and the voice here does not make the client psychotic.
- A.
Drill every psychosocial integrity question in the NCLEX-RN Psychosocial Integrity drill: questions you miss come back until you have mastered them. Then take a timed practice test with the NCLEX-RN section in it.
Start practicingFree to start. No account needed.