NCLEX-RN Exam - Topic 2 Question 7 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCLEX's NCLEX-RN exam

Question #: 7
Topic #: 2

A 5-year-old child was recently diagnosed as having acute lymphoid leukemi

a. She is hospitalized for additional tests and to begin a course of chemotherapy designed to induce a remission. She is scheduled to have a bone marrow aspiration tomorrow. She has had a bone marrow test previously and is apprehensive about having another. Which of the following interventions will be most effective in relieving her anxiety?

AExplain what will take place and what she will see, feel, and hear.

BRemind her that she has had this procedure before and that it is nothing to be afraid of.

CTell her not to worry about it, that it will be over soon and she can join her friends in the playroom.

DGive her a big hug and tell her that she is a big girl now and that she will do just fine.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

(A) Even though the child has had the procedure before, she will probably need additional explanations and emotional support. (B) The fact that the child has had the procedure before and possibly found it painful or uncomfortable may increase, not relieve, her stress. (C) This intervention does nothing to reassure the child and may well prevent her from expressing her feelings. (D) This does not prepare the child for the test and burdens her with the expectation that she act bigger and braver than she is.

by Ryan at Jul 05, 2025, 01:12 PM

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Leigha

5 months ago

A hug sounds nice, but will it really help her anxiety?

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Margery

5 months ago

Totally agree, kids need to know what to expect.

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Brice

6 months ago

But can a 5-year-old really understand all that?

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Elly

6 months ago

Reminding her it's not her first time could be comforting too!

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Vilma

6 months ago

I think explaining what will happen is key!

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Eliz

6 months ago

I feel like just telling her not to worry might come off as dismissive. I wonder if emotional support like a hug would actually help her feel better.

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Tarra

7 months ago

I practiced a question similar to this, and I think option A is the best choice. It seems important to help her understand what will happen.

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Noelia

7 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I think reminding her that she's done it before might not be enough. Kids can still feel scared even if they've had the experience.

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Beckie

7 months ago

I remember discussing how explaining the procedure can help reduce anxiety in children. It makes sense to prepare them for what to expect.

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Casandra

7 months ago

Ugh, I hate these types of questions. They always try to trick you with the wording. I'm just going to go with my gut and choose the option that seems the most comforting for the child.

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Felicidad

7 months ago

Okay, I've got this. The best approach is to explain exactly what's going to happen, so the child knows what to expect. That way, she won't be as scared going into the procedure.

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Mitsue

8 months ago

Hmm, I'm a little unsure about this one. There are a few different options, and I'm not sure which one would be the most effective. I'll have to think it through carefully.

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Marcos

8 months ago

This seems like a pretty straightforward question. I think the key is to focus on addressing the child's anxiety and making her feel as comfortable as possible.

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