NCLEX Stress and Coping Exam Practice Questions and Answers

154 Questions and Answers

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Master the psychological aspects of patient care with this focused set of NCLEX Stress and Coping Exam Practice Questions and Answers. Designed to help you succeed on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, this practice quiz dives deep into how stress affects patient outcomes—and how nurses can apply therapeutic interventions to promote emotional resilience and mental wellness.

This exam prep resource covers critical topics such as the physiological and psychological responses to stress, stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), types of coping strategies (adaptive vs. maladaptive), and the impact of anxiety, grief, and crisis on health. You’ll also explore the nurse’s role in therapeutic communication, emotional support, mental status assessments, and prioritizing interventions based on the severity of psychological distress.

Each question follows the NCLEX format—multiple choice, select all that apply, and clinical scenarios—to prepare you for the real exam environment. You’ll apply clinical judgment to determine when to escalate care, when to implement stress-reducing interventions, and how to support patients and families dealing with chronic illness, trauma, loss, or mental health challenges.

The NCLEX Stress and Coping Exam Practice Questions and Answers also include rationales to reinforce learning and explain the reasoning behind each correct response. Whether you’re reviewing nursing theory, reinforcing classroom learning, or preparing for the NCLEX, this resource will help you build confidence in managing patients under psychological stress.

This practice exam supports key NCLEX content categories such as Psychosocial Integrity, Health Promotion and Maintenance, and Management of Care. Ideal for nursing students, new graduates, and international nurses preparing to take the NCLEX, this exam helps you develop a well-rounded understanding of mental and emotional care across clinical settings.

Sample Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of a physical symptom of stress?

a) Anxiety
b) Headache
c) Increased appetite
d) Negative thoughts

Answer: b) Headache

A nurse is teaching a client about stress management techniques. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

a) Engage in regular exercise
b) Limit social interactions
c) Avoid discussing problems
d) Work longer hours to distract oneself

Answer: a) Engage in regular exercise

Which coping mechanism is considered maladaptive?

a) Seeking emotional support
b) Denial of the situation
c) Problem-solving
d) Mindfulness meditation

Answer: b) Denial of the situation

A client is experiencing stress from work and family. The nurse encourages the client to set aside time for relaxation. Which of the following is the most effective way to manage stress?

a) Sleep more
b) Practice deep breathing exercises
c) Take over-the-counter medication
d) Isolate from others

Answer: b) Practice deep breathing exercises

Which of the following is a long-term effect of chronic stress?

a) Increased energy
b) Enhanced immune system
c) Decreased blood pressure
d) Weakened immune system

Answer: d) Weakened immune system

The nurse is assessing a client’s coping mechanisms. Which of the following is a positive adaptive coping strategy?

a) Avoiding the stressor
b) Using alcohol to relax
c) Seeking social support
d) Denying the problem

Answer: c) Seeking social support

Which of the following best describes the fight-or-flight response to stress?

a) A state of relaxation
b) A physiological response that prepares the body to either fight or flee from a threat
c) A form of deep breathing
d) A psychological response to stress

Answer: b) A physiological response that prepares the body to either fight or flee from a threat

A client’s stress level increases due to work-related pressure. Which of the following is a helpful coping technique for this client?

a) Procrastinate on tasks
b) Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks
c) Avoid discussing the stress with others
d) Work for extended periods without breaks

Answer: b) Set realistic goals and prioritize tasks

A nurse is teaching relaxation techniques to a client experiencing stress. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?

a) Avoiding all social interactions
b) Watching television for distraction
c) Practicing progressive muscle relaxation
d) Overeating to reduce stress

Answer: c) Practicing progressive muscle relaxation

Which of the following is a sign of stress overload in a client?

a) Feeling energized
b) Inability to focus
c) Increased appetite
d) Improved mood

Answer: b) Inability to focus

A client tells the nurse that they use alcohol to cope with stress. Which of the following is the nurse’s priority action?

a) Encourage the client to continue using alcohol to cope
b) Discuss the possible harmful effects of alcohol on health
c) Ignore the statement to avoid confrontation
d) Provide resources for substance use counseling

Answer: b) Discuss the possible harmful effects of alcohol on health

Which statement by a client would indicate that they are using a maladaptive coping strategy?

a) “I am talking to a friend to help me feel better.”
b) “I am avoiding the problem because I cannot handle it right now.”
c) “I am exercising to release the tension.”
d) “I am practicing deep breathing to calm myself.”

Answer: b) “I am avoiding the problem because I cannot handle it right now.”

A client is using humor as a coping strategy. Which of the following should the nurse consider when assessing this coping strategy?

a) Humor is always an unhealthy coping mechanism.
b) Humor can be a healthy coping mechanism if it helps the client feel better without avoiding the problem.
c) Humor should be avoided during stressful situations.
d) Humor only works if others laugh with the client.

Answer: b) Humor can be a healthy coping mechanism if it helps the client feel better without avoiding the problem.

Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse when a client expresses frustration with an ongoing stressful situation?

a) “You need to stop worrying about it.”
b) “Have you tried talking to your supervisor about it?”
c) “It’s not a big deal, so don’t stress.”
d) “I understand that you are frustrated. Let’s explore some ways to cope.”

Answer: d) “I understand that you are frustrated. Let’s explore some ways to cope.”

A nurse is providing care for a client experiencing chronic stress. Which of the following is a priority intervention?

a) Provide advice on avoiding stress
b) Educate about healthy stress management techniques
c) Encourage the client to withdraw from social interactions
d) Suggest that the client take a leave of absence from work

Answer: b) Educate about healthy stress management techniques

The nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing severe stress. Which finding would indicate that the client may be at risk for stress-related disorders?

a) Relaxed posture
b) Decreased heart rate
c) Increased blood pressure
d) Clear communication

Answer: c) Increased blood pressure

A client tells the nurse that they have trouble coping with their daily stress. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step for the nurse to take?

a) Offer a solution immediately
b) Suggest relaxation techniques only
c) Assess the client’s coping mechanisms and stress level
d) Ignore the statement and move on to the next topic

Answer: c) Assess the client’s coping mechanisms and stress level

A nurse is preparing a teaching session on stress management. Which of the following should the nurse include in the session?

a) Encourage the client to avoid all sources of stress
b) Recommend regular participation in physical activity
c) Suggest complete isolation from others
d) Advise the client to work longer hours to distract from stress

Answer: b) Recommend regular participation in physical activity

Which of the following is a characteristic of positive stress (eustress)?

a) It leads to feelings of anxiety and fear.
b) It motivates the individual to take action or face challenges.
c) It causes long-term physical damage.
d) It leads to complete withdrawal from stressful situations.

Answer: b) It motivates the individual to take action or face challenges.

A client is facing a stressful situation at work and is experiencing anxiety. Which of the following should the nurse recommend as a healthy coping strategy?

a) Using substances like alcohol to relax
b) Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing
c) Ignoring the situation to avoid stress
d) Working more hours to distract from the anxiety

Answer: b) Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing

Which of the following is a short-term effect of stress on the body?

a) Decreased heart rate
b) Increased immune function
c) Increased blood pressure
d) Increased appetite

Answer: c) Increased blood pressure

A nurse is helping a client manage stress after a traumatic event. Which of the following actions would be appropriate?

a) Advise the client to avoid discussing the traumatic event
b) Help the client process their feelings in a safe, supportive environment
c) Tell the client to “move on” from the event quickly
d) Recommend the client suppress their emotions

Answer: b) Help the client process their feelings in a safe, supportive environment

Which of the following is the best description of coping strategies?

a) Coping strategies are behaviors that help individuals manage stress.
b) Coping strategies are temporary distractions that do not address the problem.
c) Coping strategies should always involve avoidance of stressful situations.
d) Coping strategies are designed to increase the stress response.

Answer: a) Coping strategies are behaviors that help individuals manage stress.

The nurse is caring for a client who reports high levels of stress. Which of the following would be the most helpful in managing this stress?

a) Avoiding the problem
b) Getting adequate sleep and practicing relaxation techniques
c) Keeping busy with work to avoid thinking about stress
d) Drinking caffeinated beverages to stay alert

Answer: b) Getting adequate sleep and practicing relaxation techniques

Which of the following interventions would help a client manage stress in the workplace?

a) Avoiding all work-related issues
b) Discussing concerns with a supervisor or manager
c) Increasing workload to improve performance
d) Ignoring deadlines to relieve stress

Answer: b) Discussing concerns with a supervisor or manager

The nurse is teaching a client how to cope with stress. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

a) “Avoid exercise to conserve energy.”
b) “Focus on positive thoughts and actions.”
c) “Engage in negative self-talk to release frustration.”
d) “Avoid social interactions to reduce stress.”

Answer: b) “Focus on positive thoughts and actions.”

A client is experiencing stress after the loss of a loved one. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a) “You should be over this by now.”
b) “It’s okay to grieve. Let’s talk about your feelings.”
c) “You need to move on with your life.”
d) “Avoid talking about your loss. It will get better with time.”

Answer: b) “It’s okay to grieve. Let’s talk about your feelings.”

Which of the following factors increases an individual’s vulnerability to stress?

a) Strong social support
b) Healthy coping mechanisms
c) Poor physical health
d) Positive self-esteem

Answer: c) Poor physical health

Which of the following coping strategies is most likely to result in long-term benefits?

a) Substance use
b) Problem-solving and seeking support
c) Avoidance
d) Denial

Answer: b) Problem-solving and seeking support

A client experiencing stress from multiple life events expresses feeling overwhelmed. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?

a) “You should stop worrying about everything.”
b) “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s discuss some ways to manage this stress.”
c) “You need to handle this on your own.”
d) “Just take a deep breath and it will get better.”

Answer: b) “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed. Let’s discuss some ways to manage this stress.”

 

A client experiences stress from ongoing work-related issues. The nurse teaches the client about adaptive coping mechanisms. Which of the following strategies should the nurse recommend?

a) Blaming others for the stressful situation
b) Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing
c) Ignoring the stressor and focusing on distractions
d) Drinking alcohol to unwind

Answer: b) Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing

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