NCLEX-PN
Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day
1. A client returns to the nursing unit post-thoracotomy with two chest tubes in place connected to a drainage device. The client's spouse asks the nurse about the reason for having two chest tubes. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that the upper chest tube is placed to:
- A. Remove air from the pleural space
- B. Create access for irrigating the chest cavity
- C. Evacuate secretions from the bronchioles and alveoli
- D. Drain blood and fluid from the pleural space
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Remove air from the pleural space.' When a client has two chest tubes in place post-thoracotomy, the upper chest tube is typically positioned to remove air from the pleural space. Air rises, so placing the tube at the top allows for efficient removal of air that has accumulated in the pleural cavity. Choice B, creating access for irrigating the chest cavity, is incorrect as chest tubes are not primarily used for irrigation. Choice C, evacuating secretions from the bronchioles and alveoli, is incorrect as chest tubes are not designed for this purpose. Choice D, draining blood and fluid from the pleural space, is also incorrect as the upper chest tube in this scenario is specifically for removing air, not blood or fluid.
2. After discontinuing a peripherally inserted central line (PICC), what information is most important for the nurse to record?
- A. How the client tolerated the procedure.
- B. The length and intactness of the central line catheter.
- C. The amount of fluid left in the IV solution container.
- D. That a dressing was applied to the insertion site.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to record after discontinuing a peripherally inserted central line (PICC) is the length and intactness of the central line catheter. This is crucial for assessing any potential complications or safety issues post-removal. Choices A, C, and D are not as critical as ensuring the condition of the central line catheter. While noting the client's tolerance of the procedure is relevant for their care assessment, evaluating the central line's integrity takes precedence in this scenario.
3. While performing wound care to a donor skin graft site, the nurse notes some scabbing at the edges and a black collection of blood. What is the nurse's next action?
- A. Leave the scabbed area alone and apply extra ointment
- B. Notify the physician
- C. Gently remove the debris and re-dress the wound
- D. Apply skin softening lotion for 3 hours and then re-dress
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When the nurse notes scabbing at the edges and a black collection of blood, it indicates the presence of debris that needs to be addressed. Leaving the scabbed area alone and applying extra ointment may not address the underlying issue and could lead to complications. Notifying the physician is important in some cases, but immediate action is required to prevent infection in this situation. Gently removing the debris and re-dressing the wound is the correct course of action to promote healing and prevent complications.
4. The nurse is caring for a client and wants to assess the neurologic function. Which of the following will give the most information?
- A. Level of consciousness
- B. Doll's eye reflex
- C. Babinski reflex
- D. Reaction to painful stimuli
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Level of consciousness.' Assessing the client's level of consciousness provides crucial information about their neurologic function, including subtle changes in verbal ability, orientation, and responsiveness to commands. Doll's eye reflex is a specific eye movement test used in neurologic assessments but may not provide as much comprehensive information as the client's overall consciousness level. The Babinski reflex is a test used to assess specific spinal cord function rather than overall neurologic function. Reaction to painful stimuli provides information about sensory function and pain response but may not offer as much insight into the client's neurologic status as assessing their level of consciousness.
5. The nurse should plan to evaluate the earliest onset of effectiveness of nitroglycerin (Nitrostat) sublingual (SL) within what time frame?
- A. 15 seconds
- B. 3 minutes
- C. 5 minutes
- D. 15 minutes
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The onset of action for Nitrostat SL is 1 to 3 minutes. Therefore, the nurse should plan to evaluate the earliest onset of effectiveness within 3 minutes after administering the medication. Option A, 15 seconds, is too short of a time frame for the onset of action of Nitrostat. Option C, 5 minutes, is slightly delayed compared to the typical onset time. Option D, 15 minutes, is too long to wait for evaluating the effectiveness of Nitrostat sublingual administration.
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