NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Exam Cram
1. A nurse at an outpatient clinic is returning phone calls that have been made to the clinic. Which of the following calls should have the highest priority for medical intervention?
- A. A home health patient reports, "I am starting to have a breakdown of my heels."?
- B. A patient that received an upper extremity cast yesterday reports, "I can't feel my fingers in my right hand today."?
- C. A young female reports, 'I think I sprained my ankle about 2 weeks ago.'
- D. A middle-aged patient reports, 'My knee is still hurting from the TKR.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is the patient who received an upper extremity cast yesterday and reports not being able to feel their fingers in the right hand. This situation indicates a potential neurovascular issue that requires immediate attention to prevent complications. The other options are of lesser priority: A - Breakdown of the heels, while concerning, is not an acute issue that necessitates immediate intervention. C - An ankle sprain that occurred two weeks ago is now subacute and unlikely to be an urgent medical concern. D - Pain in the knee following a total knee replacement (TKR) is common in the early postoperative period and is not unexpected.
2. What skin color does a client with jaundice have?
- A. pale
- B. ruddy
- C. yellow
- D. pink
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: yellow. Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. This excess bilirubin causes the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellow. Choice A, pale, is not typically associated with jaundice. Choice B, ruddy, describes a reddish skin color and is not indicative of jaundice. Choice D, pink, is a normal skin color and not a symptom of jaundice.
3. A client who is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and beginning medication therapy asks the nurse, 'How soon will I see improvement?' The nurse's best response is:
- A. "That varies from client to client."?
- B. "You should discuss that with your physician."?
- C. "You should notice a difference in a few days."?
- D. "It might take several weeks before you notice improvement."?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In the case of Parkinson's disease, improvement in symptoms may take several weeks of therapy to become noticeable. Therefore, the correct answer is to inform the client that it might take several weeks before they notice improvement. Choice A acknowledges individual variability but does not provide a specific timeframe, making it less reassuring. Choice B suggests deferring the question to the physician, which is not the most supportive response. Choice C is incorrect because improvement in Parkinson's disease symptoms typically does not occur within a few days.
4. The client in the Emergency Department, who has suffered an ankle sprain, should be taught to:
- A. use cold applications to the sprain during the first 24-48 hours.
- B. expect disability to decrease within the first 24 hours of injury
- C. expect pain to decrease within 3 hours after injury.
- D. begin progressive passive and active range of motion exercises immediately.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a client suffers an ankle sprain, the nurse should teach them to use cold applications to the sprain during the first 24-48 hours. Cold applications are believed to produce vasoconstriction and reduce the development of edema. Expecting disability to decrease within the first 24 hours of injury (choice B) is incorrect as disability and pain are anticipated to increase during the first 2-3 hours after injury. Expecting pain to decrease within 3 hours after injury (choice C) is also incorrect as pain and swelling usually increase initially. Beginning progressive passive and active range of motion exercises immediately (choice D) is not recommended; these exercises are usually started 2-5 days after the injury, according to the physician's recommendation. Treatment for a sprain involves support, rest, and alternating cold and heat applications. X-ray pictures are often necessary to rule out any fractures.
5. A 14-year-old boy has been admitted to a mental health unit for observation and treatment. The boy becomes agitated and starts yelling at nursing staff members. What should the nurse's first response be?
- A. Create an atmosphere of seclusion for the boy according to procedures.
- B. Remove other patients from the area for added safety.
- C. Ask the patient, "What is making you mad?"?
- D. Ask the patient, "Why are you behaving this way? Have you thought about what may help you calm down?"?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a situation where a patient is agitated and yelling, the first response should be to create an atmosphere of seclusion for the safety of the patient and others. Seclusion is a standard procedure to help manage aggressive behaviors and prevent harm. Options B, C, and D are not appropriate in this scenario. Removing other patients may not address the immediate safety concern, asking the patient what is making them mad can escalate the situation, and questioning why the patient is behaving that way may not help in managing the current agitation. Therefore, seclusion is the recommended course of action in this scenario to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
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