NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank
1. When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, what should you do to provide good and safe mouth care?
- A. keep the head of the bed up to prevent aspiration
- B. brush the teeth and rinse the mouth with a cup of water
- C. use a special foam swab to brush only the tongue
- D. use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When providing mouth care to a patient in a coma, it is crucial to use a special foam swab to brush the tongue and teeth. This method helps maintain good oral hygiene for comatose patients. Special foam swabs are designed to effectively clean all areas of the mouth, including the cheeks and tongue, ensuring thorough care. Using water for mouth care in comatose patients can lead to aspiration, so it is important to avoid this practice. Keeping the head of the bed up alone does not prevent aspiration during mouth care for comatose patients, making choice A incorrect. Merely brushing the tongue (choice C) or using a foam swab only on the tongue (choice B) may not provide the comprehensive mouth care necessary for patients in a coma.
2. A patient works with a nurse to establish outcomes. The nurse believes that one outcome suggested by the patient is not in the patient's best interest. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Remain silent.
- B. Educate the patient that the outcome is not realistic.
- C. Explore with the patient possible consequences of the outcome.
- D. Formulate an appropriate outcome without the patient's input.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should collaborate with the patient rather than impose personal opinions. While the nurse should respect the patient's autonomy, they also have a duty to provide guidance. By exploring possible consequences of the suggested outcome with the patient, the nurse can facilitate a discussion that helps the patient make an informed decision. This approach respects the patient's input while ensuring their well-being. Remaining silent (Choice A) may not address the issue, educating the patient unilaterally (Choice B) may be perceived as dismissive, and formulating an outcome without patient input (Choice D) disregards the patient's autonomy and preferences.
3. Which body plane divides the body into right and left sides?
- A. Frontal Plane
- B. Medial Plane
- C. Median Plane
- D. Transverse Plane
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the Median Plane, also known as the sagittal plane. It divides the body into right and left sides. The Frontal Plane, or coronal plane, divides the body into front and back sections. The Transverse Plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically divide the body into right and left sides.
4. An older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member is wandering outside, saying, "I can't find my way home."? The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. What is the nurse's best action?
- A. Document the patient's mental status and obtain other assessment data from the family member.
- B. Record the patient's answers to questions on the nursing assessment form.
- C. Ask an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview.
- D. Call for a mental health advocate to maintain the patient's rights.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is confused and unable to answer questions. When the patient is unable to provide information, it is important to use secondary sources such as family members. The nurse's best action is to document the patient's mental status and obtain additional assessment data from the family member. This approach will help gather relevant information about the patient's condition. Asking an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview is not necessary as it is within the staff nurse's scope of practice. Calling for a mental health advocate is also unnecessary at this point as the priority is to assess the patient's condition and gather information from the family member.
5. Which of the following organs would be described as being located retroperitoneally?
- A. Kidneys
- B. Thymus
- C. Small Intestines
- D. Spleen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The term 'retroperitoneal' refers to organs positioned behind the peritoneum. The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs, located outside the peritoneal cavity, against the posterior abdominal wall. This positioning provides them with additional protection from external forces due to the surrounding structures. The thymus, small intestines, and spleen are not retroperitoneal organs. The thymus is located in the mediastinum, the small intestines are intraperitoneal, and the spleen is intraperitoneal and located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen.
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