NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. A client is being assisted with ambulation in the hallway using a gait belt when they become dizzy and start to faint. What is the first action the nurse should take?
- A. Stand behind the client and prepare to catch them if they fall
- B. Assist the client to sit in the nearest chair or slide down along a wall
- C. Grasp the client under the arms and pull them upward
- D. Call for help from nearby staff
Correct answer: A
Rationale: If a client becomes dizzy and starts to faint while being assisted with ambulation, the nurse's first action should be to assist the client into a sitting position to prevent or reduce the impact of a fall. This can be done by guiding the client to sit in the nearest chair or sliding down along a wall for support. Option A is incorrect because standing behind the client may not prevent a fall and could potentially lead to injury. Option C is incorrect as pulling the client upward may worsen the situation. Option D, calling for help, is not the first action to take when the client is at risk of falling.
2. Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:
- A. show signs of hyperoxia.
- B. have increased O2 saturation.
- C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
- D. None of the above.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
3. Which of the following is an example of an environmental hazard that may put the healthcare professional at risk of injury?
- A. Loud noise from the hospital maintenance system
- B. Airborne powder containing latex
- C. Chemicals containing ethylene oxide
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are exposed to various environmental hazards that may negatively impact their physical or mental health. Hazards come in several forms, such as loud noise from hospital systems, which can damage hearing; airborne latex powder, leading to allergic reactions; and chemicals like ethylene oxide, a sterilizing agent that can cause cancer. Therefore, all the options listed pose risks to healthcare professionals, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A, loud noise, is a hazard that can affect hearing health. Choice B, airborne latex powder, can trigger allergic responses. Choice C, chemicals containing ethylene oxide, are hazardous and can lead to serious health issues. Each option represents a distinct environmental risk that healthcare professionals should be aware of and take precautions against.
4. When providing endotracheal suctioning, for how long should the nurse suction the endotracheal tube of an intubated client on a ventilator at a time?
- A. Five seconds or less
- B. Ten seconds or less
- C. At least 30 seconds
- D. No longer than 60 seconds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When providing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse should suction for no longer than ten seconds at a time. Suctioning for longer than ten seconds may cause hypoxia or bronchospasm. Extended suctioning may also place the client at risk of injury to the bronchial and tracheal structures. Choices C and D suggest prolonged suctioning durations that can lead to adverse effects on the client. Choice A, suctioning for five seconds or less, may not be adequate to clear secretions effectively, making choice B the most appropriate duration for safe and efficient suctioning in this scenario.
5. The NFPA diamond has four colors. The blue diamond:
- A. indicates hazards to health.
- B. designates that it is safe to use water to put out this type of fire.
- C. indicates that ice is necessary to treat an injury with this type of chemical.
- D. indicates that the chemical may be incinerated upon disposal.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) uses a safety diamond to communicate the level of threat posed by a specific chemical. The blue diamond in the NFPA diamond system signifies potential health hazards associated with the use of that chemical. Choice B is incorrect because the blue diamond does not indicate anything about using water to extinguish fires. Choice C is incorrect as the NFPA diamond does not provide information on treating injuries. Choice D is also incorrect as the blue diamond does not suggest incineration upon disposal; it pertains to health hazards.
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