NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. Which of the following diseases would require the nurse to wear an N95 respirator as part of personal protective equipment?
- A. Human immunodeficiency virus
- B. Clostridium difficile enterocolitis
- C. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus
- D. Measles
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Infections that require airborne precautions necessitate the use of an N95 respirator, a type of mask that filters particles that are 5 micrograms or smaller. Illnesses that require airborne precautions include Measles, Varicella, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and tuberculosis. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. It can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Wearing an N95 respirator helps prevent the nurse from inhaling these infectious particles. Human immunodeficiency virus, Clostridium difficile enterocolitis, and Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus do not require the use of an N95 respirator as they are not transmitted through the air but have other modes of transmission.
2. Which principle of body mechanics may help to reduce the risk of a back injury?
- A. Maintain a wide base of support
- B. Bend from the knees, not the waist
- C. Keep the back straight while lifting
- D. Push or pull objects rather than lifting
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Proper body mechanics are crucial to prevent injuries, especially for professions involving lifting and moving objects. Keeping the back straight while lifting is essential to reduce the risk of back injuries as it helps maintain the spine's natural alignment and prevents excessive strain on the back muscles. Choosing choices A, B, and D would increase the risk of back injury. Maintaining a wide base of support provides stability, bending from the knees instead of the waist protects the lower back, and pushing or pulling objects reduces the strain on the back muscles, all contributing to preventing back injuries.
3. A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?
- A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
- B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
- C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
- D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.
4. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?
- A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
- B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
- C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
- D. Order a high-protein diet for the client
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.
5. Which of the following may represent an upper airway obstruction?
- A. Retractions
- B. Elongated expiratory phase
- C. Stridor
- D. Expiratory wheezing
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Stridor is the sound produced by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed upper airway. It is a classic sign of upper airway obstruction. While an elongated expiratory phase may indicate lower airway obstruction, stridor specifically points to an upper airway issue. Retractions are also often seen in upper airway obstruction due to the increased effort of breathing. Expiratory wheezing, on the other hand, is more indicative of lower airway conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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