NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. What is the most effective step in hand washing?
- A. Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
- B. Using hospital-grade soap.
- C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
- D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.
2. Which of the following safety precautions should the nurse discuss when working with an immunocompromised client?
- A. Avoid canned foods and increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables
- B. Hand-wash utensils after use and allow them to air dry
- C. Only drink tap water that has been filtered or boiled before consumption
- D. Never eat meals prepared in restaurants
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to only drink tap water that has been filtered or boiled before consumption. Immunocompromised clients are susceptible to infections, so it is essential to take precautions to prevent exposure to harmful pathogens. Drinking tap water that has been filtered or boiled helps eliminate potential pathogens that could be harmful to the client's health. Choices A, B, and D do not directly address the issue of avoiding potential pathogens that could compromise the health of an immunocompromised client. Thus, they are incorrect. Hand-washing utensils, avoiding canned foods, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption are good general hygiene practices but may not specifically address the needs of an immunocompromised client.
3. What is the first aid for frostbite?
- A. Running cold water over the affected area. Warm or hot water will shock the area and cause more tissue damage.
- B. Run warm water over the area to rapidly rewarm the affected area.
- C. Run hot water over the area to warm the area as quickly as possible.
- D. Cover the area with a blanket, using a heating pad if the blanket isn't warm enough.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: First aid for frostbite involves running cold water over the affected area. It is important to avoid warm or hot water as it can shock the area and cause further tissue damage. Warm water should not be used to rapidly rewarm the affected area. Similarly, hot water should also be avoided as it can warm the area too quickly and potentially cause harm. Covering the area with a blanket and using a heating pad may not be effective and can even lead to more damage. Seeking medical assistance is crucial if the tissue appears necrotic to prevent further complications.
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. A client is complaining of pain in his right hand after surgery. The IV in his hand has slowed down, and the skin around the site is reddened and cool. The client reports localized pain in the hand and fingers. What is the most likely cause of this client's pain?
- A. The client's IV is infiltrated
- B. The client is experiencing phlebitis from the last drug administered
- C. The client has a blood clot developing in the distal arteries of the wrist
- D. The client's pain is associated with myocardial ischemia and he is having a heart attack
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pain, cool skin, and edema at an IV injection site indicate IV infiltration. The reddened and cool skin around the IV site, along with localized pain and a slowed IV drip rate, are classic signs of infiltration. Infiltration occurs when IV fluids or medications enter the surrounding tissues instead of the vein, leading to potential tissue damage. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, not infiltration. A blood clot in the distal arteries of the wrist would not cause these specific symptoms. Myocardial ischemia and heart attack are unrelated to the client's localized hand pain and IV issues.
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