NCLEX-RN
Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Mr. K is admitted to the orthopedic unit one morning in preparation for a total knee replacement to start in two hours. Which of the following is a priority topic to instruct this client on admission?
- A. The approximate length of the surgery
- B. The type of anticoagulants that will be prescribed
- C. The time of the next meal of solid food
- D. The length of time until the client can return to work
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority topic to instruct a client admitted for a total knee replacement surgery should be the approximate length of the surgery. Pre-surgical teaching should focus on preparing the client for the upcoming procedure. Providing information about the duration of the surgery can help manage the client's expectations, reduce anxiety, and ensure they are mentally prepared for the operation. While details about post-operative care, anticoagulants, meals, and return to work are important, they are not the immediate priority during the preoperative phase. These aspects can be addressed at a later stage in the client's care journey.
2. A nurse is caring for a dying client whose family wants to be with him in the operating suite. The surgeon, however, does not allow families to be present during surgery. The nurse recognizes this as an ethical dilemma. What is the initial step of the nurse when managing this situation?
- A. Contact the physician to amend the order for the client
- B. Document an account of the situation to ensure adequate coverage of details
- C. Consult with the medical ethics committee to determine a safe and workable solution
- D. Speak with the chief nursing officer to change the policy governing this situation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this type of situation, the first action of the nurse should be to address the immediate needs of the client by requesting the physician to make a change based on the circumstances. The primary concern is to ensure the client's well-being and honor the family's wishes, even if it means deviating from standard protocols. While documentation (Choice B) and consulting with higher authorities like the medical ethics committee (Choice C) may be necessary at a later stage, the initial step is to take action to meet the client's needs promptly. Speaking with the chief nursing officer to change the policy (Choice D) is not the most immediate or practical step in this situation, as the focus should be on the client's current care needs.
3. A client is found lying on the floor near the bathroom door, stating, 'I thought I could get up on my own.' What information must the nurse document in this situation?
- A. A statement explaining the condition the client was found in, quoting the client's words about the situation
- B. An explanation of how the fall happened and when the physician was notified
- C. An account of the conditions of the room that contributed to the client's fall
- D. A summary of the client's medical history and current medications
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a fall or injury occurs while under nursing care, it is crucial to document the known aspects of the situation and the response to the injury. In this scenario, the nurse should document the client's condition as found and quote the client's own words about the situation. This helps provide a clear account of the event without implying blame. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because detailing how the fall happened, listing room conditions, or summarizing medical history are not directly relevant to documenting the immediate situation and the client's own words following the fall.
4. A client is seen in the emergency room as a victim of suspected domestic violence. The nurse's aide brings the client to a center curtained area, gives her a gown to change into, and asks her to wait for the nurse. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse upon arrival?
- A. Ask the client to undress to assess for injuries
- B. Take the client into a private room
- C. Notify the police to file a report
- D. Notify the house supervisor to keep security on alert
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a client suspected of domestic violence, it is crucial to provide privacy and a safe environment. Taking the client into a private room allows for a confidential conversation and assessment without compromising the client's safety or dignity. The nurse should prioritize creating a safe space for the client to share information and receive support. Notification of authorities should only occur once a thorough assessment has been conducted to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect because asking the client to undress should be done with sensitivity and respect for the client's privacy, focusing on assessing injuries rather than visualizing them. Option C is premature as involving the police should be based on a comprehensive assessment and the client's consent. Option D is not the most immediate and direct action required to address the client's immediate needs in a suspected domestic violence situation.
5. The discharge planning team is discussing plans for the dismissal of a 16-year-old admitted for complications associated with asthma. The client's mother has not participated in any of the discharge planning processes but has stated that she wants to be involved. Which of the following reasons might prohibit this mother from participating in discharge planning?
- A. The client is an emancipated minor
- B. The mother has to work and is unavailable
- C. The client has a job and a driver's license
- D. The mother does not speak English
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is that the client is an emancipated minor. Emancipated minors, even if they are under the age of 18, have the legal right to make decisions about their own healthcare and planning, which may include not wanting their parent involved in the discharge planning process. This status grants them independence from parental involvement in certain situations. The other choices are incorrect because the mother's work schedule, the client's job and possession of a driver's license, and the mother's language proficiency do not inherently prevent her from participating in the discharge planning process, unlike the legal status of being an emancipated minor.
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