NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers
1. A client who has undergone radiation therapy presents with itching, redness, burning pain, and skin sloughing on the chest and abdomen. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this client?
- A. Apply ointment to the skin to avoid moisture
- B. Wash the area gently with water and pat dry
- C. Use a mild antiseptic soap to wash the area and pat dry
- D. Apply talcum powder to keep the skin dry
Correct answer: Wash the area gently with water and pat dry
Rationale: For a client experiencing skin symptoms like redness, itching, burning pain, and sloughing after radiation therapy, it is crucial to maintain proper skin care. Applying ointments, lotions, or powders can worsen the condition by trapping moisture and leading to further skin irritation. The most appropriate intervention is to wash the affected area gently with water to cleanse it without further irritating the skin. Using mild antiseptic soap or talcum powder can also be harsh on the compromised skin. Patting the skin dry helps prevent friction and trauma to the affected area, promoting healing and comfort.
2. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?
- A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
- B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
- C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
- D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column
Correct answer: D: Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column
Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.
3. A patient is bleeding profusely from an injury near her wrist. Which of the following first aid procedures would be MOST appropriate?
- A. Place a tourniquet on her arm above the injury.
- B. Place pressure on her brachial artery.
- C. Place pressure on her radial nerve.
- D. Cover the bleeding area with wet towels.
Correct answer: Place pressure on her brachial artery.
Rationale: The most appropriate first aid procedure for a patient bleeding profusely from an injury near the wrist is to place pressure on her brachial artery. Applying pressure to the brachial pulse point will help slow down the bleeding. Placing a tourniquet on her arm above the injury is not recommended as it could potentially inhibit blood flow, leading to tissue necrosis. Pressing on the radial nerve or covering the bleeding area with wet towels are not effective in controlling bleeding and may not address the underlying cause.
4. When teaching a patient to use the three-point gait technique of crutch use:
- A. The injured leg moves ahead at the same time as both crutches.
- B. One crutch moves at a time and is then followed by the injured leg.
- C. Both crutches move ahead at the same time followed by both legs at the same time.
- D. None of the above are correct.
Correct answer: The injured leg moves ahead at the same time as both crutches.
Rationale: The correct technique for a three-point gait involves the injured leg moving simultaneously with both crutches, followed by the uninjured leg. This gait pattern is utilized when the patient is unable to bear full weight on one of their legs. Choice A accurately describes the appropriate sequence of movements for the three-point gait technique. Choices B and C do not accurately reflect the correct pattern of movement during the three-point gait technique, making them incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as there is a correct option among the choices provided.
5. A client is being instructed on how to use crutches. Which of the following information should be included in the teaching?
- A. Place the majority of body weight on the axilla.
- B. Dry crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet.
- C. Use the crutches for support to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs.
- D. Both B and C.
Correct answer: Dry crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet.
Rationale: When instructing a client on how to use crutches for ambulation, it is important to emphasize keeping the crutch tips dry to prevent slipping while bearing weight on them. Moisture on the crutch tips can lead to accidents. Therefore, the correct answer is to dry the crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet. Choice A, placing the majority of body weight on the axilla, is incorrect as the weight should be borne through the hands, not the axilla, to avoid nerve damage. Choice C, using the crutches to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs, is incorrect as the client should ascend stairs by placing weight on the unaffected leg first, followed by the crutches and then the affected leg. This method provides stability and safety during stair climbing.
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