NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A patient experiences a chest wall contusion as a result of being struck in the chest with a baseball bat. The emergency department nurse would be most concerned if which finding is observed during the initial assessment?
- A. Paradoxic chest movement
- B. Complaint of chest wall pain
- C. Heart rate of 110 beats/minute
- D. Large bruised area on the chest
Correct answer: Paradoxic chest movement
Rationale: Paradoxic chest movement is the most concerning finding as it indicates a potential flail chest, which can lead to severe compromise in gas exchange and rapid hypoxemia. This condition requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory distress. Complaint of chest wall pain, a slightly elevated heart rate, and a large bruised area on the chest are important assessment findings but may not immediately threaten gas exchange or respiratory function. Therefore, identifying paradoxic chest movement is critical for prompt intervention and management.
2. A patient with stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer expresses a preference for chemotherapy over surgery. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Are you concerned about the potential pain from surgery?
- B. Have you had negative experiences with previous surgeries?
- C. Surgery is the recommended treatment for stage I lung cancer.
- D. Tell me about your understanding of the different available treatments.
Correct answer: Tell me about your understanding of the different available treatments.
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse in this situation is to gather more information about the patient's concerns and preferences. By asking the patient to share their understanding of the available treatments, the nurse encourages open communication and gains insight into the patient's knowledge and preferences. Option A focuses solely on pain, which may not be the patient's primary concern. Option B assumes negative experiences without exploring the patient's current thoughts. Option C, stating that surgery is the recommended treatment, dismisses the patient's preference and does not address their concerns. Chemotherapy is not the primary treatment for nonsmall cell lung cancer; it may be used for nonresectable tumors or as adjuvant therapy to surgery, making it crucial for the nurse to explore the patient's treatment preferences and understanding.
3. The categories such as ethnicity, gender, and religion illustrate which concept?
- A. Family
- B. Cultures
- C. Spirituality
- D. Subcultures
Correct answer: Subcultures
Rationale: Within cultures, various groups of people share different beliefs, values, and attitudes due to factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. When these distinct groups coexist within a broader culture, they are referred to as subcultures. While ethnicity, gender, and religion are important components of individuals' identities, they do not represent the concepts of family, cultures, or spirituality. The correct answer is 'Subcultures' as these categories reflect differences within a larger cultural context, emphasizing the unique characteristics shared by members of subcultural groups.
4. During a class on cultural practices, the nurse hears the term cultural taboo. Which statement illustrates the concept of a cultural taboo?
- A. Trying prayer before seeking medical help
- B. Believing that illness is a punishment of sin
- C. Refusing to accept blood products as part of treatment
- D. Stating that a child’s birth defect is the result of the parents’ sins
Correct answer: Refusing to accept blood products as part of treatment
Rationale: The concept of a cultural taboo involves practices that are forbidden or avoided within a particular culture. Refusing to accept blood products as part of treatment is a clear example of a cultural taboo, as some cultures or religions prohibit the use of blood products for medical purposes. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and traditions. The other choices provided do not directly relate to cultural taboos. Trying prayer before seeking medical help, believing illness is a punishment of sin, and stating that a child’s birth defect is the result of parents' sins are beliefs or actions based on religious or personal beliefs, but they do not specifically represent cultural taboos.
5. To prepare a 56-year-old male patient with ascites for paracentesis, the nurse should?
- A. place the patient on NPO status.
- B. assist the patient to lie flat in bed.
- C. ask the patient to empty the bladder.
- D. position the patient on the right side.
Correct answer: ask the patient to empty the bladder.
Rationale: To prepare a patient with ascites for paracentesis, the nurse should ask the patient to empty the bladder. This is important to decrease the risk of bladder perforation during the procedure. The patient should be positioned in Fowler's position to facilitate the procedure, not lie flat in bed, which can compromise breathing. Placing the patient on NPO status is unnecessary as sedation is not typically required for paracentesis. Positioning the patient on the right side is not a standard preparatory measure for paracentesis.
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