NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A patient with pneumonia has a fever of 101.4 F (38.6 C), a nonproductive cough, and an oxygen saturation of 88%. The patient complains of weakness, fatigue, and needs assistance to get out of bed. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign as the highest priority?
- A. Hyperthermia related to infectious illness
- B. Impaired transfer ability related to weakness
- C. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick secretions
- D. Impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion
Correct answer: Impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Impaired gas exchange related to respiratory congestion.' While all the nursing diagnoses are relevant to the patient's condition, the priority should be given to impaired gas exchange due to the patient's low oxygen saturation level of 88%. This indicates a significant risk of hypoxia for all body tissues unless the gas exchange is improved. Addressing impaired gas exchange is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent further complications. Hyperthermia, impaired transfer ability, and ineffective airway clearance are important concerns but addressing gas exchange takes precedence in this scenario.
2. When obtaining a health history and physical assessment for a 36-year-old female patient with possible multiple sclerosis (MS), the nurse should
- A. assess for the presence of chest pain.
- B. inquire about urinary tract problems.
- C. inspect the skin for rashes or discoloration.
- D. ask the patient about any increase in libido.
Correct answer: inquire about urinary tract problems.
Rationale: When assessing a patient for possible multiple sclerosis (MS), it is important to inquire about urinary tract problems as they are common symptoms of the condition, such as incontinence or retention. Chest pain is not typically associated with MS, so assessing for its presence is not a priority. Inspecting the skin for rashes or discoloration is not a typical manifestation of MS. Additionally, a decrease in libido, rather than an increase, is more commonly seen in patients with MS. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse in this scenario is to inquire about urinary tract problems.
3. The student observes a patient with no breathing problems. Which action by the student indicates a need to review respiratory assessment skills?
- A. The student starts at the apices of the lungs and moves to the bases.
- B. The student compares breath sounds from side to side, avoiding bony areas.
- C. The student places the stethoscope over the posterior chest and listens during expiration.
- D. The student instructs the patient to breathe slowly and a little more deeply than normal through the mouth.
Correct answer: The student places the stethoscope over the posterior chest and listens during expiration.
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Listening only during inspiration instead of both inspiration and expiration indicates a need for a review of respiratory assessment skills. During chest auscultation, it is essential to listen to at least one cycle of inspiration and expiration at each placement of the stethoscope. Instructing the patient to breathe slowly and a little deeper than normal through the mouth is a correct practice during auscultation. The correct sequence for lung auscultation is from the apices to the bases, comparing breath sounds bilaterally, avoiding bony areas. It is crucial to place the stethoscope over lung tissue rather than bony prominences to accurately assess lung sounds.
4. Which of the following factors may alter the level of consciousness in a patient?
- A. Alcohol
- B. Electrolytes
- C. Infection
- D. All of the above may cause altered level of consciousness
Correct answer: All of the above may cause altered level of consciousness
Rationale: Various factors can lead to altered levels of consciousness in a patient. Alcohol consumption can depress the central nervous system and cause changes in consciousness. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia or hypernatremia, can disrupt brain function and affect consciousness. Infections, especially those affecting the brain like encephalitis, can also lead to alterations in consciousness. Therefore, all of the choices provided - Alcohol, Electrolytes, and Infection - can potentially cause changes in the level of consciousness. Remember the acronym AEIOU-TIPPS to recall common causes of decreased level of consciousness, including Alcohol, Electrolytes, and Infection, among others.
5. How does shock typically progress?
- A. Compensated to hypotensive shock in hours and hypotensive shock to cardiac arrest in minutes
- B. Compensated to hypotensive shock in minutes and hypotensive shock to cardiac arrest in hours
- C. Hypotensive to compensated shock in hours and compensated shock to cardiac arrest in minutes
- D. Hypotensive to compensated shock in minutes and compensated shock to cardiac arrest in hours
Correct answer: Compensated to hypotensive shock in hours and hypotensive shock to cardiac arrest in minutes
Rationale: Shock typically progresses from a compensated state to hypotensive shock over a period of hours. In the compensated phase, the body is trying to maintain perfusion. It is crucial to identify and intervene during this phase to prevent progression to hypotensive shock, where blood pressure drops significantly. If not promptly managed, hypotensive shock can rapidly deteriorate into cardiac arrest in minutes due to inadequate perfusion to vital organs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the typical progression of shock stages as seen in clinical practice. Understanding the stages of shock and their timeframes is crucial for early recognition and appropriate intervention to prevent further deterioration.
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