assessment of a client with a cast should include

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions

1. What should be included in the assessment of a client with a cast?

A. capillary refill, warm toes, no discomfort.
B. posterior tibial pulses, warm toes.
C. moist skin essential, pain threshold.
D. discomfort of the metacarpals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a client with a cast, it is crucial to check for capillary refill to ensure adequate circulation. Warm toes indicate good circulation, while the absence of discomfort suggests the cast is not causing any pain or undue pressure on the client. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the essential components of assessing a client with a cast.

2. A client states, 'I can leave the diaphragm in place as long as I want after intercourse.' Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client needs further information on how to use the diaphragm?

A. 'I need to reapply spermicidal cream with repeated intercourse.'
B. 'The diaphragm needs to be filled with spermicidal cream before insertion.'
C. 'I can leave the diaphragm in place as long as I want after intercourse.'
D. 'The diaphragm can be inserted as long as 6 hours before intercourse.'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the statement, 'I can leave the diaphragm in place as long as I want after intercourse.' This statement indicates a lack of understanding about the correct use of the diaphragm. The diaphragm must be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of pregnancy. Leaving the diaphragm in place for an extended period can lead to toxic shock syndrome. Choice A is correct as spermicidal cream needs to be reapplied before each act of intercourse for optimal contraceptive efficacy. Choice B is a correct statement as the diaphragm should be filled with spermicidal cream before insertion to increase its effectiveness. Choice D is also accurate as the diaphragm can be inserted up to 6 hours before intercourse to allow time for proper placement and effectiveness.

3. A nurse sees another nurse changing an intravenous (IV) solution because the wrong solution is infusing into the client. The nurse who changed the IV solution does not report the error. What should the nurse who observed the error do first?

A. Report the nurse who changed the IV solution
B. Document the error in the client's chart
C. Call the client's health care provider
D. Ask the nurse whether she intends to report the error

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first thing the nurse who observed the error should do is ask the nurse whether she intends to report the error. Ensuring client safety is paramount, and all errors must be reported to the health care provider, but this is not the initial action. The client should also be assessed immediately. The nurse who discovered the error should complete an incident report and make appropriate documentation in the client's record. If the nurse who observed the error finds out that it will not be reported, it may be necessary to involve the supervisor. Therefore, the best course of action initially is to communicate with the nurse who made the error to understand her intentions regarding reporting.

4. A Hispanic client brings her father to the clinic because he is becoming more forgetful. He is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The woman tells the nurse that she wants to try ginkgo biloba for her father before using prescription medications. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A. "It is wiser to start with a prescription."?
B. "That herb may not be effective for your father."?
C. "You can't expect an herb to cure Alzheimer's."?
D. "I will let the physician know of your wishes."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate response is to acknowledge the client's wishes and communicate them to the physician for consideration. It is important to be culturally sensitive and respect the client's preferences. Ginkgo biloba has shown some benefits in treating dementia, so it is essential to involve the healthcare provider in the decision-making process. Choices A, B, and C are dismissive and fail to consider the client's perspective and cultural beliefs. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to engage in open communication and collaboration with clients to provide patient-centered care.

5. Which statement about clinical pathways is inaccurate?

A. They require daily updates.
B. They illustrate the expected client response to their diagnosis.
C. The objective is improvement or discharge from the facility.
D. They are evidence-based.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that clinical pathways do not necessarily require daily updates. Clinical pathways can be customized to be updated daily, weekly, or at other intervals based on patient needs and facility protocols. Choice A is inaccurate as daily updates are not always mandatory for clinical pathways. Choices B, C, and D are accurate features of clinical pathways: they depict the expected client response to the diagnosis, aim for improvement or discharge, and are grounded in evidence-based practices to ensure optimal care.