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 case manager is reviewing the records of the clients in the nursing unit. Which note(s) in a client's record indicate an unexpected outcome and the need for follow-up?

A. A client is performing their own colostomy irrigations.
B. A client with a central venous catheter has a temperature of 100.6�F.
C. A client who has just undergone surgery has a urine output of more than 30 mL/hr.
D. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is self-administering insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A case manager is a healthcare professional responsible for coordinating a client's care from admission through and after discharge. They evaluate and update the plan of care as needed, monitoring for unexpected outcomes and providing follow-up. A temperature of 100.6�F in a client with a central venous catheter is an unexpected outcome that requires follow-up due to the potential indication of an infection. Choices A, C, and D describe expected outcomes and appropriate self-care management. The client self-irrigating their colostomy, a post-surgical client having adequate urine output, and a newly diagnosed diabetic self-administering insulin are all positive indicators of self-care and expected outcomes, not requiring immediate follow-up.

3. The nurse on the 3-11 shift is assessing the chart of a client with an abdominal aneurysm scheduled for surgery in the morning and finds that the consent form has been signed, but the client is unclear about the surgery and possible complications. Which is the most appropriate action?

A. Call the surgeon and ask them to see the client to clarify the information
B. Explain the procedure and complications to the client
C. Check the physician's progress notes to see if understanding has been documented
D. Check with the client's family to see if they understand the procedure fully

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate action in this scenario is to call the surgeon and ask them to see the client to clarify the information. It is the responsibility of the physician to explain and clarify the procedure to the client, ensuring informed consent. Answer B is incorrect as nurses should not provide detailed medical explanations beyond their scope of practice. Answer C is incorrect as the physician's notes may not capture the client's current understanding accurately. Answer D is incorrect because the client's own understanding, not the family's, is crucial for informed decision-making regarding the surgery.

4. In which of the following conditions might increased cortisol levels be found?

A. Cushing's syndrome
B. Addison's disease
C. Renal failure
D. Congestive heart failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is characterized by increased cortisol levels due to the overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This excess cortisol can lead to various symptoms and complications. Addison's disease is associated with decreased cortisol levels as it results from adrenal insufficiency, making it an incorrect choice in this context. Renal failure and congestive heart failure are not typically linked to abnormal cortisol levels, further indicating that they are not the conditions where increased cortisol levels are found.

5. Which is the proper hand position for performing chest percussion?

A. Use the side of the hands
B. Flatten the hands
C. Spread the fingers of both hands
D. Cup the hands

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The proper hand position for performing chest percussion is to cup the hands. Cupping the hands helps produce a vibration that aids in loosening respiratory secretions effectively. This technique is essential for therapeutic chest physiotherapy. Using the side of the hands, flattening the hands, or spreading the fingers of both hands do not generate the necessary vibration required for chest percussion. These hand positions are not considered proper techniques in this context and may not provide the desired therapeutic effect.