NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions
1. The chemotherapeutic DNA alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards are effective because they:
- A. cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA.
- B. have few, if any, side effects.
- C. are used to treat multiple types of cancer.
- D. are cell-cycle-specific agents.
Correct answer: cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA.
Rationale: Alkylating agents, such as nitrogen mustards, are effective chemotherapeutic agents because they cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA. This cross-linking interferes with DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. Choice B is incorrect because alkylating agents have numerous side effects, including alopecia, nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression. Choice C is incorrect because while nitrogen mustards are used to treat multiple types of cancer like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and breast and ovarian cancer, their effectiveness is primarily due to DNA cross-linkage. Choice D is incorrect because alkylating agents are non-cell-cycle-specific agents, meaning they can act on cells in any phase of the cell cycle, not just on cells that are actively dividing.
2. When a client has a chest drainage system in place, where should the system be placed?
- A. above the level of the client's chest
- B. at the level of the client's shoulders
- C. at the level of the chest
- D. below the level of the chest
Correct answer: below the level of the chest
Rationale: A chest drainage system should be placed below the level of the client’s chest to ensure proper drainage of fluid from the chest. Placing the system above the level of the chest or at the shoulders would not allow gravity to assist in the drainage process, potentially leading to complications such as fluid accumulation. Similarly, placing it at the level of the chest would not create the necessary gravity-dependent flow for effective drainage, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the chest drainage system.
3. Which client should the nurse see first?
- A. Recurring crushing chest pain
- B. Needing an IV for surgery in 5 minutes
- C. Needing PCA morphine for pain control post-hysterectomy
- D. Waiting to get back to bed after sitting in a chair for 30 minutes
Correct answer: Recurring crushing chest pain
Rationale: The client presenting with recurring crushing chest pain should be seen first as this symptom could indicate a myocardial infarction (MI), which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Assessing and managing potential cardiac issues take priority over other concerns like needing an IV for surgery, pain control post-hysterectomy, or assistance with mobility. While all clients require care, addressing the chest pain promptly is crucial to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
4. What effect can medication bound to protein have?
- A. reduced drug availability
- B. limited distribution of the drug to receptor sites
- C. less availability to produce desired medicinal effects
- D. decreased metabolism of the drug by the liver
Correct answer: less availability to produce desired medicinal effects
Rationale: Medication bound to protein leads to less availability to produce desired medicinal effects because only unbound drugs can interact with active receptor sites. If a drug is bound to protein, it cannot bind with a receptor site, reducing its effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because binding to protein reduces drug availability. Choice B is incorrect because distribution to receptor sites is ineffective if the drug is bound to protein. Choice D is incorrect because metabolism does not occur until the drug is removed from the protein molecule by the liver, allowing the protein to return to circulation.
5. While performing a physical assessment on a 6-month-old infant, the nurse observes head lag. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse perform first?
- A. Ask the parents to allow the infant to lie on his stomach to promote muscle development.
- B. Notify the physician because a developmental or neurological evaluation is indicated.
- C. Document the findings as abnormal in the nurse’s notes.
- D. Explain to the parents that their child is likely to have developmental delays.
Correct answer: Notify the physician because a developmental or neurological evaluation is indicated.
Rationale: Head lag should be completely resolved by 4 months of age. Continuing head lag at 6 months of age indicates the need for further developmental or neurological evaluation. Laying the infant on his stomach promotes muscle development of the neck and shoulder muscles, but because of the age of this child, a referral should be the first action. The findings are abnormal for a 6-month-old infant. Significant head lag can be seen in infants with Down syndrome and hypoxia, as well as neurological and other metabolic disorders. While some of these disorders might include developmental delays, stating this to the parents without a proper evaluation can cause unnecessary distress. The priority is to identify the cause of the head lag through a medical evaluation before discussing potential outcomes with the parents.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX Basic
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
NCLEX Basic
- 5,000 Questions and answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX Coverage
- 90 days access @ $69.99