the nurse is caring for a client who is dying while assessing the client for signs of impending death the nurse observes the client for

NCLEX-PN

Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is dying. While assessing the client for signs of impending death, the nurse observes the client for:

A. elevated blood pressure.
B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
C. elevated pulse rate.
D. decreased temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a pattern of breathing characterized by rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. This pattern is often associated with conditions like cardiac failure and can be a sign of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typically associated with the dying process. Decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death. Therefore, option B, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, is the correct choice when assessing a client for signs of impending death.

2. The women's health charge nurse is making assignments for the next shift. The unit is short one staff member and will receive a nurse from the medical-surgical unit. Which group of clients should she assign to the medical-surgical nurse?

A. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bladder suspension with A&P repair, client with breast reduction
B. C-section planning discharge, post-partum infection, mastectomy
C. Vaginal delivery of fetal demise, C-section with pneumonia, 32-week gestation with lymphoma
D. 28-week gestation of bed rest, post-partum with HELLP syndrome, breast reconstruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer includes clients who have undergone surgical procedures typically managed on a medical-surgical unit. Choice A consists of clients who have had elective surgical procedures such as hysterectomy, bladder suspension with A&P repair, and breast reduction, which are commonly treated in a medical-surgical setting. Choices B, C, and D involve clients with various complications related to childbirth, fetal demise, pneumonia, gestational lymphoma, HELLP syndrome, and bed rest, which are more complex cases requiring specialized care beyond medical-surgical nursing.

3. Who may legally give informed consent?

A. an 86-year-old male with advanced Alzheimer's disease
B. a 14-year-old girl needing an appendectomy who is not an emancipated minor
C. a 14-year-old girl needing an appendectomy who is not an emancipated minor
D. a 6-month-old baby needing bowel surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is a 14-year-old girl needing an appendectomy who is not an emancipated minor. Informed consent can be given by individuals who are competent and not minors. Minors are generally unable to provide informed consent unless they are emancipated. Choice A is incorrect because an 86-year-old male with advanced Alzheimer's disease is considered incompetent to make decisions. Choice D is incorrect because a 6-month-old baby is unable to provide consent. Emancipated minors are an exception to the minor rule, as they can provide consent for their own treatment.

4. To ensure safety while administering a nitroglycerine patch, what should the nurse do?

A. Wear gloves
B. Shave the area where the patch will be applied
C. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and rinse with hot water
D. Apply the patch to the buttocks

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To protect herself, the nurse should wear gloves when applying a nitroglycerine patch or cream. Answer B is incorrect because shaving the area where the patch will be applied might abrade the skin, increasing the risk of irritation. Answer C is incorrect because washing with hot water can vasodilate the skin, potentially increasing the absorption of nitroglycerine. Nitroglycerine patches should be applied to areas above the waist, making answer D incorrect as applying it to the buttocks is not recommended.

5. How should Lasix be administered to prevent hypotension?

A. By administering it over 1-2 minutes
B. By hanging it IV piggyback
C. With normal saline only
D. By administering it through a venous access device

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lasix should be administered over 1-2 minutes at approximately 1mL per minute to prevent hypotension. This slow administration helps to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as sudden drops in blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because Lasix does not need to be hung IV piggyback, choice C is incorrect as Lasix administration does not require it to be mixed with normal saline only, and choice D is incorrect as Lasix does not have to be specifically administered through a venous access device (VAD) to prevent hypotension.