NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. The patient who has two fractured ribs from an automobile accident is receiving discharge teaching. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?
- A. I am going to buy a rib binder to wear during the day.
- B. I can take shallow breaths to prevent my chest from hurting.
- C. I should plan on taking the pain pills only at bedtime so I can sleep.
- D. I will use the incentive spirometer every hour or two during the day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I will use the incentive spirometer every hour or two during the day.' After sustaining rib fractures, it is crucial to prevent complications like atelectasis and pneumonia by practicing deep breathing and coughing. Using the incentive spirometer helps in maintaining lung expansion and preventing respiratory issues. Buying a rib binder could restrict chest expansion and hinder deep breathing efforts, increasing the risk of atelectasis. Taking shallow breaths may not effectively expand the lungs, leading to potential respiratory complications. Relying solely on pain medication at bedtime may not adequately address the need for lung expansion and prevention of respiratory complications during the day.
2. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old who is being treated with chelation therapy, calcium disodium edetate, for lead poisoning. The nurse should be alert for which of the following side effects?
- A. Neurotoxicity
- B. Hepatomegaly
- C. Nephrotoxicity
- D. Ototoxicity
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is nephrotoxicity. Calcium disodium edetate, used in chelation therapy for lead poisoning, can lead to kidney toxicity. This is an important side effect to monitor in patients undergoing this treatment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Neurotoxicity, hepatomegaly, and ototoxicity are not typically associated with calcium disodium edetate therapy for lead poisoning.
3. The child with hemolytic-uremic syndrome is anuric and will undergo peritoneal dialysis. Which measure should the nurse implement?
- A. Restrict fluids as prescribed.
- B. Care for the arteriovenous fistula.
- C. Encourage foods high in potassium.
- D. Administer analgesics as prescribed.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In hemolytic-uremic syndrome, often associated with bacterial toxins and viruses, acute kidney injury occurs in children, leading to symptoms like anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal injury, and CNS symptoms. For an anuric child with hemolytic-uremic syndrome undergoing peritoneal dialysis, fluid restriction is vital to prevent fluid overload. Pain management is not directly related to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Foods high in potassium should be limited, not encouraged, due to impaired kidney function. Peritoneal dialysis does not involve an arteriovenous fistula, which is specific to hemodialysis.
4. A child presents to the emergency department with colicky abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant. What disorder is suspected based on these symptoms?
- A. Peritonitis
- B. Appendicitis
- C. Intussusception
- D. Hirschsprung's disease
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The child's presentation of colicky abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant is classic for appendicitis. Appendicitis typically presents with localized pain that starts near the umbilicus and then shifts to the right lower quadrant. Peritonitis, on the other hand, is characterized by diffuse abdominal pain, tenderness, and guarding, usually resulting from organ perforation or intestinal obstruction. Intussusception is associated with acute, severe abdominal pain and currant jelly-like stools due to intestinal telescoping. Hirschsprung's disease, which lacks ganglion cells in the colon, manifests with symptoms like constipation, abdominal distension, and foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools.
5. The healthcare provider is reviewing the lab results of a patient who has presented in the Emergency Room. The lab results show that the BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) value is 615 pg/ml. What would the healthcare provider take as the priority action?
- A. Call for a cardiac evaluation and implement appropriate measures
- B. Check the patient's oxygen saturation
- C. Inform the physician about the elevated BNP level
- D. Encourage the patient to limit physical activity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An elevated BNP level is indicative of decreased cardiac output, suggesting potential heart failure. In this scenario, the priority action is to check the patient's oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation assessment is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and respiratory function, which is essential in managing cardiac conditions. Calling for a cardiac evaluation and implementing appropriate measures may be necessary but is not the immediate priority without assessing oxygen saturation. Informing the physician about the elevated BNP level can be important for further management but is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Encouraging the patient to limit physical activity might be a consideration later but is not the priority action when dealing with a potential cardiac emergency.
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