NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. What information should be collected when assessing the health status of a community?
- A. Air pollution levels
- B. Number of health food stores
- C. Most common causes of death
- D. Education level of the individuals
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When assessing the health status of a community, it is crucial to gather data on various health measures such as the most common causes of death. This information helps in understanding the prevalent health issues within the community. Factors like air pollution levels, the number of health food stores, and the education level of individuals are important community aspects but do not directly reflect the health status of the community. Therefore, the correct answer is to collect data on the most common causes of death as it provides insights into the major health concerns affecting the community.
2. According to HIPAA, which of the following is considered an individual right for privacy of a client's protected health information?
- A. The right to receive a copy of the organization's privacy practices
- B. The right to receive medical bills for care received
- C. The right to change personal health information
- D. An understanding that protected health information will only be used in regards to client treatments
Correct answer: A
Rationale: According to HIPAA, individuals receiving care at healthcare facilities have rights surrounding their protected health information. One of these rights is to receive a copy of the organization's privacy practices, which outlines how their health information will be used and protected. This ensures transparency and allows individuals to understand how their information is handled. The other choices are incorrect because while individuals have the right to access their health information, receive explanations of how it is used, and ensure its confidentiality, receiving medical bills or changing personal health information are not specifically outlined as rights related to the privacy of protected health information.
3. A client with asthma is being admitted for breathing difficulties. His arterial blood gas results are pH 7.26, PCO2 49, PaO2 90, and HCO3- 21. Which of the following best describes this condition?
- A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
- C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
- D. Compensated metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this case, the client's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.26 and a PCO2 of 49, both of which are abnormal. A pH below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 indicates acidosis. The elevated PCO2 of 49 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the primary issue. The normal range for PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg, so a value of 49 indicates the retention of excess CO2, leading to acidosis. The low HCO3- level of 21 also supports the presence of metabolic acidosis; however, the primary abnormality is respiratory, making this an uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.' Choice B, 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis,' is incorrect because the client's pH is acidic, not alkalotic. Additionally, there is no compensation occurring for the primary respiratory acidosis indicated by the elevated PCO2. Choice C, 'Uncompensated metabolic acidosis,' is incorrect because while the HCO3- level is low, the primary issue indicated by the elevated PCO2 is respiratory acidosis. Choice D, 'Compensated metabolic alkalosis,' is incorrect since the arterial blood gas results do not support a metabolic alkalosis. The low HCO3- level would typically be seen in metabolic acidosis, but in this case, the primary issue is respiratory acidosis.
4. What question must the nurse ask when formulating a nursing diagnosis?
- A. What diagnosis did the physician make for this client?
- B. What is the issue that I can solve for this client?
- C. What physician orders will resolve this issue?
- D. What underlying disease does this client have?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When formulating a nursing diagnosis, the nurse should focus on identifying the client's specific health problems that can be addressed through nursing interventions. The correct answer emphasizes the nurse's role in identifying and addressing client-specific issues through nursing care. Choice A is incorrect because nursing diagnoses are distinct from medical diagnoses made by physicians. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on physician orders rather than the nurse's role in diagnosing and addressing client problems. Choice D is incorrect because it pertains to identifying underlying diseases, which is not the primary focus of nursing diagnoses.
5. Mr. G has been admitted to the hospital with a head injury after a 12-foot fall. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate when monitoring intracranial pressure?
- A. Administer hypotonic solutions
- B. Keep the head of the bed elevated
- C. Increase the client's core body temperature to 99.9 degrees
- D. Administer corticosteroids as ordered
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Administering corticosteroids as ordered is appropriate when monitoring intracranial pressure in clients at risk of increased pressure to reduce brain tissue swelling. Elevating the head of the bed helps in managing intracranial pressure by promoting venous drainage. Administering hypertonic solutions is used to reduce brain edema and control intracranial pressure. Increasing the client's core body temperature is not recommended as it can exacerbate brain injury. Corticosteroids are not routinely used for all head injuries but may be indicated in specific cases, such as certain types of brain injuries where swelling needs to be controlled.
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