a 32 year old female frequently comes to her primary care provider with vague complaints of headache abdominal pain and trouble sleeping in the past t

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Practice Questions 2024

1. A 32-year-old female frequently comes to her primary care provider with vague complaints of headache, abdominal pain, and trouble sleeping. In the past, the physician has dutifully prescribed medication, but little else. Which of the following comments by the nurse to the physician is appropriate?

A. “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.”
B. “Often women become offended if asked about their safety in relationships.”
C. “It is mandatory that all women be questioned about domestic violence.”
D. “How would you feel to know that her partner is beating her and you didn’t ask?”

Correct answer: “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.”

Rationale: The correct answer is, “Often women who are victims of domestic violence suffer vague symptoms such as abdominal pain.” There is a well-documented correlation between vague symptoms like abdominal pain and battered woman syndrome. It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about potential domestic violence when presented with such symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as studies show that women are not generally offended by appropriately phrased questions about their safety in relationships. While it is not mandatory to question all women about domestic violence, it is advisable to at least ask a screening question regarding safety. Choice D is inappropriate as it uses a shaming tactic, which is not constructive and may create a hostile work environment. It's important for healthcare professionals to approach sensitive topics like domestic violence with empathy and professionalism.

2. The nurse is making initial rounds on a client with a C5 fracture and crutch field tongs. Which equipment should be kept at the bedside?

A. A pair of forceps
B. A torque wrench
C. A pair of wire cutters
D. A screwdriver

Correct answer: B: A torque wrench

Rationale: A torque wrench is essential equipment to keep at the bedside for a client with a C5 fracture and crutch field tongs. This tool is used to tighten and loosen the screws of the crutch field tongs, allowing the nurse to adjust the pressure on the screws for proper support and alignment. A pair of forceps (choice A), wire cutters (choice C), and a screwdriver (choice D) are not required for managing crutch field tongs and, therefore, are incorrect choices in this scenario.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with cerebral palsy. The nurse should provide frequent rest periods because:

A. Grimacing and writhing movements decrease with relaxation and rest.
B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes become more active with rest.
C. Stretch reflexes are increased with rest.
D. Fine motor movements are improved.

Correct answer: Grimacing and writhing movements decrease with relaxation and rest.

Rationale: Frequent rest periods help to relax tense muscles and preserve energy in clients with cerebral palsy. This can lead to a decrease in grimacing and writhing movements, as relaxation and rest help to alleviate muscle tension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide inaccurate information. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes do not become more active with rest; stretch reflexes are not increased with rest in cerebral palsy patients, and fine motor movements are not necessarily improved solely by rest.

4. Which intervention should the nurse take first to assist a woman who states that she feels incompetent as the mother of a teenage daughter?

A. Recommend that she discipline her daughter more strictly and consistently.
B. Make a list of things she can do to help improve her husband.
C. Assist the mother to identify what she believes is preventing her success and what she can do to improve.
D. Explore with the mother what the daughter can do to improve her behavior.

Correct answer: Assist the mother to identify what she believes is preventing her success and what she can do to improve.

Rationale: The priority intervention for a mother who feels incompetent in parenting a teenage daughter is to assist her in identifying the factors contributing to her feelings of inadequacy and help her develop better coping and mothering skills. This approach focuses on addressing the mother's emotional needs and empowering her to improve her situation. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on the daughter's discipline, which may not be the root cause of the mother's feelings. Option B is irrelevant as it focuses on improving her husband, not her parenting skills. Option D is incorrect as it shifts the focus solely to the daughter's behavior, neglecting the mother's emotional needs and self-improvement.

5. A 12-year-old male is brought to his primary care provider to determine whether sexual abuse has occurred. The mother states, 'Because there is no permanent physical damage, he does not need any more treatment.' The nurse’s response should be based on which of the following pieces of information?

A. Male victims of sexual abuse can have long-term psychological problems.
B. Survivors of male sexual abuse might become confused about their sexual identity.
C. Unless treated, all male sex abuse survivors grow up to abuse other children.
D. All children who have been sexually abused have the same needs, regardless of gender.

Correct answer: Survivors of male sexual abuse might become confused about their sexual identity.

Rationale: Male children are sexually abused nearly as often as female children. Perpetrators are usually men but can be women. Needs of male children who have been sexually abused might be different from the needs of female survivors. Male survivors might respond in anger, question their sexuality, use alcohol and other drugs, and might try to prove their masculinity by performing daring acts. It is crucial for the nurse to consider these potential outcomes, making choice B the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because male victims of sexual abuse can indeed have long-term psychological problems, so the nurse should be aware of this issue. Choice C is incorrect as not all male sex abuse survivors grow up to abuse other children, which is a misconception. Choice D is incorrect because the needs of children who have been sexually abused can vary based on various factors, including gender, so it is important to consider individual differences.