NCLEX NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?
- A. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient’s position.
- B. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
- C. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
- D. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient’s age.
Correct answer: The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.' Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic pressure of ³20 mm Hg or ³10 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure that occurs with a quick change to a standing position. This condition is common in individuals on prolonged bed rest, older adults, those with hypovolemia, or taking specific medications. The blood pressure readings provided in the question (150/90 mm Hg lying, 130/80 mm Hg sitting, and 100/60 mm Hg standing) demonstrate a significant change in blood pressure with position changes, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the readings do not indicate a normal response or blood pressure within normal limits for the patient’s age; rather, they suggest the presence of orthostatic hypotension.
2. The nurse should wash from the ________________________ when washing a patient's eye area.
- A. outer canthus to the inner canthus
- B. inner canthus to the outer canthus
- C. internal nares to the external nares
- D. external nares to the internal nares
Correct answer: inner canthus to the outer canthus
Rationale: When washing a patient's eye area, it is important to start from the inner canthus (closest to the nose) and move towards the outer canthus. This direction prevents any contaminants or debris from the outer area of the eye from moving towards the inner, more sensitive area. Choices C and D are incorrect as they pertain to the nasal passages (nares), which are not relevant when washing the eye area.
3. Which risk factor places patients and residents at the greatest risk for falls?
- A. Old age
- B. Middle age
- C. Pneumonia
- D. COPD
Correct answer: Old age
Rationale: Old age is a significant risk factor for falls as elderly individuals are more prone to falls due to factors like decreased balance, muscle strength, and vision. Middle age is less associated with falls compared to old age. Pneumonia and COPD are medical conditions that are not direct risk factors for falls, unlike aging which significantly increases the risk of falls.
4. A clinic nurse interviews a parent who is suspected of abusing her child. Which of the following characteristics is the nurse least likely to find in an abusing parent?
- A. Low self-esteem
- B. Unemployment
- C. Self-blame for the injury to the child
- D. Single status
Correct answer: Self-blame for the injury to the child
Rationale: The profile of a parent at risk of abusive behavior includes a tendency to blame the child or others for the injury sustained. Abusers typically blame others, especially their partners, for the mistakes in their lives. This is related to hypersensitivity, but they are not necessarily alike. This occurs because most abusive people don’t hold themselves as being accountable for the actions they commit. Instead, they’ll try to shift the blame to the person that they have abused and somehow say they “deserved it” or that they were forced into a corner.
5. The client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. Which reaction cues the nurse to realize this when caring for a client who has lost an arm in a motor vehicle accident?
- A. The client is going through a grieving period.
- B. The client talks as if another person is affected.
- C. The client is willing to learn techniques to adapt.
- D. The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.
Correct answer: The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's recognition of the reality and subsequent anxiety cues the nurse that the client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. During this phase, the client may refuse to discuss the change and may use withdrawal as a coping mechanism. The grieving period typically occurs during the acknowledgement phase, where the client and family come to terms with the change in physical appearance. Initially, shock and depersonalization may lead the client to talk as if another person is affected by the change. Finally, in the rehabilitation stage, the client is ready to learn techniques to adapt to the change, such as through the use of prosthetics or modifying lifestyles and goals.
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