NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions
1. A client whose right leg is in skeletal traction complains of pain in the leg. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Asking the client to wiggle their toes
- B. Medicating the client with the prescribed analgesic
- C. Realigning the client
- D. Removing some of the traction weights
Correct answer: Realigning the client
Rationale: When a client in skeletal traction complains of pain, the priority action for the nurse is to realign the client. Severe pain may indicate the need for realignment or that the traction weights are too heavy. Realigning the client should be the initial response as it can help alleviate the pain by ensuring proper alignment. Asking the client to wiggle their toes may not address the underlying issue causing the pain. Removing traction weights should never be done unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider as it can affect the traction's effectiveness. Medicating the client with analgesics should only be considered after attempting to address the cause of the pain, which in this case, is realignment.
2. The nurse is teaching a client about sleep and gives background information on normal sleep patterns. Which of the following substances promotes sleep?
- A. serotonin
- B. cortisol
- C. alcohol
- D. narcotics
Correct answer: serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin is a substance found in the body that promotes sleep. It plays a role in the synthesis of a hypnogenic factor that directly induces sleep. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can disrupt sleep patterns. Alcohol can disrupt REM sleep and negatively impact sleep quality. Narcotics, like alcohol, can interfere with sleep architecture and lead to poor quality sleep. Therefore, the correct answer is serotonin as it is associated with promoting sleep, while the other substances listed can have negative effects on sleep patterns.
3. When teaching clients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia nearing discharge from a residential care facility, what is an essential topic to include?
- A. pathophysiology of the disease and expected symptoms.
- B. how to recognize and manage symptoms of relapse.
- C. the need to take extra medication when feeling stressed.
- D. the importance of contact with follow-up care daily.
Correct answer: how to recognize and manage symptoms of relapse.
Rationale: When educating clients with Schizophrenia nearing discharge, it is crucial to focus on teaching them how to recognize and manage symptoms of relapse. Clients are usually aware of these symptoms, such as feeling anxious and overwhelmed, before the onset of psychosis. This early stage is vital for intervention, which involves finding a safe environment, seeking help, avoiding stressors, and reducing stimuli. Understanding and managing relapse symptoms empower clients to take proactive steps in their care. Choices A and C are not as immediate and practical as recognizing symptoms of relapse for client safety and well-being. While contact with follow-up care is important, it is not as urgent and specific as knowing how to manage relapse symptoms for immediate intervention.
4. The nurse is caring for a non-English speaking client. The surgeon has asked the nurse to hurry up and prepare the client for their scheduled procedure, which is running late. Which of the following is least appropriate?
- A. Explain to the client's family member that the procedure may be delayed further.
- B. Inform the surgeon that the procedure will be delayed further because getting a staff interpreter will take additional time.
- C. Allow the client's family member to serve as the interpreter.
- D. Ask if a phone-service interpreting service is available to expedite the client preparation.
Correct answer: Allow the client's family member to serve as the interpreter.
Rationale: Allowing the client's family member to serve as the interpreter is the least appropriate option. It is not recommended to rely on family members for interpretation as they may not be impartial, accurate, or trained to handle sensitive medical information. This can lead to misunderstandings, breaches in confidentiality, and compromised care. Choice A is a better option as it involves communication with the family member to manage expectations. Choice B is also appropriate as it prioritizes the need for a professional interpreter to ensure accurate communication. Choice D is a valid option as it explores the possibility of using a phone-service interpreting service to facilitate communication efficiently.
5. The licensed practical nurse is observing a graduate nurse as she assesses the central venous pressure. Which observation would indicate that the graduate needs further teaching?
- A. The graduate places the client in a supine position to read the manometer.
- B. The graduate turns the stop-cock to the off position from the IV fluid to the client.
- C. The graduate instructs the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver during the CVP reading.
- D. The graduate notes the level at the top of the meniscus.
Correct answer: The graduate instructs the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver during the CVP reading.
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client should breathe normally during a central venous pressure monitor reading. Placing the client in a supine position (Choice A) is correct if the client can tolerate it. Turning the stop-cock off (Choice B) and noting the level at the top of the meniscus (Choice D) are also correct actions during CVP monitoring. Instructing the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver is incorrect as it can artificially alter the CVP reading, indicating a need for further teaching.
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