a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease arrives to the emergency department complaining of weakness and states that he vomited a lot of dark c

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX Question of The Day

1. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease arrives in the emergency department complaining of weakness and states that he vomited 'a lot of dark coffee-looking stomach contents.' The client is cool and moist to the touch. BP 90/50, HR 110, RR 20, T 98. Of the following physician orders, which will the nurse perform first?

A. Initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula.
B. Start an IV of NS at 150 ml/hr
C. Insert NG tube to low suction
D. Attach the client to the ECG monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula. The client is presenting signs of shock with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, moist skin, which indicate poor tissue perfusion. Oxygen should be administered first to improve tissue oxygenation. While all interventions are important, oxygenation takes priority in the ABCs of emergency care. Starting an IV of NS, inserting an NG tube, and attaching the client to the ECG monitor are necessary interventions but should follow the priority of oxygen administration in this scenario.

2. When encountering the significant other of a patient with end-stage AIDS crying during her smoke break, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

A. Allow her to grieve by herself.
B. Tell her to go ahead and cry, after all, your husbandâ€™s pretty bad off.
C. Tell her you realize how upset she is, but you donâ€™t want to talk about it now.
D. Approach her, offering tissues, and encourage her to verbalize her feelings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Approaching the significant other, offering tissues, and encouraging her to verbalize her feelings is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Being left alone during the grief process isolates individuals, and they need an outlet for their feelings. By showing empathy and providing support, the nurse can help the significant other cope with her emotions. Choices A, B, and C are inappropriate because they do not offer support or encourage the expression of feelings, which are crucial in such situations.

3. Assessment of the client with an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis should include:

A. inspection for visible pulsations.
B. palpation of thrill.
C. percussion for dullness.
D. auscultation of blood pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to palpate for a thrill. A thrill should be present in a functioning arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and indicates good blood flow. The client should be educated to check for this sensation daily at home to monitor the AVF's patency. Visible pulsations are not typically observed in an AVF. Percussion for dullness does not provide relevant information about the AVF. Auscultation of blood pressure is not a standard practice in assessing an AVF. However, auscultation of the AVF for a bruit, a sound indicating turbulent blood flow, is crucial in evaluating the AVF's patency.

4. What are the major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid?

A. potassium and chloride
B. potassium and phosphate
C. sodium and chloride
D. sodium and phosphate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is sodium and chloride. These two electrolytes are the major components of extracellular fluid. Potassium and phosphate (Choice B) are not the major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid. Potassium is primarily an intracellular ion, and phosphate is more abundant in the intracellular fluid and bones. Sodium and phosphate (Choice D) are also not the major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid. Chloride plays a crucial role in maintaining electrolyte balance and is predominantly found in extracellular fluid alongside sodium.

5. A 70-year-old male who is recovering from a stroke exhibits signs of unilateral neglect. Which behavior is suggestive of unilateral neglect?

A. The client is observed shaving only one side of his face.
B. The client is unable to distinguish between two tactile stimuli presented simultaneously.
C. The client is unable to complete a range of vision without turning his head side to side.
D. The client is unable to carry out cognitive and motor activity at the same time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Unilateral neglect is a condition where a person ignores one side of their body. In this case, the behavior of shaving only one side of the face indicates neglect of the other side. This behavior is suggestive of unilateral neglect as the individual is failing to attend to one side of their body. Choices B, C, and D are not associated with unilateral neglect. Choice B refers to tactile agnosia, a condition where a person cannot recognize objects by touch, not related to ignoring one side of the body. Choice C describes a visual field cut, which is a different visual deficit. Choice D relates to dual-task interference, not specific to ignoring one side of the body.