NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX PN Questions
1. When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, what action should a nurse perform?
- A. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck
- B. Palpating both arteries simultaneously to compare amplitude
- C. Listening to the carotid artery, using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
- D. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths while the nurse listens to the carotid artery
Correct answer: Listening to the carotid artery, using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits
Rationale: When assessing the carotid artery of a client with cardiovascular disease, the nurse should listen to the carotid artery using the bell of the stethoscope to assess for bruits. This is crucial in detecting abnormal sounds that may indicate underlying pathology. Palpating the carotid artery in the upper third of the neck can trigger a vagal response, leading to a decrease in heart rate, which is undesirable. Palpating both arteries simultaneously can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Instructing the client to take slow, deep breaths is unnecessary and not a standard practice during carotid artery assessment.
2. Which of the following microorganisms is easily transmitted from client to client on the hands of healthcare workers?
- A. mycobacterium tuberculosis
- B. clostridium tetani
- C. staphylococcus aureus
- D. human immunodeficiency virus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms are ubiquitous and easily transmitted by healthcare workers who fail to conduct routine hand washing between clients. Staphylococcus aureus can reside on the skin and be transferred from one client to another if proper hand hygiene is not practiced. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is mainly transmitted through the airborne route, clostridium tetani is usually acquired through exposure to soil or dirt contaminated with tetanus spores, and human immunodeficiency virus is not easily transmitted through casual contact or on the hands of healthcare workers.
3. A nurse demonstrates the procedure for bathing a newborn to a new mother. The next day, the nurse watches as the mother bathes the infant. The nurse determines that the mother is performing the procedure correctly if the mother performs which action?
- A. Uses a cotton-tipped swab to carefully clean inside the infant's nose
- B. Uncovers only the body part being washed
- C. Washes the diaper area first
- D. Washes the infant's chest first
Correct answer: Uncovers only the body part being washed
Rationale: When bathing a newborn, it is crucial to follow a specific sequence for thorough cleaning and safety. The correct sequence includes starting with the eyes and face, then moving to the external ear, areas behind the ears, neck, hands, arms, legs, and finally the diaper area. Keeping the infant warm is essential, so only the body part being washed should be uncovered. Using a cotton-tipped swab to clean inside the infant's nose is not recommended due to the risk of injury if the infant moves suddenly. Washing the diaper area first is incorrect as it should be done towards the end of the bath to prevent contamination. Washing the infant's chest first is also incorrect as it deviates from the recommended bathing sequence for a newborn.
4. A healthcare professional is using an otoscope to inspect the ears of an adult client. Which action does the professional take before inserting the otoscope?
- A. Pulling the pinna up and back
- B. Pulling the pinna down and forward
- C. Tipping the client’s head down and toward the examiner
- D. Tipping the client’s head down and away from the examiner
Correct answer: Pulling the pinna up and back
Rationale: In an adult client, the healthcare professional should pull the pinna up and back before inserting the otoscope. This action helps straighten the S shape of the ear canal, making it easier to insert the otoscope directly and comfortably. Tipping the client’s head down and toward or away from the examiner is not the correct action when using an otoscope in an adult. Pulling the pinna down and forward is typically done when examining an infant or a child younger than 3 years old to straighten their ear canal for better visualization.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient in the step-down unit. The patient has signs of increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following is not a sign of increased intracranial pressure?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Increased pupil size bilaterally
- C. Change in LOC
- D. Vomiting
Correct answer: Increased pupil size bilaterally
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased pupil size bilaterally.' When assessing for signs of increased intracranial pressure, bilateral pupil dilation is not typically associated with this condition. Instead, unilateral pupil changes, especially one pupil becoming dilated or non-reactive while the other remains normal, are indicative of increased ICP. Bradycardia, a change in level of consciousness (LOC), and vomiting are commonly seen in patients with increased intracranial pressure due to the brain's response to the rising pressure. Therefore, the presence of bilateral pupil dilation goes against the typical pattern observed in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
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