NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Nclex PN Questions and Answers
1. While working the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift at the long-term care unit, the nurse gathers the nursing staff to listen to the 3 to 11 p.m. intershift report. The nurse notes that a staff member has an odor of alcohol on her breath, slurred speech, and an unsteady gait, suspecting alcohol intoxication. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Contact the nursing supervisor.
- B. Tell the staff member that she is not allowed to administer medications.
- C. Ask the staff member how much alcohol she has consumed.
- D. Ask the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge until the effects of the alcohol wear off.
Correct answer: Contact the nursing supervisor.
Rationale: When a staff member reports to work showing signs of alcohol intoxication, the nurse should objectively note the symptoms and ask a second person to confirm these observations. It is crucial to contact the nursing supervisor immediately. An odor of alcohol, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and errors in judgment are indicators of intoxication, posing a risk to client safety. The staff member should be removed from the client care area. Detailed documentation of the incident is essential, including observations, actions taken, future plans, and the staff member's signature and date on the recorded incident memo. If the staff member refuses to sign, this should be noted by the nurse and a witness. Asking the staff member to rest in the nurses' lounge or restricting medication administration does not ensure client safety, as the staff member could still jeopardize it. Inquiring about the amount of alcohol consumed is confrontational and not relevant to the immediate need of ensuring safety.
2. A nurse is taking the health history of an 85-year-old client. Which of the following physical findings is consistent with normal aging?
- A. Increase in subcutaneous fat.
- B. Diminished cough reflex.
- C. Long-term memory loss.
- D. Myopia.
Correct answer: Diminished cough reflex.
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diminished cough reflex.' Diminished cough reflex is a physical finding consistent with normal aging in older adults, which can increase the risk of aspiration and atelectasis. An increase in subcutaneous fat actually raises the risk of pressure ulcers. While long-term memory is typically preserved in aging unless affected by dementia, short-term memory often declines. Myopia (near-sightedness) is common in younger individuals, but presbyopia (far-sightedness) is more common with aging. Additionally, individuals with myopia may experience an improvement in vision as they age.
3. A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient’s current Lithium levels. Which of the following values is outside the therapeutic range?
- A. 1.0 mEq/L
- B. 1.1 mEq/L
- C. 1.2 mEq/L
- D. 1.3 mEq/L
Correct answer: 1.3 mEq/L
Rationale: The correct answer is 1.3 mEq/L. The therapeutic range for Lithium levels typically falls between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Values below or above this range can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes or toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are within the therapeutic range of 1.0-1.2 mEq/L, making them appropriate levels for patient care.
4. The physician's role in case management includes all of the following except:
- A. participating in interdisciplinary planning for clients.
- B. serving as the expert for resource utilization.
- C. consulting with the case management team to facilitate timely orders as needed.
- D. contributing to the documentation of a client's needs for services.
Correct answer: serving as the expert for resource utilization.
Rationale: The correct answer is 'serving as the expert for resource utilization.' While physicians play a crucial role in case management, their primary focus is on medical diagnosis and treatment rather than resource utilization. Choices A, C, and D are all roles that physicians typically fulfill in case management. A physician participating in interdisciplinary planning for clients ensures comprehensive care, consulting with the case management team helps in coordinating timely orders, and contributing to the documentation of a client's needs for services aids in providing appropriate care. Therefore, serving as the expert for resource utilization does not align with the primary responsibilities of a physician in case management.
5. When caring for an elderly client and providing education, which of the following would be the least appropriate for the nurse to do?
- A. The nurse speaks loudly.
- B. The nurse allows additional time after each instruction to allow the client to process.
- C. The nurse provides supplemental written resources.
- D. The nurse breaks up the education into multiple shorter sessions.
Correct answer: A: The nurse speaks loudly.
Rationale: Speaking loudly is inappropriate when caring for an elderly client. It is essential to assess the client for a hearing impairment and provide appropriate assistance if needed. Elderly clients may require more time to process information due to slower reaction times, benefit from shorter sessions as they fatigue easily, and can absorb supplemental written resources effectively. Therefore, speaking loudly may not be conducive to effective communication and may not cater to the specific needs of the elderly client, unlike the other options provided.
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