NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?
- A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
- B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
- C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
- D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire
Correct answer: Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
Rationale: Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.
2. During a work shift, how can a nurse best demonstrate the dynamic nature of the nursing process?
- A. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals
- B. Reviewing the client's medical record history
- C. Explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client
- D. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition
Correct answer: D: Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition
Rationale: The nursing process is dynamic as it involves adapting to the changing health status of the client. Rapidly resetting priorities for client care based on changes in the client's condition exemplifies this dynamic nature by responding promptly to evolving circumstances. Collaborating with the client to establish healthcare goals (Option A), reviewing the client's medical record history (Option B), and explaining the purpose of administered medications to the client (Option C) are all essential nursing actions but do not directly showcase the dynamic nature of the nursing process.
3. During an examination, the nurse notices that a female patient has a round “moon” face, central trunk obesity, and a cervical hump. Her skin is fragile with bruises. The nurse determines that the patient likely has which condition?
- A. Gigantism
- B. Acromegaly
- C. Cushing syndrome
- D. Marfan syndrome
Correct answer: Cushing syndrome
Rationale: Cushing syndrome is characterized by weight gain and edema with central trunk and cervical obesity (buffalo hump) and a round, plethoric face (moon face). Excessive catabolism in Cushing syndrome causes muscle wasting, weakness, thin arms and legs, reduced height, and thin, fragile skin with purple abdominal striae, bruising, and acne. Gigantism is characterized by increased height and weight and delayed sexual development, which are not present in the patient. Acromegaly results from excessive growth hormone secretion in adulthood, leading to bone overgrowth in specific areas like the face, head, hands, and feet. Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by a tall, thin stature and distinct features not seen in this patient. The combination of signs described in the question aligns with the clinical presentation of Cushing syndrome.
4. The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. What would the nurse do next?
- A. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope.
- B. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations.
- C. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
- D. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.
Correct answer: Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
Rationale: When a nurse is unable to palpate a radial pulse, the next step is to use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. Doppler devices are specifically designed to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Auscultating with a fetoscope is used to listen to fetal heart tones and is not relevant in this scenario. Goniometers are used to measure joint range of motion and are not used to assess pulses. Stethoscopes are primarily used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds, not to check for pulsations in peripheral pulses. Therefore, the correct course of action when unable to palpate a pulse is to utilize a Doppler device to assess for pulsations in the radial pulse area.
5. Each small square on the EKG paper is:
- A. 0.04 seconds long and 5mm tall
- B. 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall
- C. 0.04 seconds long and 20mm tall
- D. 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall
Correct answer: 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall
Rationale: Each small square on an EKG paper represents 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall. This standardization is essential for accurate measurements. One large square on EKG paper consists of 5 small squares in length and 5 small squares in height, which equals 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall (0.5 mV). Choice A is incorrect because while the duration is correct, the height mentioned is not accurate. Choice B is incorrect as it provides the correct height but the duration is inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as the height mentioned is exaggerated, and the duration is correct but the height is not. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall.
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