NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. A client is being assisted with ambulation in the hallway using a gait belt when they become dizzy and start to faint. What is the first action the nurse should take?
- A. Stand behind the client and prepare to catch them if they fall
- B. Assist the client to sit in the nearest chair or slide down along a wall
- C. Grasp the client under the arms and pull them upward
- D. Call for help from nearby staff
Correct answer: A
Rationale: If a client becomes dizzy and starts to faint while being assisted with ambulation, the nurse's first action should be to assist the client into a sitting position to prevent or reduce the impact of a fall. This can be done by guiding the client to sit in the nearest chair or sliding down along a wall for support. Option A is incorrect because standing behind the client may not prevent a fall and could potentially lead to injury. Option C is incorrect as pulling the client upward may worsen the situation. Option D, calling for help, is not the first action to take when the client is at risk of falling.
2. Which of the following statements best describes footdrop?
- A. The foot is permanently fixed in the dorsiflexion position
- B. The foot is permanently fixed in the plantar flexion position
- C. The toes of the foot are permanently fanned
- D. The heel of the foot is permanently rotated outward
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Footdrop results in the foot becoming permanently fixed in a plantar flexion position, not dorsiflexion. This position points the toes downward. The client may be unable to put weight on the foot, making ambulation difficult. Footdrop can be caused by immobility or chronic illnesses that cause muscle changes, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Choice A is incorrect because footdrop leads to plantar flexion, not dorsiflexion. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a different condition known as 'toe fanning.' Choice D is incorrect as it describes an external rotation of the heel, which is not a characteristic of footdrop.
3. During an examination, a nurse notices a draining ulceration on a patient's lower leg. What is the most appropriate action in this situation?
- A. Wash hands and then contact the physician.
- B. Continue to examine the ulceration and then wash hands.
- C. Wash hands, put on gloves, and continue with the examination of the ulceration.
- D. Wash hands, proceed with the rest of the physical examination, and perform the examination of the leg ulceration last.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to wash hands, put on gloves, and then continue examining the ulceration. Wearing gloves is crucial when there is a possibility of contact with body fluids, as in the case of a draining ulceration. Contacting the physician is not necessary at this point; the immediate focus should be on proper infection control by washing hands and wearing gloves. Changing the order of the examination is not recommended as it is important to follow a systematic approach to avoid missing any crucial assessments.
4. When taking blood pressures on a variety of people at a health fair, what should the nurse keep in mind?
- A. After menopause, blood pressure readings in women are usually higher than those taken in men.
- B. The blood pressure of an African-American adult is usually higher than that of a non-Hispanic White adult of the same age.
- C. Blood pressure measurements in people who are overweight are usually higher than those of people who are at a normal weight.
- D. A teenager's blood pressure reading may be lower than that of an adult.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When assessing blood pressures, it is important to consider that the blood pressure of African-American adults is typically higher than that of non-Hispanic White adults of the same age. This is significant as Black individuals in the United States have a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to other groups. Blood pressure readings in women are generally higher than in men after menopause. Additionally, blood pressure measurements in overweight individuals are typically higher than those in individuals of normal weight. While teenagers may have lower blood pressure readings than adults, it is crucial to recognize the trend of a gradual rise in blood pressure throughout childhood and into adulthood. Therefore, the correct choice is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the typical blood pressure differences observed in various populations.
5. A client is about to have a TENS unit attached for pain relief. Which of the following actions is most appropriate in this situation?
- A. Inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations.
- B. Connect the TENS unit before the client goes to bed for the night.
- C. Inform the client that the TENS unit may have pain-reducing effects for 10 to 15 days.
- D. After treatment, inform the client that he may not use a TENS unit again for at least 2 weeks.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When attaching a TENS unit for pain relief, it is essential to inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations. This is a common sensation experienced when using a TENS unit, but it should not cause muscle twitching. The therapeutic effects of a TENS unit usually last between 3 to 5 days. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to connect the TENS unit before bedtime. Choice C is incorrect as stating that the TENS unit may have pain-reducing effects for 10 to 15 days is inaccurate, as the effects typically last 3 to 5 days. Choice D is incorrect because there is no guideline suggesting that the client cannot use a TENS unit again for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
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