a nurse is caring for a client following surgery when he begins to complain of pain in his right hand the clients iv is in this hand and the skin arou

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. A client is complaining of pain in his right hand after surgery. The IV in his hand has slowed down, and the skin around the site is reddened and cool. The client reports localized pain in the hand and fingers. What is the most likely cause of this client's pain?

A. The client's IV is infiltrated
B. The client is experiencing phlebitis from the last drug administered
C. The client has a blood clot developing in the distal arteries of the wrist
D. The client's pain is associated with myocardial ischemia and he is having a heart attack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain, cool skin, and edema at an IV injection site indicate IV infiltration. The reddened and cool skin around the IV site, along with localized pain and a slowed IV drip rate, are classic signs of infiltration. Infiltration occurs when IV fluids or medications enter the surrounding tissues instead of the vein, leading to potential tissue damage. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, not infiltration. A blood clot in the distal arteries of the wrist would not cause these specific symptoms. Myocardial ischemia and heart attack are unrelated to the client's localized hand pain and IV issues.

2. When examining an older adult, which technique should the nurse use?

A. Minimize touching the patient as much as possible.
B. Attempt to perform the entire physical examination during one visit.
C. Speak loudly and slowly due to potential hearing deficits in aging adults.
D. Arrange the sequence of the examination to allow as few position changes as possible.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When examining an older adult, it is crucial to arrange the sequence of the examination to minimize position changes. This helps prevent discomfort and fatigue for the older adult, who may have mobility issues. Option A is incorrect because physical touch is essential when examining older adults, as their other senses may be diminished. Option B is incorrect as it is better to break the examination into multiple visits to ensure thoroughness and comfort. Option C is incorrect because while some older adults may have hearing deficits, it is not appropriate to assume this for all individuals without proper assessment.

3. When are manual hematocrits done?

A. to monitor anemia
B. by using a microhematocrit tube.
C. to measure the percentage of plasma to cells.
D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Manual hematocrits are performed to monitor anemia, which involves measuring the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. The process involves collecting blood in a microhematocrit tube, then centrifuging it to separate the plasma from the cells. By measuring the ratio of plasma to cells, healthcare providers can assess the patient's hematocrit level. Therefore, all the provided options are correct as they collectively describe the purpose and procedure of manual hematocrits.

4. Which of the following constitutes the five rights of medication administration?

A. Right client, right nurse, right time, right dose, right route
B. Right client, right time, right dose, right route, right order
C. Right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route
D. Right physician, right nurse, right client, right drug, right dose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The five rights of medication administration are essential to ensure safe and effective drug delivery to clients. The correct answer includes ensuring the right client receives the right drug at the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time. These elements are crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it includes 'right nurse' which is not part of the five rights of medication administration. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 'right order' which is not part of the five rights. Choice C is incorrect as it includes 'right drug' and 'right route', but it lacks 'right client' and 'right time'. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 'right physician' which is not part of the five rights.

5. A patient works with a nurse to establish outcomes. The nurse believes that one outcome suggested by the patient is not in the patient's best interest. What is the nurse's best action?

A. Remain silent.
B. Educate the patient that the outcome is not realistic.
C. Explore with the patient possible consequences of the outcome.
D. Formulate an appropriate outcome without the patient's input.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should collaborate with the patient rather than impose personal opinions. While the nurse should respect the patient's autonomy, they also have a duty to provide guidance. By exploring possible consequences of the suggested outcome with the patient, the nurse can facilitate a discussion that helps the patient make an informed decision. This approach respects the patient's input while ensuring their well-being. Remaining silent (Choice A) may not address the issue, educating the patient unilaterally (Choice B) may be perceived as dismissive, and formulating an outcome without patient input (Choice D) disregards the patient's autonomy and preferences.