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. What is an attack using microorganisms such as bacteria or viral agents with the intent to harm others called?
- A. Assimilation
- B. Defense intervention
- C. Bioterrorism
- D. Environmental remediation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bioterrorism is the act of using harmful agents like bacteria or viruses with the intention to harm others. In the context of healthcare, nurses may be involved in disaster response if bioterrorism weapons affect the community. Choice A, assimilation, refers to the process of absorbing and integrating information or ideas. Choice B, defense intervention, does not specifically relate to the intentional use of microorganisms to harm others. Choice D, environmental remediation, involves the process of cleaning up pollution or contamination in the environment, which is unrelated to the deliberate use of pathogens for harmful purposes.
3. During an assessment, a nurse asks a patient, "If you had fever and vomiting for 3 days, what would you do?"? Which aspect of the mental status examination is the nurse assessing?
- A. Behavior
- B. Cognition
- C. Affect and mood
- D. Perceptual disturbances
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The nurse is assessing cognition in this scenario. Cognition involves evaluating a patient's judgment and decision-making abilities. By asking the patient what they would do in a specific situation, the nurse aims to determine the patient's cognitive function. A correct response indicating intact cognition would involve a decision like 'Call my doctor.' If the patient suggests inappropriate actions like 'I would stop eating' or 'I would just wait and see what happened,' it would suggest impaired judgment. The other options, behavior, affect and mood, and perceptual disturbances, refer to different aspects of the mental status examination and are not directly assessed through this question.
4. The Atlas and the Axis are:
- A. found in the vertebrae.
- B. described as being cervical.
- C. the first two bones that form the column for the spine on the superior aspect.
- D. All of the above.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The Atlas and the Axis are the first two cervical vertebrae, designated as C1 and C2. The Atlas (C1) supports the skull, while the Axis (C2) allows for rotation of the skull. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are correct, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A is correct as the Atlas and Axis are indeed found in the vertebrae. Choice B is correct as they are the first two cervical vertebrae. Choice C is correct as these bones form the superior aspect of the spine.
5. The client reports nausea and constipation. Which of the following would be the priority nursing action?
- A. Collect a stool sample
- B. Complete an abdominal assessment
- C. Administer an anti-nausea medication
- D. Notify the physician
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing action when a client reports symptoms like nausea and constipation is to complete an abdominal assessment. Assessment is crucial as it involves the systematic collection of data to understand the client's condition. By assessing the abdomen, the nurse can gather essential information to make a nursing diagnosis and develop a care plan. Collecting a stool sample (Choice A) may be necessary but comes after the assessment to confirm findings. Administering an anti-nausea medication (Choice C) addresses symptoms but does not address the underlying cause without a thorough assessment. Notifying the physician (Choice D) should come after the assessment to provide a complete picture of the client's condition.
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