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NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers
1. A nurse is caring for a patient after a coronary angiogram. Which of these actions taken by the nursing assistant would most require the nurse's immediate intervention?
- A. The nursing assistant fills the patient's pitcher with ice-cold drinking water
- B. The nursing assistant elevates the head of the bed to 60 degrees for a meal
- C. The nursing assistant refills the ice pack placed on the insertion site
- D. The nursing assistant places an extra pillow under the patient's head upon request
Correct answer: The nursing assistant elevates the head of the bed to 60 degrees for a meal
Rationale: After a coronary angiogram, patients need to maintain bed rest and keep the head of the bed at no more than 30 degrees for 3-6 hours, depending on the insertion site. Elevating the head of the bed to 60 degrees for a meal could increase the risk of bleeding or complications at the insertion site. Refilling the ice pack placed on the insertion site is appropriate for managing potential swelling or discomfort. Filling the patient's pitcher with ice-cold drinking water is a standard care task. Placing an extra pillow under the patient's head upon request is a comfort measure and does not pose a risk to the patient's recovery.
2. A 30-year-old man is being admitted to the hospital for elective knee surgery. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen
- B. Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin
- C. Bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant
- D. Aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area
Correct answer: Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin.' Normally, the lower border of the liver is not palpable below the ribs, so this finding suggests hepatomegaly, which could indicate an underlying health issue. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen, bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant, and aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area are all within normal limits for a physical assessment and do not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
3. A client has died approximately one hour ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature has decreased in the last hour since their death. Which of the following processes explains this phenomenon?
- A. Rigor mortis
- B. Postmortem decomposition
- C. Algor mortis
- D. Livor mortis
Correct answer: C: Algor mortis
Rationale: Algor mortis occurs after death when the body's circulation stops, and the client's temperature begins to fall. The client's temperature will drop by approximately 1.8 degrees per hour until it reaches room temperature. During algor mortis, the client's skin gradually loses its elasticity. Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the body after death due to chemical changes in the muscles. Postmortem decomposition is the breakdown of tissues after death. Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body, causing a purple-red discoloration.
4. A client has fallen asleep in his bed in the hospital. His heart rate is 65 bpm, his muscles are relaxed, and he is difficult to arouse. Which stage of the sleep cycle is this client experiencing?
- A. Stage 1
- B. Stage 2
- C. Stage 3
- D. Stage 4
Correct answer: Stage 3
Rationale: The client in this scenario is experiencing stage 3 of the sleep cycle. In stage 3, the individual has moved into deeper stages of sleep, making it difficult to arouse. Characteristics of stage 3 include relaxed muscles, a decrease in vital signs, and being very still. Stage 3 is a phase of non-REM sleep where the client progresses towards REM sleep and vivid dreams. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Stage 1 is characterized by light sleep, stage 2 is a slightly deeper sleep with sleep spindles and K-complexes, and stage 4 is the deepest stage of sleep with the slowest brain waves.
5. A client is in her third month of her first pregnancy. During the interview, she tells the nurse that she has several sex partners and is unsure of the identity of the baby’s father. Which of the following nursing interventions is a priority?
- A. Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening.
- B. Perform tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
- C. Discuss her high risk for cervical cancer.
- D. Refer the client to a family planning clinic.
Correct answer: Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening.
Rationale: In this scenario, the client's disclosure of having multiple sex partners and uncertainty about the baby's father indicates a potential high risk for HIV. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening. Early detection of HIV is crucial for initiating timely treatment and improving outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority in this situation as HIV screening takes precedence over testing for other sexually transmitted diseases, discussing cervical cancer risk, or referring to a family planning clinic.
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