a nurse is caring for a patient with parkinsons disease who is experiencing difficulty swallowing what potential problem associated with dysphagia has

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. A patient with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What potential problem associated with dysphagia has the greatest influence on the plan of care?

A. Anorexia
B. Aspiration
C. Self-care deficit
D. Inadequate intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person experiences dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the greatest concern is aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or fluids enter the trachea and lungs instead of going down the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications such as choking, airway obstruction, and aspiration pneumonia. Anorexia (Choice A) refers to a loss of appetite, which is not the primary concern with dysphagia. Self-care deficit (Choice C) and inadequate intake (Choice D) are important considerations but do not have as direct an impact on the immediate safety and health risks associated with aspiration in dysphagia.

2. A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?

A. 142/92
B. 118/72
C. 120/80
D. 138/88

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.

3. During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?

A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.

4. Which of the following is a fat-soluble vitamin?

A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B-6
D. Riboflavin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin D. Fat-soluble vitamins are those that can be stored in the body, allowing excess amounts to be stored for later use. While this storage ability can help prevent deficiencies, it also poses a risk of toxicity. The fat-soluble vitamins are A, E, D, and K. Choice A, Vitamin C, is water-soluble, not fat-soluble. Choice C, Vitamin B-6, and Choice D, Riboflavin, are also water-soluble vitamins and not fat-soluble.

5. In addition to standard precautions, the nurse caring for a patient with rubella would plan to implement what type of precautions?

A. Droplet precautions
B. Airborne precautions
C. Contact precautions
D. Universal precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rubella is an illness transmitted by large-particle droplets, so the nurse should implement droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small particles in the air, such as tuberculosis, varicella, and rubeola. Contact precautions are utilized for diseases transmitted by direct contact with the patient or their environment. Universal precautions and body substance isolations are part of the CDC's standard precautions recommendations, but do not specifically address the transmission route of rubella.