NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. A nurse is caring for newborn infants in a nursery when a man enters the area to take his baby back to the room. The man does not have an identification bracelet, and the nurse does not recognize him. What is the next action of the nurse?
- A. Call security and ask them to escort the man out of the nursery
- B. Ask the man to wait and check the infant's chart
- C. Ask the man to return to his room and bring an identification band
- D. Allow the man to take the baby to his room
Correct answer: Ask the man to return to his room and bring an identification band
Rationale: The safety of infants in newborn nurseries is maintained by requiring parents to wear identification bracelets to identify themselves as the rightful parents. This practice minimizes the risk of mistakenly allowing an unauthorized individual to take a baby. In this scenario, since the nurse does not recognize the man and he lacks an identification bracelet, the appropriate action is to ask him to return to his room and bring the identification band. This step ensures the proper identity verification before allowing the man to take the baby. Calling security without first verifying the man's identity may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Checking the infant's chart alone does not confirm the man's identity. Allowing the man to take the baby without proper verification poses a safety risk to the infant.
2. When measuring the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant, which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Respirations are measured first, followed by pulse and temperature.
- B. Vital signs should be measured as frequently as in an adult.
- C. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment.
- D. The nurse should first measure the infant’s vital signs before performing a physical examination.
Correct answer: Respirations are measured first, followed by pulse and temperature.
Rationale: When assessing vital signs in a 6-month-old infant, the correct order is to measure respirations first, followed by pulse and temperature. This sequence is important to avoid potential alterations in respiratory and pulse rates caused by factors like crying or discomfort. Measuring the temperature first, especially rectally, may lead to an increase in respiratory and pulse rates, which can skew the results. It is crucial to follow this specific order to obtain accurate baseline values. Therefore, option A is the correct choice. Option B is incorrect as the frequency of measuring vital signs in infants differs based on individual needs rather than being consistently more frequent than in adults. Option C is not directly related to the correct sequence for measuring vital signs in infants. Option D is incorrect because the physical examination typically follows the assessment of vital signs in clinical practice.
3. A patient has come to the office for a blood draw. The patient starts to sweat and is very anxious. Which of the following would be the BEST way to proceed?
- A. Do not perform the procedure. Notify the physician of the reason why.
- B. Perform the procedure but pay close attention for signs of potential syncope.
- C. Allow the patient to reschedule for a time when he isn't as anxious.
- D. Have the physician draw the blood.
Correct answer: Perform the procedure but pay close attention for signs of potential syncope.
Rationale: In the scenario where a patient is sweating and anxious, it is important to assess for signs of potential syncope (fainting) while proceeding with the blood draw. If the patient does not exhibit signs of fainting, the phlebotomy procedure can be performed safely. Postponing the procedure may not address the patient's anxiety and inconvenience them. Having the physician draw the blood is not necessary if the phlebotomist can handle the situation effectively.
4. A nurse caring for a client diagnosed with pertussis is ordered to maintain droplet precautions. Which of the following actions of the nurse upholds droplet precautions?
- A. Assign the client to stay in a negative-pressure room
- B. Use sterilized equipment when sharing between this client and another person with pertussis
- C. Wear a mask if coming within 3 feet of the client
- D. Both A and C
Correct answer: C: Wear a mask if coming within 3 feet of the client
Rationale: When caring for a client requiring droplet precautions, it is essential for the nurse to wear a mask when within 3 feet of the client. This practice helps prevent the transmission of droplet particles that may be produced when the client coughs or sneezes. Assigning the client to a negative-pressure room is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless specifically indicated for airborne precautions. Using sterilized equipment when sharing between clients with pertussis is important for infection control but does not directly relate to droplet precautions. Therefore, the correct action to uphold droplet precautions in this scenario is to wear a mask when coming within close proximity to the client.
5. A patient's Foley catheter has been discontinued. You will dispose of this patient equipment by doing which of the following?
- A. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- B. Simply placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- C. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
- D. Simply placing this equipment in the 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag.
Correct answer: Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
Rationale: When disposing of used patient equipment, such as a Foley catheter, that has come in contact with bodily fluids, it is considered hazardous waste. The correct procedure involves wearing gloves and placing the Foley bag and tubing into a special 'hazardous waste' container. This container is marked as 'Hazardous' and is typically red to indicate the potential danger of its contents. Placing the equipment in a regular trash can, even if placed in a paper bag, is not appropriate as it does not meet the standards for disposing of hazardous waste. Therefore, options A and B are incorrect. Similarly, simply placing the equipment in a 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag is also incorrect as direct disposal into the designated container while wearing gloves is the proper protocol, making option D incorrect.
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