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Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions
1. A nurse is reading the nurse practice act for the state in which she is employed. The nurse uses the information in this act for which purpose?
- A. To understand hospital and long-term care facility policies
- B. To know the scope of practice for nurses
- C. To identify health care policies in her state
- D. To be aware of the role of the licensed nurse
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'To be aware of the role of the licensed nurse.' Nurse practice acts outline the scope of practice for nurses, defining what constitutes nursing practice and the role of licensed nurses. Choice A is incorrect because hospital and long-term care facility policies are institution-specific and not typically covered in the nurse practice act. Choice B is incorrect as the scope of practice for nurses is a part of the nurse practice act, but it's not the sole purpose for a nurse to refer to it. Choice C is incorrect as health care policies in a state are governed by other legislative acts, not the nurse practice act.
2. While assisting a healthcare provider in assessing a hospitalized client, the healthcare provider is paged to report to the recovery room. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse verbally to change the solution and rate of the intravenous (IV) fluid being administered. What is the most appropriate nursing action in this situation?
- A. Calling the nursing supervisor to obtain permission to accept the verbal prescription
- B. Asking the healthcare provider to write the prescription in the client’s record before leaving the nursing unit
- C. Telling the healthcare provider that the prescription will not be implemented until it is documented in the client’s record
- D. Changing the solution and rate of the IV fluid per the healthcare provider’s verbal prescription
Correct answer: Asking the healthcare provider to write the prescription in the client’s record before leaving the nursing unit
Rationale: Verbal prescriptions should be avoided due to the risk of errors. If a verbal prescription is necessary, it should be promptly written and signed by the healthcare provider, typically within 24 hours. Following agency policies and procedures regarding verbal prescriptions is crucial. In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to request the healthcare provider to document the prescription in the client’s record before leaving the unit. Calling the nursing supervisor to accept the verbal prescription without documentation, telling the healthcare provider to delay treatment until documented, and directly changing the IV fluid based on verbal orders all pose risks and do not align with best practices in medication administration.
3. While reviewing a client’s health care record, a nurse notes documentation of the presence of borborygmus on abdominal assessment. Which finding does the nurse expect to note when auscultating the client’s bowel sounds?
- A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
- B. Low-pitched bowel sounds
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. An absence of bowel sounds
Correct answer: Hyperactive bowel sounds
Rationale: Borborygmus, a type of hyperactive bowel sound, is fairly common. It indicates hyperperistalsis, and the client may describe it as a growling stomach. Hyperactive bowel sounds are loud, high-pitched, and rushing sounds. Hypoactive bowel sounds are low-pitched and may occur post-surgery or with peritoneal inflammation. Low-pitched bowel sounds are not typically associated with borborygmus. An absence of bowel sounds indicates a potentially serious issue like an ileus, where bowel motility is decreased or absent.
4. A sexually active adolescent asks the school nurse about the use of latex condoms and the reduction of the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The nurse provides which information to the adolescent?
- A. Using a latex condom is a good method for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- B. The only way to reduce the risk of transmission of STIs is abstinence.
- C. A spermicide needs to be used along with a condom to prevent transmission of STIs.
- D. Using a latex condom can reduce the risk of transmission of STIs.
Correct answer: Using a latex condom can reduce the risk of transmission of STIs.
Rationale: The correct answer is that using a condom during intercourse can reduce the risk of STI transmission. Abstinence is a way to prevent STIs, but not the only way. Using a spermicide along with a condom can help prevent pregnancy, not STIs. While condoms may fail to prevent pregnancy, they are effective in reducing the risk of STI transmission. Therefore, using a latex condom for pregnancy prevention is not directly related to preventing the transmission of STIs.
5. A nurse is returning phone calls in a pediatric clinic. Which of the following reports most requires the nurse’s immediate attention and phone call?
- A. An 8-year-old boy has been vomiting, appears to have slower movements, and has a history of an atrioventricular shunt placement.
- B. A 10-year-old girl feels a dull pain in her abdomen after doing sit-ups in gym class.
- C. A 7-year-old boy has been having a low fever and headache for the past 3 days and has a history of an anterior knee wound.
- D. A 7-year-old girl who had a cast on her right ankle is complaining of itching.
Correct answer: An 8-year-old boy has been vomiting, appears to have slower movements, and has a history of an atrioventricular shunt placement.
Rationale: The correct answer is the 8-year-old boy with vomiting, slower movements, and a history of an atrioventricular shunt placement. This report requires immediate attention because the symptoms could indicate a blocked shunt, which is a serious medical condition needing urgent evaluation and intervention. Slower movements in the context of an atrioventricular shunt history could suggest increased intracranial pressure. The other choices involve less urgent issues: choice B describes post-exercise pain, choice C presents with a low-grade fever and headache that could be due to a mild infection, and choice D reports itching associated with a cast, which is a common issue and less critical compared to a potentially blocked shunt.
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