a nursing advocate is one who

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions

1. What does it mean to be a nursing advocate?

A. makes decisions for others.
B. encourages persons to make decisions for themselves and acts with or on behalf of the person to support those decisions.
C. manages the care of others.
D. is the legal representative for a person.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nursing advocate does not make decisions for others but instead empowers individuals to make decisions for themselves. By encouraging individuals to make their own decisions and supporting them in this process, nursing advocates uphold the principle of self-determination. This approach respects the autonomy and independence of individuals in managing their care. Therefore, the correct answer is to 'encourage persons to make decisions for themselves and act with or on behalf of the person to support those decisions.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the role of a nursing advocate in promoting patient autonomy and self-determination.

2. A nurse calls a health care provider to report that a client with congestive heart failure (CHF) is exhibiting dyspnea and worsening of wheezing. The health care provider, who is in a hurry because of a situation in the emergency department, gives the nurse a telephone prescription for furosemide (Lasix) but does not specify the route of administration. What is the appropriate action on the part of the nurse?

A. Calling the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription
B. Administering the medication orally and clarifying the prescription once the health care provider has finished caring for the client in the emergency department
C. Calling the nursing supervisor for assistance in determining the route of administration
D. Administering the medication intravenously because this route is generally used for clients with CHF

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Telephone prescriptions involve a health care provider dictating a prescribed therapy over the telephone to the nurse. The nurse must clarify the prescription by repeating it clearly and precisely to the health care provider. The nurse then writes the prescription on the health care provider's prescription sheet or enters it into the electronic medical record. It is crucial not to interpret an unclear prescription or administer a medication by a route that has not been expressly prescribed. In this case, the nurse should call the health care provider who gave the telephone prescription to clarify the prescription, ensuring the correct route of administration is specified. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, seeking assistance from the nursing supervisor, or choosing an arbitrary route of administration can compromise patient safety and violate medication administration protocols.

3. The mother of a child who weighs 45 lb asks a nurse about car safety seats. The nurse tells the mother to place the child in which car safety seat?

A. Car safety seat in the back seat in a face-forward position
B. Booster seat with one of the car's seat belts placed over the child
C. Booster seat in a rear-facing position in the front seat
D. Car safety seat in a face-forward position in the front seat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the child in a booster seat with one of the car's seat belts placed over the child. A child needs to remain in a car safety seat until he or she weighs 40 lb. Once the child has outgrown the car safety seat, a booster seat is used. Booster seats are designed to raise the child high enough so that the restraining straps are correctly positioned over the child's chest and pelvis, providing optimal safety. Placing a child in a booster seat in a rear-facing position in the front seat is incorrect as children should not be seated in the front seat due to potential airbag-related injuries. Additionally, car safety seats are used for children weighing less than 40 lb and are placed in the middle of the back seat in a rear-facing position for maximum protection.

4. When planning task assignments for five clients on the skilled nursing unit in a long-term care facility, which task should a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assign to another LPN?

A. Bathing a client who is confused and requires assistance with a shower
B. Administering regular insulin in accordance with a sliding-dosage scale every 4 hours to a client with diabetes mellitus
C. Assisting a client requiring a bed bath and frequent ambulation with a cane
D. Transporting a client who must be accompanied to physical therapy twice during the shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, the nurse must consider the skills and educational level of the nursing staff. The nursing assistant may be assigned tasks like caring for a confused client, assisting with a shower or a bed bath, ambulating a client with a cane, and accompanying a client to physical therapy. The LPN is educated to administer medications like regular insulin in accordance with a sliding scale. This task requires a higher level of training and knowledge than the tasks that can be delegated to a nursing assistant. Administering insulin involves assessing blood glucose levels, calculating dosages, and understanding the effects of insulin therapy on the client's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is administering regular insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that are within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant, not an LPN.

5. Which cultural group has the highest incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

A. Asians
B. Caucasians
C. Hispanics
D. African Americans

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Caucasians. Studies have shown that Caucasians have the highest incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to other cultural groups. While IBD can affect individuals from various backgrounds, the prevalence is notably higher in Caucasians. Asians, Hispanics, and African Americans have a lower incidence of IBD compared to Caucasians, making them incorrect choices in this context.