a nursing student is assigned to care for a client who requires a total bed bath when the student explains to the client that she is going to gather s

NCLEX-PN

Nclex PN Questions and Answers

1. A nursing student is assigned to care for a client who requires a total bed bath. When the student explains to the client that she is going to gather supplies to administer the bath, the client states, 'I don’t want a bath. I’ve been up all night, and I’m clean enough.' The student reports the client’s refusal to the nurse. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

A. Telling the nursing student to persuade the client to have a bath so that the evening shift staff will not have to do it
B. Telling the nursing student to allow the client to rest
C. Telling the client that the refusal of care will be informed to the health care provider
D. Telling the nursing student to give the client the bath anyway

Correct answer: Telling the nursing student to allow the client to rest

Rationale: The client has the right to refuse a treatment or procedure, and if the client does refuse, the nurse must respect the client’s decision. Therefore, the nurse would allow the client to rest. Persuading the client to have a bath and giving the bath anyway are both inappropriate as they violate the client's rights. Informing the health care provider of the refusal of care can be discussed with the client if needed, but the immediate action should be to respect the client's wishes and allow them to rest.

2. The nurse is caring for a client awaiting test results on a biopsy. The client is unconscious, and the physician informs the client’s spouse that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if they will not share this news with the client because they would prefer the client be unaware of the diagnosis. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?

A. “I will have a psychiatrist confirm whether the news will cause negative effects, and if so, I will comply with your request.”
B. “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.”
C. “You do not have the option to sign paperwork stating you are accepting the risk of not sharing this with the client.”
D. “You must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare advanced directive in place before I can consider this request.”

Correct answer: “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.”

Rationale: The correct response is, “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.” The ethical principle of veracity requires that the nurse is truthful with the client and does not withhold information even if it is requested by the family. Choice A is incorrect because seeking a psychiatrist's confirmation is not necessary to uphold the ethical principle of truth-telling. Choice C is incorrect as implying that signing paperwork overrides the nurse's ethical obligation to be honest with the client is inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as a durable power of attorney is not relevant in this situation where the spouse is asking the nurse to withhold information.

3. How often should physical restraints be released?

A. Every 2 hours
B. Between 1 and 3 hours
C. Every 30 minutes
D. At least every 4 hours

Correct answer: Every 2 hours

Rationale: The correct answer is to release physical restraints every 2 hours. Releasing restraints every 2 hours helps prevent complications associated with prolonged immobilization. Releasing restraints every 30 minutes (choice C) may be too frequent and disruptive to the client's care. Releasing restraints between 1 and 3 hours (choice B) introduces variability that could lead to inconsistencies in care. Releasing restraints at least every 4 hours (choice D) does not adhere to the recommended frequency of every 2 hours.

4. A nurse manager asks a nurse to work overtime because of a short-staffing problem. The nurse has made plans to do Christmas shopping after work and does not want to work overtime. What is the most assertive response by the nurse to her nurse manager?

A. "I’m not working overtime today."
B. "I have plans after work and will not be able to work overtime."
C. "You know how I hate to work overtime."
D. "I will if you need me, but I am not happy about this."

Correct answer: "I have plans after work and will not be able to work overtime."

Rationale: The most assertive response in dealing with this conflict is the one that is direct and conveys a clear message in a positive manner. The nurse should assertively communicate her unavailability for overtime without being confrontational. Option A, "I’m not working overtime today," is too blunt and may come across as rude. Option C, "You know how I hate to work overtime," is not assertive but rather passive-aggressive. Option D, "I will if you need me, but I am not happy about this," is a passive-aggressive response as it implies compliance while expressing discontent. Option B, "I have plans after work and will not be able to work overtime," is the most appropriate response as it clearly states the nurse's unavailability without unnecessary aggression.

5. The LPN is assisting the client with an NG tube with activities of daily living. Which of these statements would indicate a need for teaching reinforcement?

A. “Since I’m not eating or drinking by mouth, I do not need to brush my teeth as often.”
B. “I should remain sitting up at a 45-degree angle or higher for 30 minutes after a feeding.”
C. “I can clean around the tube with water and mild soap.”
D. “I should avoid using Vaseline around the nostril and tube.”

Correct answer: “Since I’m not eating or drinking by mouth, I do not need to brush my teeth as often.”

Rationale: The correct answer is, “Since I’m not eating or drinking by mouth, I do not need to brush my teeth as often.” This statement indicates a need for teaching reinforcement because even when an NG tube is in place, the client should still brush their teeth twice daily. Good oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria that may cause an infection. Choice B is incorrect because remaining sitting up at a 45-degree angle or higher for 30 minutes after a feeding is a correct statement regarding NG tube care, promoting proper digestion and reducing the risk of aspiration. Choice C is also incorrect because cleaning around the tube with water and mild soap is an appropriate practice to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. Choice D is incorrect because advising to avoid using Vaseline around the nostril and tube is a proper instruction to prevent skin breakdown, occlusion of the tube, and potential aspiration of Vaseline into the lungs.