NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item 'Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily'?
- A. Assessment
- B. Analysis
- C. Planning
- D. Implementation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Implementation.' In the nursing process, implementation involves carrying out the planned interventions to meet the patient's goals. Encouraging the patient to attend a psychoeducational group daily is an intervention aimed at building social skills. Assessment (choice A) is the phase where data about the patient's condition is collected. Analysis (choice B) involves interpreting the gathered data. Planning (choice C) is where the nurse decides on the interventions to address the patient's needs. Therefore, in this scenario, recording the item 'Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily' would be part of the implementation phase.
2. While suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, what level of pressure should the nurse apply?
- A. 70-80 mmHg
- B. 100-120 mmHg
- C. 150-170 mmHg
- D. 200 mmHg
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, the nurse should set the suction apparatus at a level no higher than 150 mmHg, with a preferable level between 100 and 120 mmHg. Suction pressure that is too high can contribute to the client's hypoxia. Alternatively, too low suction pressure may not clear adequate amounts of secretions. Choice A (70-80 mmHg) is too low and may not effectively clear secretions. Choices C (150-170 mmHg) and D (200 mmHg) are too high and can potentially harm the client by causing hypoxia or damaging the airway.
3. During an assessment of a client with cardiomyopathy, the nurse finds that the systolic blood pressure has decreased from 145 to 110 mm Hg and the heart rate has risen from 72 to 96 beats per minute, and the client complains of periodic dizzy spells. The nurse instructs the client to:
- A. Increase fluids that are high in protein
- B. Restrict fluids
- C. Force fluids and reassess blood pressure
- D. Limit fluids to non-caffeine beverages
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the client with cardiomyopathy is exhibiting signs of orthostatic hypotension, which is characterized by a significant drop in systolic blood pressure (>15 mm Hg) and an increase in heart rate (>15%), along with dizziness. These symptoms suggest volume depletion, inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, and autonomic insufficiency. The appropriate nursing intervention in this case is to force fluids and reassess blood pressure to address the underlying issue of volume depletion and improve hemodynamic stability. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because increasing fluids high in protein, restricting fluids, or limiting fluids to non-caffeine beverages are not appropriate actions for a client experiencing orthostatic hypotension and signs of volume depletion.
4. A client is brought into the emergency room where the physician suspects that he has cardiac tamponade. Based on this diagnosis, the nurse would expect to see which of the following signs or symptoms in this client?
- A. Fever, fatigue, malaise
- B. Hypotension and distended neck veins
- C. Cough and hemoptysis
- D. Numbness and tingling in the extremities
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid or blood accumulates in the pericardium, preventing the heart from contracting properly. This leads to decreased cardiac output and is considered a medical emergency. Classic signs of cardiac tamponade include hypotension (low blood pressure) and distended neck veins due to the increased pressure around the heart. These signs result from the compromised ability of the heart to pump effectively. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. Fever, fatigue, and malaise are non-specific symptoms that can be seen in various conditions. Cough and hemoptysis are more commonly associated with respiratory conditions, while numbness and tingling in the extremities are neurological symptoms not typically seen in cardiac tamponade.
5. The nurse is preparing to care for a child with a diagnosis of intussusception. The nurse reviews the child's record and expects to note which sign of this disorder documented?
- A. Watery diarrhea
- B. Ribbon-like stools
- C. Profuse projectile vomiting
- D. Bright red blood and mucus in the stools
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Intussusception is a condition where a part of the bowel slides into the next section, causing an obstruction. The classic presentation includes severe abdominal pain that is crampy, intermittent, and may cause the child to draw knees to the chest. While vomiting can occur, it is not typically projectile in nature. A key hallmark of intussusception is the passage of bright red blood and mucus in the stools, often described as currant jelly-like. Watery diarrhea and ribbon-like stools are not typical signs of intussusception and should not be expected in a child with this condition.
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