NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A patient has just been admitted with probable bacterial pneumonia and sepsis. Which order should the nurse implement first?
- A. Performing a chest x-ray via stretcher
- B. Obtaining blood cultures from two sites
- C. Administering Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) 400 mg IV
- D. Inserting an Acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectal suppository
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient with probable bacterial pneumonia and sepsis, the priority intervention is to obtain blood cultures from two sites before initiating antibiotic therapy. This is crucial to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Administering antibiotics without obtaining cultures first can interfere with accurate results. Performing a chest x-ray and administering acetaminophen can be done after obtaining blood cultures as they are important but not as urgent as identifying the causative organism in sepsis.
2. When is cleft palate repair usually performed in children?
- A. A cleft palate cannot be repaired in children.
- B. Repair is usually performed by age 8 weeks.
- C. Repair is usually performed by 2 months of age.
- D. Repair is usually performed between 6 months and 2 years.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cleft palate repair timing is individualized based on the severity of the deformity and the child's size. Typically, cleft palate repair is performed between 6 months and 2 years of age. This age range allows for optimal outcomes and is often done before 12 months to promote normal speech development. Early closure of the cleft palate helps to facilitate speech development. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because a cleft palate can be repaired in children, and repair is usually performed between 6 months and 2 years of age, not at 8 weeks or 2 months.
3. A nurse and client are discussing the client's progress toward understanding his behavior under stress. This is typical of which phase in the therapeutic relationship?
- A. Pre-interaction
- B. Orientation
- C. Working
- D. Termination
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is the working phase. During this phase, the nurse and client actively work together to explore alternative behaviors and techniques. Discussions in this phase focus on understanding the underlying meaning behind the behavior and implementing strategies for change. Pre-interaction (choice A) refers to the phase before the nurse and client first meet and establish a relationship. The orientation phase (choice B) involves introductions, setting goals, and establishing boundaries. Termination (choice D) is the phase where the therapeutic relationship concludes, and closure is achieved.
4. Which response would best assist the chemically impaired client in dealing with issues of guilt?
- A. Addiction usually causes people to feel guilty. Don't worry, it is a typical response due to your drinking behavior.
- B. What have you done that you feel most guilty about and what steps can you begin to take to help you lessen this guilt?
- C. Don't focus on your guilty feelings. These feelings will only lead you to drinking and taking drugs.
- D. You've caused a great deal of pain to your family and close friends, so it will take time to undo all the things you've done.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is, 'What have you done that you feel most guilty about and what steps can you begin to take to help you lessen this guilt?' This response encourages the client to reflect on their actions, identify sources of guilt, and develop a plan to address and reduce these feelings constructively. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's guilt as typical, potentially invalidating their emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests avoiding guilty feelings by turning to substance use, which is counterproductive. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on the negative consequences of the client's actions without offering a constructive way to address and alleviate guilt.
5. A patient admitted to the hospital with myocardial infarction develops severe pulmonary edema. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the patient to exhibit?
- A. Slow, deep respirations
- B. Stridor
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Air hunger
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In a patient with pulmonary edema following a myocardial infarction, the nurse should expect symptoms such as air hunger, anxiety, and agitation. Air hunger refers to the feeling of needing to breathe more deeply or more often. Other symptoms of pulmonary edema can include coughing up blood or bloody froth, orthopnea (difficulty breathing when lying down), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (sudden awakening with shortness of breath). Slow, deep respirations (Choice A) are not typical in pulmonary edema; these patients often exhibit rapid, shallow breathing due to the difficulty in oxygen exchange. Stridor (Choice B) is a high-pitched breathing sound often associated with upper airway obstruction, not typically seen in pulmonary edema. Bradycardia (Choice C), a slow heart rate, is not a characteristic symptom of pulmonary edema, which is more likely to be associated with tachycardia due to the body's compensatory response to hypoxia and increased workload on the heart.
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