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NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers
1. A patient is being treated in the Neurology Unit for Meningitis. Which of these is a priority assessment for the nurse to make?
- A. Assess the patient for nuchal rigidity
- B. Determine the patient's past exposure to infectious organisms
- C. Check the patient's WBC lab values
- D. Monitor for increased lethargy and drowsiness
Correct answer: Monitor for increased lethargy and drowsiness
Rationale: Monitoring for increased lethargy and drowsiness is crucial as these symptoms indicate a decreased level of consciousness, which is the cardinal sign of increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP). Elevated ICP can lead to serious complications and requires immediate intervention. Assessing for nuchal rigidity is important in suspected cases of meningitis but monitoring lethargy and drowsiness takes precedence due to its direct correlation with ICP. Determining past exposure to infectious organisms and checking WBC lab values are important for diagnosing and treating meningitis but do not directly address the immediate concern of increased ICP.
2. The mental health nurse plans to discuss a client's depression with the health care provider in the emergency department. There are two clients sitting across from the emergency department desk. Which nursing action is best?
- A. Only refer to the client by gender
- B. Identify the client only by age
- C. Avoid using the client's name
- D. Discuss the client another time
Correct answer: Discuss the client another time
Rationale: The best nursing action is to discuss the client another time to ensure confidentiality. It is important to maintain the privacy of the client's information, so discussing sensitive topics like depression in a public area where conversations can be overheard is not appropriate. While options A, B, and C may seem like ways to protect the client's identity, they do not guarantee confidentiality since details like gender or age can still lead to identification. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize privacy and confidentiality by finding a more suitable time and location to have a private discussion about the client's concerns.
3. A child diagnosed with Hepatitis A is under the care of a healthcare provider. Which of the following precautions would be most important to take to prevent the transmission of this infectious disease?
- A. Encourage the Hepatitis A vaccine for family members and siblings
- B. Use needleless systems if possible; otherwise, use careful needle precautionary measures
- C. Teach the child and enforce strict and frequent hand washing
- D. Teach the child and family about the dangers of contaminated food and water
Correct answer: C: Teach the child and enforce strict and frequent hand washing
Rationale: The most crucial precaution to prevent the transmission of Hepatitis A is to emphasize strict and frequent hand washing. Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads through the oral-fecal route and can survive on human hands. Hand washing is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of transmission. Encouraging the Hepatitis A vaccine for family members and siblings (Choice A) is beneficial for prevention but not as directly impactful as hand washing. While needle precautions (Choice B) are important in healthcare settings, they are not directly relevant to preventing the spread of Hepatitis A. Teaching about the dangers of contaminated food and water (Choice D) is important for general hygiene but may not be as effective as emphasizing hand hygiene in preventing the spread of Hepatitis A.
4. In which order should the nurse take the following actions for an older patient with new onset confusion who is normally alert and oriented?
- A. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Notify the health care provider, Document the change in status
- B. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider
- C. Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation
- D. Document the change in status, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation, Notify the health care provider
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct order of actions for the nurse in this scenario is to first obtain the oxygen saturation to assess the patient's airway and oxygenation status. Next, checking the patient's pulse rate helps in evaluating circulation. Subsequently, documenting the change in the patient's status is important for maintaining an accurate record of care. Finally, notifying the health care provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and further management. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because assessing oxygen saturation should precede checking the pulse rate to address potential physiological causes of confusion. Additionally, documentation should follow patient assessment and notification of the healthcare provider for appropriate record-keeping and communication.
5. A mother brings her child to the well-child clinic and expresses concern to the nurse because the child has been playing with another child diagnosed with hepatitis. The nurse prepares to perform an assessment on the child, knowing that which finding would be of least concern for hepatitis?
- A. Jaundice
- B. Hepatomegaly
- C. Dark-colored, frothy urine
- D. Left upper abdominal quadrant pain
Correct answer: Left upper abdominal quadrant pain
Rationale: Assessment findings in a child with hepatitis typically include right upper quadrant tenderness and hepatomegaly. The child may also present with pale, clay-colored stools and dark, frothy urine. Jaundice, which can be observed in the sclerae, nail beds, and mucous membranes, is a common sign of hepatitis. Left upper abdominal quadrant pain is not a typical finding associated with hepatitis; therefore, it would be of least concern in this scenario. The other options are more commonly associated with hepatitis and are important signs to monitor for in a child with possible exposure to the virus.
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