a patient with a possible pulmonary embolism complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing the nurse finds a heart rate of 142 beatsminute blood pr a patient with a possible pulmonary embolism complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing the nurse finds a heart rate of 142 beatsminute blood pr
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Nursing Elites

NCLEX NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions

1. A patient with a possible pulmonary embolism complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The nurse finds a heart rate of 142 beats/minute, blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg, and respirations of 42 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: Elevate the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position.

Rationale: The patient presents with symptoms indicative of a pulmonary embolism (PE), such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea. Elevating the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position is the priority to improve ventilation and gas exchange. This intervention should be initiated promptly to optimize oxygenation. Subsequent actions, such as notifying the healthcare provider, preparing for a spiral CT scan, and administering anticoagulant therapy, can follow after the patient's position is adjusted. The spiral CT scan is typically used to confirm the diagnosis of PE, and anticoagulant therapy is initiated upon confirmation of the diagnosis by the healthcare provider. Therefore, the immediate focus is on improving the patient's respiratory status by elevating the head of the bed.

2. As a nurse, you have been assigned to take over as charge nurse without any report after the previous charge nurse fell during her shift and was taken to the emergency room. At the end of the shift, you have made the assignments for the next shift's nurses and posted them. As the nurses come in, they begin to complain that the assignments make no sense based on patient acuity. One refuses to take her assignment and threatens to go home. What could you have done to prevent their dissatisfaction?

Correct answer: Collaborated with the other nurses on your shift

Rationale: Collaborating with the other nurses on your shift would have permitted them to provide the most updated information regarding patient status and acuity. Requesting their input into creating assignments would have provided shared governance and assurance that the unit staffing was arranged appropriately. Reviewing the notes of the previous charge nurse might not capture the real-time changes in patient conditions. Trying to contact the previous charge nurse in the emergency room may not be feasible or timely. Collaborating with the nurse manager could be helpful, but involving the nurses directly impacted by the assignments would have been more effective in addressing their concerns and ensuring appropriate patient care.

3. In educating clients on ways to manage pain, which topic can be appropriately delegated to an LPN/LVN who will continue under supervision?

Correct answer: Alternating Rest/Activity

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Alternating Rest/Activity.' This topic falls within the nursing scope of practice and is typically covered in the training and education of all nurses, including LPN/LVNs. Educating clients on alternating rest and activity is safe, straightforward, and a standard non-pharmacological pain management strategy. Acupuncture (Choice A) and Guided Imagery (Choice B) involve specific skills and techniques that are typically outside the scope of practice for LPN/LVNs. Over-the-counter medications (Choice D) may require additional assessment, monitoring, and considerations that are beyond the usual delegation for LPN/LVNs.

4. The nurse is assessing an infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which finding would the nurse anticipate?

Correct answer: Unequal leg length

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Unequal leg length.' Shortening of a leg is a common sign of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Limited adduction (Choice B) may be present but is less specific to developmental dysplasia of the hip. Diminished femoral pulses (Choice C) are not typically associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Symmetrical gluteal folds (Choice D) are a normal finding and would not be expected in a patient with developmental dysplasia of the hip.

5. A client is having difficulty applying for a job due to panic and anxiety. A nurse is helping by pretending to be the job supervisor while the client practices answering questions during an imaginary interview. This technique is an example of:

Correct answer: Role playing

Rationale: Role-playing is the correct answer. It involves practicing appropriate behaviors during imaginary scenarios that simulate real-life situations. In this scenario, the nurse is helping the client prepare for a job interview by acting as the job supervisor. Role-playing allows the client to practice and develop strategies to cope with anxiety and panic during the actual interview. Reinforcement (Choice A) involves providing consequences to strengthen a behavior. Presenting reality (Choice B) involves helping the client differentiate between real and unreal experiences. Summarizing (Choice D) involves condensing information. In this context, role-playing is the most appropriate technique to address the client's anxiety and panic related to job interviews.

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