NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. A patient's urine specimen tested positive for bilirubin. Which of the following is most true?
- A. The patient should be evaluated for kidney disease
- B. The specimen was probably left at room temperature for more than two hours
- C. The specimen is positive for bacteria
- D. The specimen should be stored in an area protected from light
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Bilirubin is easily broken down by light, so all samples testing positive for bilirubin should be protected from light exposure. Storing the specimen in an area protected from light helps maintain the integrity of the bilirubin levels for accurate testing. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of bilirubin in urine does not necessarily indicate kidney disease. Choice B is incorrect as the exposure to light, not room temperature, affects bilirubin levels. Choice C is incorrect as the presence of bilirubin does not indicate the presence of bacteria in the specimen.
2. Which of the following activities would the nurse perform during the diagnosing phase of the nursing process? Select all that apply.
- A. Collect and organize client information
- B. Analyze data
- C. Identify problems, risks, and client strengths
- D. Develop nursing diagnoses
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the diagnosing phase of the nursing process, the nurse analyzes the collected data to identify problems, risks, and client strengths, which then leads to developing nursing diagnoses. Collecting and organizing client information is part of the assessment phase, where data is gathered. Developing nursing diagnoses comes after data analysis in the diagnosing phase. Goal setting is a component of the planning phase, which follows the diagnosing phase.
3. Which brain structure serves as the heat-regulating center?
- A. Hypothalamus
- B. Pituitary Gland
- C. Pons
- D. Medulla Oblongata
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, ensuring it stays within a narrow range. Moreover, the hypothalamus controls various essential bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Pituitary Gland primarily produces and releases hormones, the Pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, and the Medulla Oblongata controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, but not body temperature regulation.
4. A patient with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What potential problem associated with dysphagia has the greatest influence on the plan of care?
- A. Anorexia
- B. Aspiration
- C. Self-care deficit
- D. Inadequate intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a person experiences dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the greatest concern is aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or fluids enter the trachea and lungs instead of going down the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications such as choking, airway obstruction, and aspiration pneumonia. Anorexia (Choice A) refers to a loss of appetite, which is not the primary concern with dysphagia. Self-care deficit (Choice C) and inadequate intake (Choice D) are important considerations but do not have as direct an impact on the immediate safety and health risks associated with aspiration in dysphagia.
5. A child is admitted to the hospital several days after stepping on a sharp object that punctured her athletic shoe and entered the flesh of her foot. The physician is concerned about osteomyelitis and has ordered parenteral antibiotics. Which of the following actions is done immediately before the antibiotic is started?
- A. The admission orders are written.
- B. A blood culture is drawn.
- C. A complete blood count with differential is drawn.
- D. The parents arrive.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before starting antibiotics, a blood culture should be drawn to identify the causative organism. This step is crucial as antibiotics may interfere with the identification process. Drawing a complete blood count with differential or writing admission orders are important steps in patient care but are not as critical as obtaining a blood culture to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. The arrival of the parents is not directly related to the immediate action required before starting antibiotics in this scenario.
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