NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. A second-year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS. Which of the following is the most significant action that the nursing student should take?
- A. Immediately see a social worker
- B. Start prophylactic AZT treatment
- C. Start prophylactic Pentamidine treatment
- D. Seek counseling
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Starting prophylactic AZT treatment is the most critical intervention in this scenario. Azidothymidine (AZT) is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS by reducing the replication of the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV involves taking medication to suppress the virus and prevent infection after exposure. PEP should be initiated within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure to be effective. Seeking treatment quickly is crucial to enhance its effectiveness. Seeing a social worker (Choice A) may be helpful for emotional support but is not the immediate priority. Pentamidine treatment (Choice C) is not indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Seeking counseling (Choice D) is important for the nursing student's emotional well-being but does not address the urgent need for post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission.
2. Which of the following descriptors is most appropriate to use when stating the 'problem' part of a nursing diagnosis?
- A. Grimacing
- B. Anxiety
- C. Oxygenation saturation 93%
- D. Output 500 mL in 8 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The problem part of a nursing diagnosis in the context of nursing care plans should focus on the client's response to a life process, event, or stressor. This response is what is used to identify the nursing diagnosis. 'Anxiety' is the most appropriate descriptor for the problem part of a nursing diagnosis as it reflects a psychological response that can be addressed by nursing interventions. 'Grimacing' is a physical manifestation and not the problem itself. 'Oxygenation saturation 93%' and 'Output 500 mL in 8 hours' are data points or cues that a nurse would use to formulate the nursing diagnostic statement, not the actual problem being addressed.
3. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about the cognitive development at this age?
- A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas
- B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts
- C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective
- D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences
Correct answer: B
Rationale: At the age of 10, children are in the concrete operations stage according to Piaget. They are capable of mature thought when allowed to manipulate and organize objects. This means they can think logically, organize facts, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While simple associations of ideas may occur, the key cognitive ability at this stage is the capacity for logical thought and organization of information. Interpretation of events from their own perspective is more characteristic of younger children, and conclusions based on previous experiences are more aligned with older children or adults.
4. Which type of shock is related to low blood volume?
- A. Psychogenic
- B. Cardiogenic
- C. Anaphylactic
- D. Hemorrhagic
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Hemorrhagic shock, also known as hypovolemic shock, is directly related to low blood volume due to significant blood loss. In hemorrhagic shock, the body's circulating blood volume is reduced, leading to inadequate perfusion of tissues and organs. Psychogenic shock is caused by emotional distress, not blood volume changes. Cardiogenic shock results from heart failure, not low blood volume. Anaphylactic shock is due to a severe allergic reaction, not a reduction in blood volume.
5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of platelets to a client. Which of the following actions must the healthcare professional perform before giving the platelets?
- A. Start an IV of 0.9% Normal Saline to administer with the platelets
- B. Ensure the container with the platelets is intact and not damaged
- C. Verify the client's identity using two unique identifiers
- D. Check the client's chart to ensure no contraindications to platelet transfusion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before administering platelets, it is crucial to check the integrity of the container holding the blood product. An intact container ensures the sterility and safety of the platelets, minimizing the risk of contamination or infection. Option A is incorrect as administering platelets typically does not require starting a new IV line unless indicated for the specific patient. Option C is not the priority as verifying the client's identity can be done at any point during the administration process but is not specific to the platelet transfusion itself. Option D, checking the client's chart for antibiotic use, is not directly related to ensuring the safety of the blood product container.
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