NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. What is an attack using microorganisms such as bacteria or viral agents with the intent to harm others called?
- A. Assimilation
- B. Defense intervention
- C. Bioterrorism
- D. Environmental remediation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bioterrorism is the act of using harmful agents like bacteria or viruses with the intention to harm others. In the context of healthcare, nurses may be involved in disaster response if bioterrorism weapons affect the community. Choice A, assimilation, refers to the process of absorbing and integrating information or ideas. Choice B, defense intervention, does not specifically relate to the intentional use of microorganisms to harm others. Choice D, environmental remediation, involves the process of cleaning up pollution or contamination in the environment, which is unrelated to the deliberate use of pathogens for harmful purposes.
2. Why should a palpated pressure be performed before auscultating blood pressure?
- A. To more clearly hear the Korotkoff sounds.
- B. To detect the presence of an auscultatory gap.
- C. To avoid missing a falsely elevated blood pressure.
- D. To more readily identify phase IV of the Korotkoff sounds.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Performing a palpated pressure before auscultating blood pressure helps in detecting the presence of an auscultatory gap. An auscultatory gap is a period during blood pressure measurement when Korotkoff sounds temporarily disappear before reappearing. Inflation of the cuff 20 to 30 mm Hg beyond the point where a palpated pulse disappears helps in identifying this gap. This technique ensures accurate blood pressure measurement by preventing the underestimation of blood pressure values. The other options are incorrect because palpating the pressure is not primarily done to hear Korotkoff sounds more clearly, avoid missing falsely elevated blood pressure, or readily identify a specific phase of Korotkoff sounds.
3. The nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 3-year-old patient who appears to have an irregular respiratory pattern. How would the nurse assess this child's respirations?
- A. Respirations should be counted for 1 full minute.
- B. Child's pulse and respirations should be simultaneously checked for 30 seconds and then multiplied by 2.
- C. Child's respirations should be checked for a minimum of 5 minutes to identify any variations in his or her respiratory pattern.
- D. Patient's respirations should be counted for 15 seconds and then multiplied by 4.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To accurately assess a child's respiratory pattern, the nurse should count respirations for a full minute. This duration provides a comprehensive view of the child's breathing pattern, ensuring abnormalities are not missed. Counting for only 30 seconds may not capture irregularities effectively. Checking respirations for 5 minutes is excessive and unnecessary for a routine assessment. Counting for 15 seconds and multiplying by 4 is not as precise as a full-minute count. Pulse and respirations should not be checked simultaneously; instead, the nurse should count respirations unobtrusively while appearing to take the child's pulse. Therefore, the correct approach is to count the child's respirations for 1 full minute to obtain an accurate assessment.
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. Assuming that an elderly patient will have a difficult time understanding the directions for how to take medication is an example of:
- A. Prejudice
- B. Stereotyping
- C. Encoding
- D. Rationalization
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Stereotyping is defined as providing a generalization about a person based on their culture or characteristics. In this scenario, assuming that an elderly patient will have difficulty understanding medication directions solely based on their age is an act of stereotyping. The healthcare provider is attributing a generalized trait to the patient without considering individual differences. Prejudice, on the other hand, involves forming a negative opinion about someone based on their heritage or culture, which is not evident in this situation. Encoding refers to the process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory, and rationalization involves justifying one's behavior or decisions with logical reasons, neither of which are applicable in this context.
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