an emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child with a suspected diagnosis of intussusception which assessment question for the p

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. An emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child with a suspected diagnosis of intussusception. Which assessment question for the parents will elicit the most specific data related to this disorder?

A. Does the child have any food allergies?
B. What do the bowel movements look like?
C. Has the child eaten any food in the last 24 hours?
D. Can you describe the type of pain that the child is experiencing?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is asking the parents to describe the type of pain the child is experiencing because a report of severe colicky abdominal pain in a healthy, thriving child between 3 and 17 months of age is the classic presentation of intussusception. Typical behavior includes screaming and drawing the knees up to the chest. This specific question helps in identifying the key symptom of intussusception. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of a health history but are not specific to the diagnosis of intussusception. Food allergies, bowel movements, and recent food intake are relevant for a comprehensive assessment but do not directly relate to the specific symptoms of intussusception.

2. Which clinical manifestations are recognized in nephrotic syndrome?

A. Hematuria, bacteriuria, weight gain
B. Gross hematuria, albuminuria, fever
C. Hypertension, weight loss, proteinuria
D. Massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. In this syndrome, there is loss of proteins, particularly albumin, in the urine leading to hypoalbuminemia, fluid retention, and subsequent edema. This results in elevated lipid levels like hypercholesterolemia, but not hypertension. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Hematuria, bacteriuria, fever, and weight loss are not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome, distinguishing it from other kidney disorders.

3. How does shock typically progress?

A. Compensated to hypotensive shock in hours and hypotensive shock to cardiac arrest in minutes
B. Compensated to hypotensive shock in minutes and hypotensive shock to cardiac arrest in hours
C. Hypotensive to compensated shock in hours and compensated shock to cardiac arrest in minutes
D. Hypotensive to compensated shock in minutes and compensated shock to cardiac arrest in hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shock typically progresses from a compensated state to hypotensive shock over a period of hours. In the compensated phase, the body is trying to maintain perfusion. It is crucial to identify and intervene during this phase to prevent progression to hypotensive shock, where blood pressure drops significantly. If not promptly managed, hypotensive shock can rapidly deteriorate into cardiac arrest in minutes due to inadequate perfusion to vital organs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not follow the typical progression of shock stages as seen in clinical practice. Understanding the stages of shock and their timeframes is crucial for early recognition and appropriate intervention to prevent further deterioration.

4. Which of these individuals would the nurse suspect as having the greatest risk of contracting Hepatitis B?

A. A sexually active 45-year-old man who has Type 1 Diabetes
B. A 75-year-old woman who lives in a crowded nursing home
C. A child who lives in a country with poor sanitation and hygiene standards
D. A sexually active 23-year-old man who works in a hospital

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is a sexually active 23-year-old man who works in a hospital. This individual is at the highest risk of contracting Hepatitis B due to exposure in a healthcare setting where potential bloodborne pathogens are present. Being sexually active also increases the risk of transmission through sexual contact. Choice A, a 45-year-old man with Type 1 Diabetes, is not directly associated with an increased risk of Hepatitis B. Choice B, a 75-year-old woman living in a crowded nursing home, is at risk for other infections due to the living environment but not specifically for Hepatitis B. Choice C, a child in a country with poor sanitation, is more at risk for water or foodborne illnesses rather than Hepatitis B transmission.

5. Which finding would necessitate an immediate change in the therapeutic plan for a patient with grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy?

A. Weight loss of 2 lb (1 kg)
B. Positive urine pregnancy test
C. Hemoglobin level of 10.4 g/dL
D. Complaints of nausea and anorexia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A positive urine pregnancy test would require an immediate change in the therapeutic plan for a patient with grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy due to the teratogenic effects of ribavirin. Ribavirin needs to be discontinued immediately to prevent harm to the fetus. The other options, weight loss, hemoglobin level, and complaints of nausea and anorexia, are common adverse effects of the prescribed regimen and may necessitate interventions such as patient education or supportive care, but they would not mandate an immediate cessation of therapy as in the case of a positive pregnancy test.