NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. At a community health fair, the blood pressure of a 62-year-old client is 160/96 mmHg. The client states, "My blood pressure is usually much lower."? The nurse should tell the client to:
- A. Go get a blood pressure check within the next 15 minutes
- B. Check blood pressure again in two (2) months
- C. See the healthcare provider immediately
- D. Visit the healthcare provider within one (1) week for a BP check
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The blood pressure reading of 160/96 mmHg is moderately high, indicating hypertension. Given that the client mentions their blood pressure is usually lower, there is concern for acute complications like a stroke. Therefore, an immediate reassessment of the blood pressure within the next 15 minutes is warranted to confirm the reading and take appropriate actions if necessary. Waiting for two months (Choice B) or a week (Choice D) could pose risks of delaying intervention. Seeing the healthcare provider immediately (Choice C) is a good option, but in this case, the urgency is not as high as to require immediate attention at the healthcare provider's office.
2. You are caring for a patient with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. Discharge instructions will likely include all of the following EXCEPT:
- A. PT referral for development of a planned exercise program
- B. Avoidance of prolonged sun exposure
- C. Hot baths to promote muscle relaxation
- D. Instructions to evaluate the home environment to ensure safety
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Discharge instructions for a patient with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis should focus on promoting safety and minimizing exacerbations. Hot baths should be avoided as excessive heat can trigger acute symptoms. Therefore, instructions may include PT referral for an exercise program to maintain mobility, avoidance of prolonged sun exposure to prevent symptom exacerbation, and guidance to evaluate the home environment for safety as symptoms progress. Hot baths are not recommended due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms, making it the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate for a patient with multiple sclerosis, as they address mobility, symptom management, and safety concerns, respectively.
3. Which of the following screening tools have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy for screening for intimate partner violence?
- A. Hurt, Insult, Threaten, and Scream (HITS)
- B. Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, and Kick (HARK)
- C. Slapped, Threatened, and Thrown (STaT)
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: All of the above screening tools, including HITS, HARK, and STaT, have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy for screening intimate partner violence, as per the National Preventive Services Task Force. These tools are effective in identifying current or recent intimate partner violence. While the Partner Violence screen may have some predictive value for future intimate partner violence, the question specifically focuses on screening tools with high diagnostic accuracy, making 'All of the above' the correct choice. Choices A, B, and C are specific validated screening tools for intimate partner violence, each with its own set of questions that have been shown to be effective in identifying individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. Therefore, 'All of the above' is the most comprehensive and accurate choice for this question.
4. What might be signaled when a client tells the nurse to 'pray for me' and entrusts her wedding ring to the nurse?
- A. Anxiety
- B. Suicidal ideation
- C. Major depression
- D. Hopelessness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The client entrusting the wedding ring and asking the nurse to pray for them can be indicative of suicidal ideation. This behavior suggests a deep level of distress and hopelessness, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts or actions. While anxiety is a common emotion, the act of entrusting personal items and making requests like praying for them go beyond typical anxiety symptoms. Major depression can be associated with suicidal ideation, but the specific actions described in this scenario point more towards suicidal thoughts. Hopelessness, while related to suicidal ideation, is a broader concept that does not capture the specific cues given by the client in this scenario, making it a less accurate choice.
5. A client with schizophrenia seems to stop focusing during a conversation with a nurse and begins looking at the ceiling and talking to themselves. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Stop the interview at this point and resume later when the client is better able to concentrate
- B. Ask the client, 'Are you seeing something on the ceiling?'
- C. Tell the client, 'You seem to be looking at something on the ceiling. I see something there, too.'
- D. Continue the interview without commenting on the client's behavior
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia experiences a break in reality like staring at the ceiling and talking to themselves, the nurse should ask directly about the hallucination, as stated in choice B. By doing so, the nurse can assess the situation, identify the client's needs, and evaluate any potential risk for injury. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Stopping the interview (choice A) may not address the immediate concern of the hallucination. Providing false reassurance (choice C) or ignoring the behavior (choice D) does not actively address the client's altered perception of reality.
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