NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions Exam Cram
1. Why are subdural hemorrhages more common in the elderly?
- A. Increased anticoagulant use
- B. Increased risk of falls
- C. Brain atrophy
- D. Inconsistent care giving
Correct answer: Brain atrophy
Rationale: Subdural hemorrhages are more common in the elderly due to cerebral atrophy resulting from the natural aging process. This atrophy can lead to the stretching of bridging veins, making them more fragile and prone to tearing even with minor trauma. While increased anticoagulant use and a higher risk of falls are common in the elderly, brain atrophy plays a more direct role in the increased incidence of subdural hemorrhages. Inconsistent caregiving, on the other hand, is not a direct cause of subdural hemorrhages but may impact the overall management and outcome of such cases.
2. While performing the physical examination, why does the nurse share information and briefly teach the patient?
- A. To help the patient feel more comfortable and gain control of the situation
- B. To build rapport and increase the patient’s confidence in the examiner
- C. To assist the patient in understanding his or her disease process and treatment modalities
- D. To aid the patient in identifying questions about his or her disease and potential areas of needed education
Correct answer: To build rapport and increase the patient’s confidence in the examiner
Rationale: Sharing information and briefly teaching the patient during a physical examination helps build rapport and increase the patient’s confidence in the examiner. This approach gives the patient a sense of control in a situation that can often be overwhelming. While sharing information may make the patient feel more comfortable, the primary goal is to enhance the patient’s confidence in the examiner. Providing information does not necessarily directly assist the patient in understanding their disease process and treatment modalities, as this may require a more in-depth explanation. The main focus is on establishing a trusting relationship and empowering the patient during the examination, rather than solely aiding in identifying questions or areas needing education.
3. An Asian-American woman is experiencing diarrhea, which is believed to be “cold” or “yin.” What should the nurse recognize that the woman may likely try to treat it?
- A. Foods that are “hot” or “yang”
- B. Readings and Eastern medicine meditations
- C. High doses of medicines believed to be “cold”
- D. No treatment because diarrhea is an expected part of life.
Correct answer: Foods that are “hot” or “yang”
Rationale: In this scenario, the Asian-American woman is believed to be experiencing diarrhea due to a “cold” or “yin” imbalance. According to the yin/yang theory, yang represents heat and yin represents cold. Therefore, to balance the cold nature of the diarrhea, the woman may try to treat it by consuming foods that are considered “hot” or “yang”. This aligns with the concept that cold foods are eaten with a hot illness, and hot foods are eaten with a cold illness. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the yin/yang theory and are not relevant to addressing the imbalance associated with the cold nature of the diarrhea.
4. A 24-year-old female is admitted to the ER for confusion. This patient has a history of a myeloma diagnosis, constipation, intense abdominal pain, and polyuria. Based on the presenting signs and symptoms, which of the following would you most likely suspect?
- A. Diverticulosis
- B. Hypercalcemia
- C. Hypocalcemia
- D. Irritable bowel syndrome
Correct answer: Hypercalcemia
Rationale: The correct answer is Hypercalcemia. In this case, the patient's history of myeloma, constipation, intense abdominal pain, and polyuria suggests hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels can lead to polyuria, severe abdominal pain, and confusion. Diverticulosis (Choice A), characterized by small pouches in the colon wall, typically does not present with confusion and polyuria. Hypocalcemia (Choice C) is unlikely given the symptoms described. Irritable bowel syndrome (Choice D) does not typically cause confusion and polyuria as seen in hypercalcemia.
5. Which of the following tasks may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel?
- A. Cleansing a wound with peroxide
- B. Irrigating a colostomy
- C. Assisting with performing incentive spirometry
- D. Removing a saline-lock IV
Correct answer: Assisting with performing incentive spirometry
Rationale: Certain tasks can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel to assist nurses in their workload. Tasks that involve routine activities like incentive spirometry can be delegated. Unlicensed assistive personnel can assist clients with incentive spirometry, helping in promoting lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. Cleansing a wound with peroxide (Choice A) and irrigating a colostomy (Choice B) involve more complex procedures that should be performed by licensed healthcare providers due to the risk of infection and potential complications. Removing a saline-lock IV (Choice D) requires specialized training and should only be performed by licensed personnel to prevent complications and ensure patient safety. The nurse remains responsible for delegating tasks appropriately and overseeing the care provided by unlicensed assistive personnel.
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