surgical asepsis is being performed when

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. Surgical asepsis is being performed when:

A. wiping down exam tables with bleach
B. sterilizing instruments
C. changing table paper
D. wearing gloves when performing injections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.

2. Who should be members of a patient care conference?

A. Doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants since they are healthcare providers
B. Doctors, nurses, and the patient and/or the family members
C. ALL members of the healthcare team
D. ALL members of the healthcare team and the patient/resident

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a patient care conference, it is essential to have all members of the healthcare team present to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Including the patient or resident, along with their family members if desired, is crucial as they are the focus of care. Choice A is incorrect because it excludes other important members of the healthcare team. Choice B is partially correct as it includes the patient and/or family members but does not encompass the entire healthcare team. Choice C is too broad and does not specifically address the inclusion of the patient or resident. The correct answer, Choice D, includes all healthcare team members and the patient/resident, ensuring a holistic approach to patient-centered care.

3. A 70-year-old man has a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg in a lying position, 130/80 mm Hg in a sitting position, and 100/60 mm Hg in a standing position. How should the nurse evaluate these findings?

A. These readings are a normal response and attributable to changes in the patient's position.
B. The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.
C. The blood pressure reading in the lying position is within normal limits.
D. The change in blood pressure readings is considered within normal limits for the patient's age.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'The change in blood pressure readings is called orthostatic hypotension.' Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic pressure of ³20 mm Hg or ³10 mm Hg drop in diastolic pressure that occurs with a quick change to a standing position. This condition is common in individuals on prolonged bed rest, older adults, those with hypovolemia, or taking specific medications. The blood pressure readings provided in the question (150/90 mm Hg lying, 130/80 mm Hg sitting, and 100/60 mm Hg standing) demonstrate a significant change in blood pressure with position changes, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the readings do not indicate a normal response or blood pressure within normal limits for the patient's age; rather, they suggest the presence of orthostatic hypotension.

4. Which statement by the client with chronic obstructive lung disease indicates an understanding of the major reason for the use of occasional pursed-lip breathing?

A. ''This action of my lips helps to keep my airway open.''
B. ''I can expel more air when I pucker up my lips to breathe out.''
C. ''My mouth doesn't get as dry when I breathe with pursed lips.''
D. ''By prolonging breathing out with pursed lips, the smaller areas in my lungs don't collapse.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have difficulty exhaling fully due to the weak alveolar walls from the disease process. Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent alveolar collapse by maintaining positive pressure in the airways during exhalation. This is the major reason for using pursed-lip breathing in individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the main purpose of pursed-lip breathing, which is to prevent alveolar collapse and improve exhalation in these patients.

5. Which of the following items of subjective client data would be documented in the medical record by the nurse?

A. Client's face is pale
B. Cervical lymph nodes are palpable
C. Nursing assistant reports client refused lunch
D. Client feels nauseated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Client feels nauseated.' Subjective data refers to the client's sensations, feelings, and perception of their health status. It can only be reported by the client as it is based on their personal experiences. The feeling of nausea is a subjective symptom that the client experiences and can provide insight into their health condition. Choices A and B represent objective data, as they describe observable or measurable findings that can be detected by the nurse. Choice C involves information reported by someone other than the client, making it indirect and not purely subjective.