the hospital has sounded the call for a disaster drill on the evening shift which of these clients would the nurse put first on the list to be dischar

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. The hospital has sounded the call for a disaster drill on the evening shift. Which of these clients would the nurse prioritize first on the list to be discharged in order to make a room available for a new admission?

A. A middle-aged client with a history of being ventilator dependent for over seven (7) years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago.
B. A young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 for over ten (10) years and admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago.
C. An elderly client with a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and lupus, and was admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome that morning.
D. An adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best candidate for discharge during a need for emergency room availability is a stable patient with a chronic condition who is familiar with their care. In this scenario, the middle-aged client in option A, who has been ventilator dependent for over seven years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago, is most suitable for discharge. This client is likely stable and can continue medication therapy at home, making them the most appropriate choice for discharge at this time. Choice B should not be the priority for discharge as the young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago may need further monitoring and management of their condition. Choice C, the elderly client with multiple comorbidities and admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome on the same day, is not a suitable candidate for immediate discharge as they may require ongoing medical attention and observation. Choice D, the adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago, should not be discharged first as acute cellulitis may require continued treatment and monitoring, especially in the context of a positive HIV status.

2. You are preparing to admit a patient with a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions can you delegate to an LPN/LVN?

A. Complete admission assessment.
B. Set up oxygen and suction equipment.
C. Place a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
D. Pad the side rails before the patient arrives.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of setting up oxygen and suction equipment to the LPN/LVN. This task falls within their scope of practice and can be safely performed by them. Completing the admission assessment (Choice A) typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse. Placing a padded tongue blade at the bedside (Choice C) involves potential airway management, which is a more complex task and should be done by a higher-level provider. Padding the side rails before the patient arrives (Choice D) is a task related to patient safety and should be done by the healthcare team as a whole, not solely delegated to an LPN/LVN.

3. Which practice will help reduce the risk of a needlestick injury?

A. Expose the end of the needle only when ready to enter the room for the procedure
B. Never recap a needle after use
C. Keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed
D. Exchange needles from a central area rather than passing them between workers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To reduce the risk of a needlestick injury, it is essential to keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed. This practice ensures quick and safe disposal of needles after use, minimizing the chances of accidental needlesticks. Recapping needles should be avoided as it increases the risk of injuries. Passing needles between workers should also be avoided to prevent accidental needle pricks during handovers. Therefore, the best practice to prevent needlestick injuries is to maintain a sharps container nearby for safe and immediate disposal of needles.

4. In a 68-year-old man, a gradual loss of hearing is known as _____________.

A. presbycusis
B. xerostomia
C. myopia
D. presbyopia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'presbycusis.' Presbycusis is the age-related gradual loss of hearing ability, commonly seen in the elderly population. Xerostomia refers to dry mouth, myopia is nearsightedness, and presbyopia is the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects. Given Mr. Roberts' age and symptom of gradual hearing loss, presbycusis is the most likely diagnosis. Xerostomia, myopia, and presbyopia do not match the sensory change described in the question, making them incorrect choices.

5. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?

A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.