NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. What does the medical term 'diaphoresis' mean?
- A. Profuse vomiting
- B. Profuse sweating
- C. Gasping for air
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Profuse sweating. Diaphoresis is a medical term that refers to excessive sweating. It is commonly seen in emergency situations such as heart attacks or diabetic episodes. Choice A, 'Profuse vomiting,' is incorrect as diaphoresis is not related to vomiting. Choice C, 'Gasping for air,' is also incorrect as it refers to difficulty breathing, not sweating. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as diaphoresis specifically relates to sweating.
2. You have been assigned to take an apical pulse for one of the patients on the nursing unit. How will you do this?
- A. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and listen for any irregular beats.
- B. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and count the beats per minute.
- C. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and feel for any irregular beats.
- D. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and count the beats per minute.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To take an apical pulse accurately, you should place the stethoscope over the heart and count the number of beats per minute. This method provides a precise assessment of the heart rate. While listening for irregular beats is essential for assessing the heart's rhythm, the primary objective of taking an apical pulse is to determine the heart rate. Choices C and D are incorrect because the apical pulse is not taken at the wrist; instead, it is obtained by auscultating at the apex of the heart, usually at the point where the fifth intercostal space meets the midclavicular line.
3. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?
- A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
- B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
- C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
- D. Order a high-protein diet for the client
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.
4. Which of the following descriptors is most appropriate to use when stating the 'problem' part of a nursing diagnosis?
- A. Grimacing
- B. Anxiety
- C. Oxygenation saturation 93%
- D. Output 500 mL in 8 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The problem part of a nursing diagnosis in the context of nursing care plans should focus on the client's response to a life process, event, or stressor. This response is what is used to identify the nursing diagnosis. 'Anxiety' is the most appropriate descriptor for the problem part of a nursing diagnosis as it reflects a psychological response that can be addressed by nursing interventions. 'Grimacing' is a physical manifestation and not the problem itself. 'Oxygenation saturation 93%' and 'Output 500 mL in 8 hours' are data points or cues that a nurse would use to formulate the nursing diagnostic statement, not the actual problem being addressed.
5. A nurse is preparing to change a client's dressing for a burn wound on his foot. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for this process?
- A. Wash the wound with cleanser, rinse, and pat dry
- B. Bind the wound tightly, secure with tape, and elevate the foot
- C. Contact the physician after the dressing change is complete
- D. Provide analgesics for the client after the procedure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When changing the dressing for a burn wound, it is essential to follow appropriate interventions to prevent infection, reduce pain, and support healing. In this scenario, after removing the old dressing, it is crucial to wash the wound gently with a suitable cleanser, rinse the area thoroughly, and then pat it dry. This process helps in maintaining cleanliness, reducing the risk of infection, and providing a conducive environment for healing. Binding the wound tightly (Choice B) can impede circulation and delay healing. Contacting the physician after the dressing change (Choice C) may be necessary in specific situations but is not a standard step in routine dressing changes. Providing analgesics after the procedure (Choice D) is important for pain management but is not directly related to the dressing change itself.
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