NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. What is the most effective step in hand washing?
- A. Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
- B. Using hospital-grade soap.
- C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
- D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.
Correct answer: Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
Rationale: The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.
2. When dismissing a 5-year-old boy from the pediatrics unit, what type of seat belt restraint should the child wear as the parents drive the car to the front door of the hospital?
- A. A 5-point restraint in the back seat, facing backward
- B. A booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat
- C. A lap belt in the back seat
- D. A lap and shoulder belt in the front seat
Correct answer: B: A booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat
Rationale: A 5-year-old child riding in a car should use a restraint system for safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children under 13 years should not ride in the front seat of a car due to safety concerns. For a 5-year-old child, a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat is the most appropriate choice. This setup ensures proper protection and restraint for the child's size and age. Choice A is incorrect because a 5-point restraint system facing backward is not suitable for a 5-year-old child in a car. Choice C is incorrect as a lap belt alone does not provide adequate protection for a child of this age. Choice D is incorrect as children should not be seated in the front seat, especially at this young age.
3. 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: Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
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.
4. What is the proper personal protective equipment necessary for collecting a sputum specimen?
- A. Gloves and face mask
- B. Level Three Biocontainment uniforms
- C. Eye protection and shoe covers
- D. Splash shield and face mask
Correct answer: Gloves and face mask
Rationale: When collecting a sputum specimen, it is crucial to protect against potential airborne droplets that may spread disease. The best personal protective equipment for this task includes gloves and a face mask. Gloves help prevent the spread of contaminants through hand contact, while a face mask protects the respiratory tract from inhaling infectious agents. Choice B, Level Three Biocontainment uniforms, is excessive and unnecessary for routine sputum specimen collection. Choice C, eye protection and shoe covers, does not address the specific risks associated with sputum collection. Choice D, splash shield and face mask, provides additional protection that is not typically required for sputum specimen collection, making it less appropriate than gloves and a face mask.
5. A client is about to have a TENS unit attached for pain relief. Which of the following actions is most appropriate in this situation?
- A. Inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations.
- B. Connect the TENS unit before the client goes to bed for the night.
- C. Inform the client that the TENS unit may have pain-reducing effects for 10 to 15 days.
- D. After treatment, inform the client that he may not use a TENS unit again for at least 2 weeks.
Correct answer: Inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations.
Rationale: When attaching a TENS unit for pain relief, it is essential to inform the client that he may experience tingling sensations. This is a common sensation experienced when using a TENS unit, but it should not cause muscle twitching. The therapeutic effects of a TENS unit usually last between 3 to 5 days. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to connect the TENS unit before bedtime. Choice C is incorrect as stating that the TENS unit may have pain-reducing effects for 10 to 15 days is inaccurate, as the effects typically last 3 to 5 days. Choice D is incorrect because there is no guideline suggesting that the client cannot use a TENS unit again for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
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