NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Nclex PN Questions and Answers
1. The nurse is caring for a client awaiting test results on a biopsy. The client is unconscious, and the physician informs the client’s spouse that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if they will not share this news with the client because they would prefer the client be unaware of the diagnosis. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?
- A. “I will have a psychiatrist confirm whether the news will cause negative effects, and if so, I will comply with your request.”
- B. “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.”
- C. “You do not have the option to sign paperwork stating you are accepting the risk of not sharing this with the client.”
- D. “You must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare advanced directive in place before I can consider this request.”
Correct answer: “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.”
Rationale: The correct response is, “For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client.” The ethical principle of veracity requires that the nurse is truthful with the client and does not withhold information even if it is requested by the family. Choice A is incorrect because seeking a psychiatrist's confirmation is not necessary to uphold the ethical principle of truth-telling. Choice C is incorrect as implying that signing paperwork overrides the nurse's ethical obligation to be honest with the client is inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as a durable power of attorney is not relevant in this situation where the spouse is asking the nurse to withhold information.
2. The nurse in the emergency room is admitting a client who has sustained a gunshot wound and will require immediate surgery. The client is unconscious and by themselves. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
- A. Call the charge nurse and request that the facility’s legal counsel provide a waiver for informed consent.
- B. Attempt to stabilize the client in the emergency room until they are conscious enough to provide informed consent.
- C. Try to locate the client’s family to obtain informed consent before transporting the client to the operating room.
- D. Proceed with transporting the client to the operating room without obtaining informed consent.
Correct answer: Proceed with transporting the client to the operating room without obtaining informed consent.
Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery to save their life, the priority is to proceed with necessary interventions without delay to ensure the best possible outcome. Obtaining informed consent is essential in healthcare, but in situations where a delay in treatment can be life-threatening, healthcare providers are ethically and legally permitted to proceed with treatment without consent. Attempting to stabilize the client until conscious enough to provide consent or trying to locate family members for consent would cause a dangerous delay in critical care. Therefore, the most appropriate action in this scenario is to transport the unconscious client to the operating room for immediate surgery.
3. Which of the following terms refers to soft tissue injury caused by blunt force?
- A. contusion
- B. strain
- C. sprain
- D. dislocation
Correct answer: A: contusion
Rationale: A contusion is a soft tissue injury caused by blunt force. It is an injury that does not break the skin, caused by a blow, and characterized by swelling, discoloration, and pain. The immediate application of cold might limit the development of a contusion. A strain is a muscle pull from overuse, overstretching, or excessive stress. A sprain is caused by a wrenching or twisting motion. A dislocation is a condition where the articular surfaces of the bones forming a joint are no longer in anatomical contact. Therefore, the correct answer is 'contusion' as it specifically relates to soft tissue injury caused by blunt force.
4. A client sitting alone and talking to voices is observed by a nurse. When asked, the client reports he is 'talking to the voices.' The nurse’s next action should be:
- A. touching the client to help him return to reality
- B. leaving the client alone until reality returns
- C. asking the client to describe what is happening
- D. telling the client there are no voices
Correct answer: asking the client to describe what is happening
Rationale: When a client reports talking to voices, it can indicate the presence of hallucinations. Asking the client to describe what is happening is a crucial step as it helps the nurse understand the nature of the hallucinations and provides reassurance to the client. Touching the client without consent is inappropriate and can be distressing. Leaving the client alone may not address the underlying issue, and telling the client there are no voices denies their experience and can lead to mistrust.
5. A 22-year-old patient in a mental health lock-down unit under suicide watch appears happy about being discharged. Which of the following is probably happening?
- A. The patient is excited about being around family again.
- B. The patient’s suicide plan has probably progressed.
- C. The patient’s plans for the future have been clarified.
- D. The patient’s mood is improving.
Correct answer: The patient’s suicide plan has probably progressed.
Rationale: In this scenario, it is concerning that a patient under suicide watch is happy about being discharged as it may indicate that the patient's suicide plan has advanced. This change in behavior should be taken seriously as it can signal an increased risk of self-harm. Choices A, C, and D are less likely as the patient's happiness about discharge in this context is more indicative of a worsening situation rather than positive outcomes like being around family, clarifying future plans, or improving mood.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX Basic
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access @ $69.99
NCLEX Basic
- 5,000 Questions and answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX Coverage
- 90 days access @ $69.99