NCLEX NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. The nurse monitors a patient after chest tube placement for a hemopneumothorax. The nurse is most concerned if which assessment finding is observed?
- A. A large air leak in the water-seal chamber
- B. 400 mL of blood in the collection chamber
- C. Complaint of pain with each deep inspiration
- D. Subcutaneous emphysema at the insertion site
Correct answer: 400 mL of blood in the collection chamber
Rationale: The nurse should be most concerned if 400 mL of blood is observed in the collection chamber as it may indicate the patient is at risk of developing hypovolemic shock. A large air leak in the water-seal chamber is expected initially after chest tube placement for a pneumothorax. While pain with deep inspiration should be treated, it is not as urgent as the risk of continued hemorrhage. Subcutaneous emphysema is not uncommon in a patient with pneumothorax and is usually harmless. However, a large amount of blood in the collection chamber is a more critical finding that requires immediate attention to prevent potential complications.
2. The nurse suspects that a client is withholding health-related information out of fear of discovery and possible legal problems. The nurse formulates nursing diagnoses for the client carefully, being concerned about a diagnostic error resulting from which of the following?
- A. Incomplete data
- B. Generalizing from experience
- C. Identifying with the client
- D. Lack of clinical experience
Correct answer: Incomplete data
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is cautious about potential diagnostic errors due to incomplete data. When a client withholds information, it can lead to incomplete data, which may result in inaccurate nursing diagnoses and care planning. Therefore, the nurse's primary concern is collecting accurate data to make informed clinical decisions. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the situation described. Generalizing from experience, identifying with the client, and lack of clinical experience do not directly address the issue of incomplete data impacting the diagnostic process.
3. A woman presents with bruises on her face and back in various stages of healing. She states, 'sometimes he just gets so angry.' Which of the following statements is most appropriate as a response from the nurse?
- A. Do you mean your boyfriend?
- B. Do you mean your boyfriend?
- C. No one will ever hurt you again.
- D. Tell me more about what happens when he gets angry.
Correct answer: Tell me more about what happens when he gets angry.
Rationale: The most appropriate response from the nurse is to gather more information by asking the client to elaborate on what occurs when the individual in question gets angry. It is essential for the nurse to understand the situation better before taking any action or making assumptions. Option A and B are repetitive and do not encourage further exploration of the situation. Option C offers a false promise and reassurance that the nurse cannot guarantee, which may not be helpful in addressing the client's needs.
4. The nurse teaches a patient about the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates that teaching was effective?
- A. I will avoid being outdoors whenever possible.
- B. My husband will be sleeping in the guest bedroom.
- C. I will take the bus instead of driving to visit my friends.
- D. I will keep the windows closed at home to contain the germs.
Correct answer: My husband will be sleeping in the guest bedroom.
Rationale: To prevent the transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis, it is important for the infected individual to minimize exposure to close contacts and household members. Sleeping alone in a separate room, like the guest bedroom, is an effective measure. The other choices are not ideal: Choice A is incorrect because spending time outdoors is encouraged for ventilation; Choice C is incorrect as using public transportation increases the risk of transmission; Choice D is incorrect because keeping windows closed limits ventilation, which is necessary to reduce the concentration of infectious particles in the air.
5. What action by the nurse will be most effective in decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting?
- A. Providing supportive care to patients diagnosed with pertussis
- B. Teaching family members about the importance of careful handwashing
- C. Teaching patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations
- D. Encouraging patients to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics
Correct answer: Teaching patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations
Rationale: The most effective action by the nurse to decrease the spread of pertussis in a community setting is to teach patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations. The increased rate of pertussis in adults is often attributed to waning immunity after childhood immunization. Immunization is highly effective in protecting communities from infectious diseases. While teaching about handwashing is important for overall infection control, pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and contact with secretions. Providing supportive care does not significantly impact the disease course or transmission risk. Encouraging completion of antibiotics may help reduce transmission, but patients likely have already spread the disease by the time the diagnosis is made. Therefore, the emphasis should be on prevention through immunization to reduce the spread of pertussis.
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