NCLEX NCLEX-PN
Psychosocial Integrity Nclex PN Questions
1. The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:
- A. administer both medications simultaneously.
- B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
- C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
- D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2–4 hours.
Correct answer: give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8–10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3–5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.
2. The nurse receives an assignment of three clients. Which of the following should the nurse consider as the highest priority when determining which client to assess first?
- A. the client who most recently rang their call bell
- B. the client who has been waiting the longest for their call bell to be answered
- C. the client who is in the most pain
- D. the client who may have a risk for an airway obstruction
Correct answer: the client who may have a risk for an airway obstruction
Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing a client with a potential airway obstruction first based on the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) principle. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for oxygenation and ventilation, making it the highest priority. Choices A and B focus on call bells and waiting times, which are important but not life-threatening in comparison to airway concerns. While pain management is essential, it takes precedence after addressing immediate life-threatening issues like airway compromise.
3. Which medication might the healthcare provider prescribe if the client expresses discomfort with being in the enclosed space of a CT scanner?
- A. Valium (diazepam)
- B. Clozaril (clozapine)
- C. Catapres (clonidine)
- D. Lasix (furosemide)
Correct answer: Valium (diazepam)
Rationale: Valium (diazepam) is a sedative that might be prescribed to help a client who feels uncomfortable in the confined space of a CT scanner. Diazepam can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making the scanning process more tolerable. Clozaril (clozapine), Catapres (clonidine), and Lasix (furosemide) are not sedatives and wouldn't be appropriate for alleviating discomfort related to being in an enclosed space. Clozaril is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, Catapres is a blood pressure medication, and Lasix is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention, so they are not indicated for this situation.
4. A client reports hearing voices. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Touch the client to help him return to reality.
- B. Leave the client alone until reality returns.
- C. Ask the client to describe what is happening.
- D. Tell the client there are no voices.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a client reports hearing voices, it might indicate hallucinations. It is essential for the nurse to ask the client to describe what is happening to gain a better understanding of the hallucinations. This approach helps in assessing the severity and content of the hallucinations, which can guide further interventions. Touching the client without consent can be intrusive and may escalate the situation, violating the client's personal space. Leaving the client alone may not address the underlying issue of hallucinations and can lead to potential risks if the client is distressed. Telling the client there are no voices denies their experience, invalidates their feelings, and can result in mistrust between the client and the nurse.
5. A nurse reviewing the physical assessment findings in a client’s health care record notes documentation that the Phalen test caused numbness and burning. Which disorder does the nurse, on the basis of this finding, conclude that the client has?
- A. Scoliosis
- B. Bone deformity
- C. Heberden nodules
- D. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Correct answer: Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rationale: The Phalen test is specifically used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. In this test, the client is asked to hold their hands back to back while flexing the wrists 90 degrees, which can reproduce the numbness and burning sensation experienced by individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, not related to the Phalen test. Bone deformity is a general term that does not specifically relate to the symptoms described. Heberden nodules are bony swellings that occur in osteoarthritis and are not assessed through the Phalen test.
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