the purpose of performing quality control is to

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale

1. What is the purpose of performing quality control?

A. Create a paper trail to show that the laboratory is compliant with OSHA standards for quality control.
B. Improve the odds that the results reported for any given test are as accurate and reliable as possible.
C. Be required by law to be part of a quality assurance program.
D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of performing quality control is to enhance the accuracy and reliability of test results. Quality controls are crucial for ensuring the reliability of each analyte tested. While quality control is not mandated by specific laws, accrediting bodies often require it to maintain accreditation. Creating a paper trail and legal requirements are not the primary objectives of quality control, making choices A and C incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is to improve the accuracy and reliability of reported test results.

2. Teresa is an 84-year-old with stage 4 ovarian cancer who has been admitted for a bowel obstruction. She recently stated that she has decided that she doesn't want any further aggressive care and is requesting to be placed under hospice care. Her husband and daughter are supportive of her decision. She spoke with her oncologist about it, and he stated that he did not agree and wrote orders on her chart for chemotherapy. What would be the best first response to this situation?

A. Give the patient a list of other oncologists
B. Tell the family to report the doctor to the state quality board
C. Notify the doctor that the patient refuses the chemotherapy
D. Give the patient hospice information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient has the right to refuse any treatment, and the doctor should be notified that the orders on the chart cannot be performed, with appropriate documentation. In this situation, the best first response is to notify the doctor that the patient refuses the chemotherapy. This step ensures that the patient's wishes are respected and that inappropriate treatments are not administered. It also opens up a dialogue with the oncologist, giving him the opportunity to understand the patient's perspective and potentially support her decision. Providing hospice information is a good follow-up step after addressing the immediate issue of refusing chemotherapy, as it allows the patient to initiate her own hospice evaluation if desired. Giving the patient a list of other oncologists or telling the family to report the doctor to the state quality board are not appropriate initial responses and may not align with the patient's wishes or autonomy.

3. Sinusitis is caused by:

A. Bacteria
B. Fungus
C. Virus
D. Any of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sinusitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. While bacterial infections are the most common cause, viral or fungal infections can also lead to sinusitis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Any of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they only represent individual causes of sinusitis, whereas choice D encompasses all possible causes.

4. A 32-year-old pregnant woman comes to the clinic for her prenatal visit. The nurse gathers data about her obstetric history, which includes 3-year-old twins at home and a miscarriage 10 years ago at 12 weeks gestation. How would the nurse accurately document this information?

A. G4 T1 P0 A1 L2
B. G3 T1 P0 A1 L2
C. G3 T0 P1 A1 L2
D. G4 T0 P1 A1 L2

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is G4 T1 P0 A1 L2. This documentation accurately represents the woman's obstetric history. G4: She is currently pregnant (1), has twins (1), and had a miscarriage (1), totaling four pregnancies. T1: She has had one pregnancy that resulted in the birth of her twins at term. P0: She has not had any preterm births. A1: She had one miscarriage at 12 weeks gestation. L2: She has two living children (the twins). Therefore, the correct documentation reflects all aspects of her obstetric history as provided.

5. At a community health fair, the blood pressure of a 62-year-old client is 160/96 mmHg. The client states, "My blood pressure is usually much lower."? The nurse should tell the client to:

A. Go get a blood pressure check within the next 15 minutes
B. Check blood pressure again in two (2) months
C. See the healthcare provider immediately
D. Visit the healthcare provider within one (1) week for a BP check

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The blood pressure reading of 160/96 mmHg is moderately high, indicating hypertension. Given that the client mentions their blood pressure is usually lower, there is concern for acute complications like a stroke. Therefore, an immediate reassessment of the blood pressure within the next 15 minutes is warranted to confirm the reading and take appropriate actions if necessary. Waiting for two months (Choice B) or a week (Choice D) could pose risks of delaying intervention. Seeing the healthcare provider immediately (Choice C) is a good option, but in this case, the urgency is not as high as to require immediate attention at the healthcare provider's office.