what is pica

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX PN 2023 Quizlet

1. What is pica?

A. dependency on alcohol
B. increased iron in the diet
C. the sickle cell trait
D. eating ice

Correct answer: eating ice

Rationale: Pica is a disorder characterized by the ingestion of nonfood substances, which can lead to a clinical iron deficiency. It may be the first sign of an underlying issue. Individuals with pica consume a variety of nonfood items such as ice, clay, dirt, or paste. Choice A, dependency on alcohol, is incorrect as it is not related to pica. Choice B, increased iron in the diet, is incorrect because pica involves ingesting nonfood items rather than having an increased intake of iron. Choice C, the sickle cell trait, is unrelated to pica and is therefore incorrect.

2. The nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin therapy (Coumadin®) following a stroke. The client’s PT/INR was completed at 7:00 A.M. prior to the morning meal with an INR reading of 4.0. Which of the following is the nurse’s first priority?

A. Call the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose.
B. Administer a vitamin K injection IM and notify the physician of the results.
C. Assess the client for bleeding around the gums or in the stool and notify the physician of the lab results and latest dose of Coumadin®.
D. Notify the next shift to hold the daily dose of Coumadin® scheduled for 5:00 P.M.

Correct answer: Administer a vitamin K injection IM and notify the physician of the results.

Rationale: In a client receiving warfarin therapy with a high INR of 4.0, the nurse's first priority is to administer a vitamin K injection intramuscularly (IM) and notify the physician of the results. An INR of 4.0 indicates excessive anticoagulation, putting the client at risk of bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin overdose and helps to reverse its effects. It is crucial to administer vitamin K promptly to prevent bleeding complications. Calling the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose is inappropriate and dangerous in this situation, as it would further raise the INR. Assessing the client for bleeding and notifying the physician is important but not the first priority when faced with a critically high INR. Holding the daily dose of Coumadin® may be necessary after administering vitamin K, but it is not the primary action needed to address the acute high INR level.

3. Which client should the nurse see first?

A. Recurring crushing chest pain
B. Needing an IV for surgery in 5 minutes
C. Needing PCA morphine for pain control post-hysterectomy
D. Waiting to get back to bed after sitting in a chair for 30 minutes

Correct answer: Recurring crushing chest pain

Rationale: The client presenting with recurring crushing chest pain should be seen first as this symptom could indicate a myocardial infarction (MI), which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Assessing and managing potential cardiac issues take priority over other concerns like needing an IV for surgery, pain control post-hysterectomy, or assistance with mobility. While all clients require care, addressing the chest pain promptly is crucial to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

4. The client is admitted to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident and has sustained a closed chest wound. Which assessment finding is consistent with a flail chest?

A. Biot's respirations
B. Sucking sounds during respirations
C. Paradoxical chest wall movement
D. Hypotension and bradycardia

Correct answer: C: Paradoxical chest wall movement

Rationale: The correct assessment finding consistent with a flail chest is paradoxical chest wall movement. This occurs when a segment of the chest wall moves in the opposite direction to the rest of the chest during respiration. Biot's respirations (Choice A) are a pattern of breathing characterized by groups of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea. Sucking sounds during respirations (Choice B) may indicate air entering or leaving the chest cavity through a wound. Hypotension and bradycardia (Choice D) may be present due to other factors such as shock, but they are not specific to a flail chest.

5. A homeless person has been admitted to the medical unit and placed on airborne precautions for suspected active TB infection. The nurse will assess for these signs and symptoms (Select one that doesn't apply).

A. Weight gain
B. Fatigue
C. Bloody sputum
D. Diaphoresis during sleep

Correct answer: Weight gain

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Weight gain.' When assessing for signs and symptoms of active TB infection, weight loss is typically observed rather than weight gain. Other common signs and symptoms include fatigue, bloody sputum, and diaphoresis during sleep. Fatigue, bloody sputum, and diaphoresis during sleep are all associated with active TB infection. Weight gain is not typically seen in active TB; instead, patients usually experience weight loss due to the impact of the infection on their overall health.