NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. What type of blood pressure measurement error is most likely to occur if the nurse does not check for the presence of an auscultatory gap?
- A. Diastolic blood pressure may not be heard.
- B. Diastolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
- C. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely low.
- D. Systolic blood pressure may be falsely high.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: If an auscultatory gap is undetected, a falsely low systolic reading may occur. This gap can lead to an underestimation of the systolic blood pressure, causing potential misinterpretation of the patient's condition. The diastolic blood pressure may not be heard due to the gap, but the critical issue in this scenario is the risk of underestimating systolic blood pressure, which can impact clinical decision-making. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the key concern in this context is the potential for a falsely low systolic blood pressure reading when an auscultatory gap is not assessed.
2. A patient with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What potential problem associated with dysphagia has the greatest influence on the plan of care?
- A. Anorexia
- B. Aspiration
- C. Self-care deficit
- D. Inadequate intake
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a person experiences dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the greatest concern is aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or fluids enter the trachea and lungs instead of going down the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications such as choking, airway obstruction, and aspiration pneumonia. Anorexia (Choice A) refers to a loss of appetite, which is not the primary concern with dysphagia. Self-care deficit (Choice C) and inadequate intake (Choice D) are important considerations but do not have as direct an impact on the immediate safety and health risks associated with aspiration in dysphagia.
3. For the nursing diagnostic statement, Self-care deficit: feeding related to bilateral fractured wrists in casts, what is the major related factor or risk factor identified by the nurse?
- A. Discomfort
- B. Deficit
- C. Feeding
- D. Fractured wrists
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fractured wrists.' In a nursing diagnostic statement, the related factor or risk factor is the underlying cause of the identified problem. In this case, the major factor affecting the self-care deficit in feeding is the bilateral fractured wrists in casts. The fractured wrists directly impact the client's ability to feed themselves, making it the primary related factor. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as discomfort, deficit, and feeding are not the primary cause of the feeding problem in this scenario; rather, it is the physical limitation caused by the fractured wrists that is the focus of the nursing intervention.
4. The hospital has sounded the call for a disaster drill on the evening shift. Which of these clients would the nurse prioritize first on the list to be discharged in order to make a room available for a new admission?
- A. A middle-aged client with a history of being ventilator dependent for over seven (7) years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago.
- B. A young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 for over ten (10) years and admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago.
- C. An elderly client with a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and lupus, and was admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome that morning.
- D. An adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best candidate for discharge during a need for emergency room availability is a stable patient with a chronic condition who is familiar with their care. In this scenario, the middle-aged client in option A, who has been ventilator dependent for over seven years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago, is most suitable for discharge. This client is likely stable and can continue medication therapy at home, making them the most appropriate choice for discharge at this time. Choice B should not be the priority for discharge as the young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago may need further monitoring and management of their condition. Choice C, the elderly client with multiple comorbidities and admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome on the same day, is not a suitable candidate for immediate discharge as they may require ongoing medical attention and observation. Choice D, the adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago, should not be discharged first as acute cellulitis may require continued treatment and monitoring, especially in the context of a positive HIV status.
5. Your elderly patient has a temperature of 98.5 degrees. Is there anything else that a nurse should do, in addition to documenting this temperature?
- A. No, this temperature is within normal limits.
- B. No, this temperature is normally hyperthermic.
- C. Yes, this temperature is highly hyperthermic.
- D. Yes, this temperature is highly hypothermic.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: No, there is nothing else that a nurse should do. A temperature of 98.5 degrees for an elderly patient falls within normal limits. Other choices are incorrect because the temperature is not hyperthermic (abnormally high) or hypothermic (abnormally low), making choices B, C, and D inaccurate responses in this scenario.
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