when assessing a 75 year old patient who has asthma the nurse notes that the patient assumes a tripod position leaning forward with arms braced on the

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that the patient assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. How would the nurse interpret these findings?

A. Interpret that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview.
B. Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position.
C. Interpret that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist them to a supine position.
D. Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assuming a tripod position"?leaning forward with arms braced on chair arms"?occurs with chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma. This position helps improve breathing by allowing better use of respiratory muscles. Option A is incorrect because assuming the tripod position is not related to being eager or interested in participating in an interview. Option B is incorrect as abdominal pain is not typically associated with the tripod position in this context. Option C is incorrect as assisting the patient to a supine position would not address the underlying respiratory difficulty indicated by the tripod position. Therefore, the correct interpretation is to recognize that the patient is likely experiencing respiratory difficulties when assuming the tripod position.

2. In which situation would the nurse use bimanual palpation technique?

A. Palpating the thorax of an infant
B. Palpating the kidneys and uterus
C. Assessing pulsations and vibrations
D. Assessing the presence of tenderness and pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bimanual palpation involves using both hands to envelop or capture specific body parts or organs like the kidneys, uterus, or adnexa. This technique is particularly useful for assessing the size, shape, consistency, and mobility of deep organs like the kidneys and uterus. Palpating the thorax of an infant (Choice A) is usually done with a different technique like gentle, single-handed palpation. Assessing pulsations and vibrations (Choice C) and assessing tenderness and pain (Choice D) typically do not require the use of bimanual palpation, making Choices A, C, and D incorrect.

3. Your patient who had AIDS/HIV has just died. Should you still use standard precautions as you provide post-mortem care?

A. Yes, because the virus is still transmissible
B. Yes, because respect must still be maintained
C. No, because the virus is no longer transmissible
D. No, because it is disrespectful

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yes, you should still use standard precautions even after an HIV/AIDS patient has died. The virus can remain infectious after death, and healthcare workers need to protect themselves from potential exposure. Choice B is incorrect because while respect is important, the primary reason for using standard precautions is to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Choice C is incorrect as the virus can still be transmissible even after the patient's death. Choice D is incorrect as using standard precautions is a matter of infection control, not a question of respect.

4. Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:

A. show signs of hyperoxia.
B. have increased O2 saturation.
C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
D. None of the above.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.

5. An adult's blood pressure reads 40/20. You place the patient in a Trendelenberg position before rechecking the blood pressure. What actions will you take to position the patient correctly?

A. lower the head of the bed and raise the foot of the bed
B. raise the head of the bed up to about 60 to 75 degrees
C. raise the head of the bed up to about 75 to 90 degrees
D. raise the siderails and place the bed in the high position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a Trendelenberg position, used for low blood pressure, the correct action is to lower the head of the bed and raise the foot of the bed. This positioning facilitates the return of blood to the heart and helps increase blood pressure. Option B, raising the head of the bed to 60 to 75 degrees, is incorrect as it is not the Trendelenberg position. Option C, raising the head of the bed to 75 to 90 degrees, is incorrect as it does not align with the Trendelenberg position. Option D, raising the siderails and placing the bed in the high position, is incorrect as it does not address the specific positioning required for the Trendelenberg position.