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. All of the following factors may contribute to client falls EXCEPT:
- A. Contact dermatitis
- B. Urinary frequency
- C. Decreased visual acuity
- D. Confusion
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Client falls can result from various factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors include health conditions like urinary frequency, which increases the need for bathroom visits, decreased visual acuity, and confusion. These factors can directly contribute to an increased risk of falls. However, contact dermatitis does not directly lead to falls. Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens and does not inherently predispose individuals to falling. Therefore, among the given options, contact dermatitis is the only factor that is not directly associated with an increased risk of falls.
3. Which of these statements is true regarding the use of Standard Precautions in the healthcare setting?
- A. Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, except sweat.
- B. Alcohol-based hand rub should be used if hands are not visibly dirty.
- C. Standard Precautions are intended for use with all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status.
- D. Standard Precautions are to be used only when non-intact skin, excretions containing visible blood, or expected contact with mucous membranes are present.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Standard Precautions are designed to reduce the risk for transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources. They are intended for use with all patients, regardless of their risk or presumed infection status. Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat - whether or not they contain visible blood, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes. Hands should be washed with soap and water if visibly soiled with blood or body fluids. Alcohol-based hand rubs can be used if hands are not visibly soiled. Choice A is incorrect because Standard Precautions apply to all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat. Choice B is incorrect because alcohol-based hand rub should be used when hands are not visibly dirty. Choice D is incorrect because Standard Precautions are not limited to situations involving non-intact skin, excretions with visible blood, or expected mucous membrane contact.
4. During a heritage assessment, which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
- A. "Do you smoke?"?
- B. "What is your religion?"?
- C. "Do you have a history of heart disease?"?
- D. "How many years have you lived in the United States?"?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During a heritage assessment, it is crucial for the nurse to ask questions related to a person's country of ancestry, years in the United States, cultural practices, beliefs, and values. By asking about the number of years lived in the United States, the nurse can gain insights into the individual's cultural background and heritage. Options B, C, and A are not directly related to assessing heritage. Asking about religion only addresses one aspect of heritage, while smoking history and health history do not provide a comprehensive view of a person's heritage.
5. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?
- A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
- B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
- C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
- D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.
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