when assessing the pulse of a 6 year old patient the nurse notices that the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle speeding up at the peak of in

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. What action would the nurse take next?

A. Notify the physician.
B. Record this finding as normal.
C. Check the child's blood pressure and note any variation with respiration.
D. Document that this child has bradycardia and continue with the assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to record this finding as normal. Sinus dysrhythmia, characterized by heart rate variation with the respiratory cycle, is commonly found in children and young adults. The heart rate speeds up at the peak of inspiration and slows to normal with expiration. This phenomenon is a normal variant and does not require any intervention. There is no need to notify the physician as this finding is within the expected range for this age group. Checking the child's blood pressure for variations with respiration or documenting the child as having bradycardia would not be appropriate in this case, as sinus dysrhythmia is a normal physiological response.

2. What is the primary route of transmission of MRSA?

A. Shared needles
B. Hands of healthcare workers
C. Items in the healthcare environment
D. Blood transfusions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hands of healthcare workers.' MRSA is primarily transmitted via the unwashed hands of healthcare workers who can carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium from one patient to another. Shared needles, items in the healthcare environment, and blood transfusions are not the main routes of transmission for MRSA. Shared needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens, items in the healthcare environment can harbor bacteria but are not the primary mode for MRSA, and blood transfusions are not a common route for MRSA transmission.

3. A client is being instructed on how to use crutches. Which of the following information should be included in the teaching?

A. Place the majority of body weight on the axilla.
B. Dry crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet.
C. Use the crutches for support to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs.
D. Both B and C.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When instructing a client on how to use crutches for ambulation, it is important to emphasize keeping the crutch tips dry to prevent slipping while bearing weight on them. Moisture on the crutch tips can lead to accidents. Therefore, the correct answer is to dry the crutch tips with a paper towel if they become wet. Choice A, placing the majority of body weight on the axilla, is incorrect as the weight should be borne through the hands, not the axilla, to avoid nerve damage. Choice C, using the crutches to lift both feet simultaneously when ascending stairs, is incorrect as the client should ascend stairs by placing weight on the unaffected leg first, followed by the crutches and then the affected leg. This method provides stability and safety during stair climbing.

4. When a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, the healthcare provider should aim to weigh the patient at the same time of day and with consistent clothing. Using a standardized balance or electronic standing scale is recommended for accurate measurements. The patient should remove shoes and heavy outer clothing. It is not required for the patient to always be weighed in undergarments. What is the most appropriate indicator of the patient's overall well-being?

A. General health
B. Genetic makeup
C. Nutritional status
D. Activity and exercise patterns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight measurements are essential to assess general health, particularly in monitoring growth patterns. Height and weight recordings are crucial indicators of overall well-being, reflecting the individual's health status. Genetic makeup does not change with weight fluctuations, making it an inappropriate indicator. Nutritional status and activity levels can influence weight but are not as comprehensive as general health in reflecting overall well-being.

5. Where is the duodenum located in the digestive system?

A. It is the first part of the small intestine, located immediately after the stomach.
B. It is the section of the digestive system where the gall bladder delivers bile.
C. It is the section of the small intestine where the pancreas delivers digestive juices.
D. None of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, located immediately after the stomach. It is where the majority of digestion takes place in the gut. The pancreas delivers digestive juices containing amylase and lipase, while the gall bladder delivers bile to aid in the digestion of fats. Choice A incorrectly states that the duodenum is the third section of the small intestine, which is inaccurate. Choice B incorrectly associates the duodenum with the gall bladder, which is not where the duodenum is located. Choice C incorrectly states that the duodenum is where the pancreas delivers digestive juices, which is partly correct but not the main function of the duodenum. Therefore, the correct answer is 'None of the above' as none of the choices accurately describe the location or functions of the duodenum.