NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. When auscultating the blood pressure of a 25-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the phase I Korotkoff sounds begin at 200 mm Hg. At 100 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds muffle. At 92 mm Hg, the Korotkoff sounds disappear. How should the nurse record this patient's blood pressure?
- A. 200/92
- B. 200/100
- C. 100/200/92
- D. 200/100/92
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When auscultating blood pressure, it is crucial to note the points at which Korotkoff sounds change. In adults, the last audible sound indicates the diastolic pressure. In this case, the Korotkoff sounds muffle at 100 mm Hg and disappear at 92 mm Hg. Therefore, the blood pressure should be recorded as systolic/diastolic, which is 200/92. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct points where the Korotkoff sounds change during blood pressure measurement.
2. A second-year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS. Which of the following is the most significant action that the nursing student should take?
- A. Immediately see a social worker
- B. Start prophylactic AZT treatment
- C. Start prophylactic Pentamidine treatment
- D. Seek counseling
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Starting prophylactic AZT treatment is the most critical intervention in this scenario. Azidothymidine (AZT) is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS by reducing the replication of the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV involves taking medication to suppress the virus and prevent infection after exposure. PEP should be initiated within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure to be effective. Seeking treatment quickly is crucial to enhance its effectiveness. Seeing a social worker (Choice A) may be helpful for emotional support but is not the immediate priority. Pentamidine treatment (Choice C) is not indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Seeking counseling (Choice D) is important for the nursing student's emotional well-being but does not address the urgent need for post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission.
3. During the evaluation of the quality of home care for a client with Alzheimer's disease, the priority for the nurse is to reinforce which statement by a family member?
- A. "At least two (2) full meals a day are eaten."?
- B. "We go to a group discussion every week at our community center."?
- C. "We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors."?
- D. "The medication is not a problem to have taken three (3) times a day."?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is, '"We have safety bars installed in the bathroom and have 24-hour alarms on the doors."?' Ensuring the safety of a client with Alzheimer's disease is crucial in home care. Installing safety features like bars in the bathroom and alarms on doors help prevent accidents and injuries. This contributes to creating a safe environment that promotes independence and autonomy for the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important aspects of care, ensuring safety in the home environment takes precedence in caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease.
4. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?
- A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
- B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
- C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
- D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.
5. A patient has a goal of eating at least 50% of each meal. The patient refuses to eat, so a nurse force-feeds the patient in order for them to reach their goal of eating at least 50% of the meal. The nurse has committed __________ against this patient.
- A. assault
- B. battery
- C. physical neglect
- D. emotional neglect
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'battery.' Battery occurs when there is unwanted physical contact or force applied to a person without their consent. In this scenario, force-feeding the patient against their will constitutes battery as the nurse is physically interfering with the patient's body without permission. Assault involves the threat of physical harm, which is not present in the situation described. Physical neglect refers to the failure to provide basic care needs, which is not the case here. Emotional neglect involves the failure to address emotional needs, which is also not applicable in this context.
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