NCLEX-RN
Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. When considering the concepts related to blood pressure, which statement best describes the concept of mean arterial pressure (MAP)?
- A. MAP is the pressure of the arterial pulse.
- B. MAP reflects the stroke volume of the heart.
- C. MAP is the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
- D. MAP is an average of the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and reflects tissue perfusion.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is the pressure that forces blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle. It is not the pressure of the arterial pulse (Choice A), nor does it directly reflect the stroke volume of the heart (Choice B). While MAP involves systolic and diastolic pressures, it is not simply an average of these two values as diastole lasts longer. Instead, MAP is closer to diastolic pressure plus one third of the pulse pressure. The best description of MAP is that it represents the pressure forcing blood into the tissues, averaged over the cardiac cycle.
2. What is the initial step to take when a patient passes out at the front desk?
- A. Call 911.
- B. Initiate CPR.
- C. Shake the patient and ask if they are okay.
- D. Check for a pulse.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial step when a patient passes out at the front desk is to shake the patient gently and ask if they are okay. This step aims to assess the patient's level of responsiveness. Checking for a pulse or initiating CPR should only be done if the patient does not respond to being shaken. Calling 911 can be the next step after assessing the patient's immediate condition and providing necessary assistance.
3. A patient's Foley catheter has been discontinued. You will dispose of this patient equipment by doing which of the following?
- A. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- B. Simply placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
- C. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
- D. Simply placing this equipment in the 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When disposing of used patient equipment, such as a Foley catheter, that has come in contact with bodily fluids, it is considered hazardous waste. The correct procedure involves wearing gloves and placing the Foley bag and tubing into a special 'hazardous waste' container. This container is marked as 'Hazardous' and is typically red to indicate the potential danger of its contents. Placing the equipment in a regular trash can, even if placed in a paper bag, is not appropriate as it does not meet the standards for disposing of hazardous waste. Therefore, options A and B are incorrect. Similarly, simply placing the equipment in a 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag is also incorrect as direct disposal into the designated container while wearing gloves is the proper protocol, making option D incorrect.
4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of platelets to a client. Which of the following actions must the healthcare professional perform before giving the platelets?
- A. Start an IV of 0.9% Normal Saline to administer with the platelets
- B. Ensure the container with the platelets is intact and not damaged
- C. Verify the client's identity using two unique identifiers
- D. Check the client's chart to ensure no contraindications to platelet transfusion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before administering platelets, it is crucial to check the integrity of the container holding the blood product. An intact container ensures the sterility and safety of the platelets, minimizing the risk of contamination or infection. Option A is incorrect as administering platelets typically does not require starting a new IV line unless indicated for the specific patient. Option C is not the priority as verifying the client's identity can be done at any point during the administration process but is not specific to the platelet transfusion itself. Option D, checking the client's chart for antibiotic use, is not directly related to ensuring the safety of the blood product container.
5. The nurse is examining a 2-year-old child and asks, "May I listen to your heart now?"? Which critique of the nurse's technique is most accurate?
- A. Asking questions may enhance the child's autonomy.
- B. Asking the child for permission helps develop a sense of trust.
- C. This question is an inappropriate statement because children at this age like to have choices.
- D. Children at this age like to say, "No."? The examiner should not offer a choice when no choice is available.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Children at the age of 2 often like to assert their independence by saying "No."? In situations where there is actually no choice available, offering a false choice can lead to a lack of trust. It is important not to offer a choice when there isn't one, as doing so may undermine trust. While asking for permission can enhance autonomy and trust, offering a limited option like, "Shall I listen to your heart next or your tummy?"? may be a better approach. Therefore, the correct critique of the nurse's technique in this scenario is that children at this age tend to say "No,"? so the examiner should avoid offering a choice when there isn't a real alternative.
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