NCLEX NCLEX-PN
NCLEX PN Exam Cram
1. Which of the following lab values would indicate symptomatic AIDS in the medical chart? (T4 cell count per deciliter)
- A. Greater than 1000 cells per deciliter
- B. Less than 500 cells per deciliter
- C. Greater than 2000 cells per deciliter
- D. Less than 200 cells per deciliter
Correct answer: Less than 200 cells per deciliter
Rationale: A T4 cell count of less than 200 cells per deciliter indicates symptomatic AIDS. This severe depletion of T4 cells signifies advanced HIV infection and a significantly compromised immune system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because T4 cell counts above 2000, above 1000, or below 500 cells per deciliter, respectively, are not indicative of symptomatic AIDS.
2. When teaching bleeding precautions to a client with leukemia, the PN should include which of the following instructions?
- A. Use a soft toothbrush.
- B. Use dental floss daily.
- C. Hold pressure on any scrapes for 1–2 minutes.
- D. Use a triple-edged razor.
Correct answer: Use a soft toothbrush.
Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Use a soft toothbrush.' A soft toothbrush is recommended because it is less likely to cause the gums to bleed in clients with leukemia, who are at risk of bleeding due to overcrowding of white cells at the expense of other cell types like platelets. Choice B, 'Use dental floss daily,' is incorrect because dental floss is contraindicated and can make the gums bleed in clients with leukemia. Choice C, 'Hold pressure on any scrapes for 1–2 minutes,' is incorrect because when clotting is impaired, pressure should be held for 5–10 minutes or longer until the bleeding stops. Choice D, 'Use a triple-edged razor,' is incorrect because an electric razor should be used instead of a triple-edged razor to prevent small cuts and bleeding in clients with leukemia.
3. The nurse has a client who is being transferred to another floor right around change of shift. Which of the following actions is least appropriate?
- A. Inform the staff on the other floor of any unresolved issues with the client.
- B. Ask the charge nurse if overtime would be permitted to complete the client’s transfer to the other floor.
- C. Ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer since the client’s medical record has all of the information, and a report should not be needed.
- D. Complete the transfer paperwork before the client is transferred.
Correct answer: Ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer since the client’s medical record has all of the information, and a report should not be needed.
Rationale: The least appropriate action in this scenario is to ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer without providing a full handoff of care. It is crucial to ensure a safe handoff during the transfer to maintain continuity of care and patient safety. Informing the staff on the other floor of any unresolved issues with the client (Choice A) is important for the client's well-being as it helps in providing comprehensive care. Asking the charge nurse about overtime (Choice B) demonstrates consideration for completing the task effectively, but it should not take precedence over ensuring a proper handoff. Completing the transfer paperwork before the client is transferred (Choice D) is necessary to ensure all documentation is in order, but it should be done in conjunction with providing a thorough handoff of care to the new nurse.
4. Which of the following is an inappropriate item to include in planning care for a severely neutropenic client?
- A. Transfuse neutrophils (granulocytes) to prevent infection.
- B. Exclude raw vegetables from the diet.
- C. Avoid administering rectal suppositories.
- D. Prohibit vases of fresh flowers and plants in the client’s room.
Correct answer: Transfuse neutrophils (granulocytes) to prevent infection.
Rationale: The correct answer is to transfuse neutrophils (granulocytes) to prevent infection. Granulocyte transfusion is not routinely indicated to prevent infection in neutropenic clients. While neutrophils are essential in fighting infections and are beneficial in selected populations of infected, severely granulocytopenic clients who do not respond to antibiotics and are expected to experience prolonged suppression of granulocyte production, routine granulocyte transfusion is not recommended. Choices B, C, and D are appropriate interventions for a severely neutropenic client. Prohibiting fresh flowers and plants helps reduce the risk of exposure to environmental pathogens. Avoiding rectal suppositories minimizes the risk of introducing harmful bacteria. Excluding raw vegetables from the diet reduces the likelihood of foodborne infections.
5. While performing a physical assessment on a 6-month-old infant, the nurse observes head lag. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse perform first?
- A. Ask the parents to allow the infant to lie on his stomach to promote muscle development.
- B. Notify the physician because a developmental or neurological evaluation is indicated.
- C. Document the findings as abnormal in the nurse’s notes.
- D. Explain to the parents that their child is likely to have developmental delays.
Correct answer: Notify the physician because a developmental or neurological evaluation is indicated.
Rationale: Head lag should be completely resolved by 4 months of age. Continuing head lag at 6 months of age indicates the need for further developmental or neurological evaluation. Laying the infant on his stomach promotes muscle development of the neck and shoulder muscles, but because of the age of this child, a referral should be the first action. The findings are abnormal for a 6-month-old infant. Significant head lag can be seen in infants with Down syndrome and hypoxia, as well as neurological and other metabolic disorders. While some of these disorders might include developmental delays, stating this to the parents without a proper evaluation can cause unnecessary distress. The priority is to identify the cause of the head lag through a medical evaluation before discussing potential outcomes with the parents.
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