NCLEX-RN
Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions
1. Which of the following may be a cultural barrier that impacts a healthcare provider's ability to provide care or education to the client?
- A. A healthcare provider offers educational materials to a client that are written at an 8th-grade reading level
- B. A Vietnamese woman wants to use steaming in addition to her prescription antibiotics
- C. A healthcare provider uses pantomime to explain a procedure to a deaf client
- D. A Native American client requests a healing ritual before considering surgery
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cultural barriers can impede communication, hindering a healthcare provider's ability to provide education or instructions about a client's care. In the context of cultural sensitivity, using pantomime to explain a procedure to a deaf client can be ineffective and inappropriate. This approach implies a lack of recognition of the importance of proper communication methods, such as sign language interpreters, which are crucial for effective communication with individuals who are deaf. Miscommunication is likely to occur if the client does not understand the gestures and actions of the healthcare provider. This scenario highlights the significance of understanding and respecting different cultural practices and communication needs to deliver optimal care and education. Choice A is incorrect because offering educational materials at an appropriate reading level demonstrates consideration for the client's literacy level, which can enhance understanding and compliance with medical instructions. Choice B is incorrect as incorporating a client's cultural practices, such as steaming, alongside prescribed treatments can be a part of culturally competent care. Choice D is incorrect as respecting a client's request for a healing ritual aligns with providing patient-centered care that acknowledges and integrates cultural beliefs and preferences.
2. Which of the following interventions is necessary before insertion of an arterial line into the radial artery?
- A. Ensure that the client does not need surgery
- B. Assess the client's grip strength
- C. Perform an Allen test
- D. Check a serum potassium level
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Before inserting an arterial line into the radial artery, it is crucial to perform an Allen test. The Allen test assesses the collateral circulation to the hand by compressing both the radial and ulnar arteries. By occluding the radial artery and releasing the ulnar artery, the nurse can check if the ulnar artery can adequately supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is cannulated. This step ensures that there is adequate circulation to the hand post-insertion of the arterial line. Choice A, ensuring that the client does not need surgery, is not directly related to the insertion of an arterial line and is not a necessary step before the procedure. Choice B, assessing grip strength, is not specific to the vascular status of the hand and does not provide information about the adequacy of collateral circulation. Choice D, checking a serum potassium level, is unrelated to the assessment of radial artery patency and collateral circulation, which are the primary concerns before arterial line insertion.
3. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is slow to respond and appears to be listening to unseen others. Which medication should a nurse expect a physician to order to address this type of symptom?
- A. Haloperidol (Haldol) to address the negative symptom
- B. Clonazepam (Klonopin) to address the positive symptom
- C. Risperidone (Risperdal) to address the positive symptom
- D. Clozapine (Clozaril) to address the negative symptom
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct medication to address the symptom described, where the client is slow to respond and appears to be listening to unseen others, is Risperidone (Risperdal). Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that is commonly used to manage positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Haloperidol (Haldol) and Clozapine (Clozaril) are typically used for addressing negative symptoms, such as lack of motivation or social withdrawal. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety disorders and seizures, not for addressing symptoms of schizophrenia.
4. The client has a long leg cast. During discharge teaching about appropriate exercises for the affected extremity, the nurse should recommend:
- A. Isometric
- B. Range of motion
- C. Aerobic
- D. Isotonic
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recommend isometric exercises for the muscles of the casted extremity. Isometric exercises involve contracting and relaxing muscles without moving the affected part. This type of exercise helps maintain muscle strength without moving the joint, which is important for clients with immobilized extremities. Range of motion exercises involve moving the joint through its full range of motion, which may not be suitable for a client with a long leg cast. Aerobic exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance and may not be appropriate for a client with a casted extremity. Isotonic exercises involve muscle contractions with movement, which may not be safe for the affected extremity in a cast.
5. A client with hyperkalemia may exhibit peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram. This manifestation is an early sign of high potassium levels, but the diagnosis should not be based on this aspect alone. Untreated, hyperkalemia can lead to progressively worsening cardiac instability.
- A. A lumbar puncture takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the back, which will be analyzed by the lab.
- B. The physician will insert a needle at the level of L4-L5 in the spinal cord.
- C. The client should lie flat on their back for a specific period following the procedure.
- D. The risks of the procedure include headache, back pain, and infection.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis to investigate various conditions affecting the client. During the procedure, the client is typically positioned on their side or sitting leaning over a table with their back rounded. The physician inserts a needle into the back around the L4-L5 vertebrae to collect the sample. Option A is incorrect because a lumbar puncture does not draw blood but instead collects cerebrospinal fluid. Option C is incorrect as the client should not necessarily lie flat for 24 hours post-procedure. Option D is incorrect as the common risks of a lumbar puncture include headache, back pain, and potential infection, not nausea, rash, or hypotension.
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