which of the following may represent an upper airway obstruction

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. Which of the following may represent an upper airway obstruction?

A. Retractions
B. Elongated expiratory phase
C. Stridor
D. Expiratory wheezing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Stridor is the sound produced by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed upper airway. It is a classic sign of upper airway obstruction. While an elongated expiratory phase may indicate lower airway obstruction, stridor specifically points to an upper airway issue. Retractions are also often seen in upper airway obstruction due to the increased effort of breathing. Expiratory wheezing, on the other hand, is more indicative of lower airway conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

2. To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?

A. Would you describe what you are feeling?
B. How are you today?
C. What would you like to talk about?
D. Where does it hurt?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'Would you describe what you are feeling?' This open-ended question prompts the patient to provide subjective data, offering specific information about their current health status and human responses. This information can help identify actual or potential health issues. Choices B and C are more likely to yield general, nonspecific information. Choice D may lead to a brief response or nonverbal indication of pain location. A more effective approach to gather specific information about pain would be to ask, 'Can you describe any pain you are experiencing?'

3. A client is taking a walk down the hallway when she suddenly realizes that she needs to use the restroom. Although she tries to make it to the bathroom on time, she is incontinent of urine before reaching the toilet. What type of incontinence does this situation represent?

A. Relex incontinence
B. Urge incontinence
C. Total incontinence
D. Functional incontinence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Functional incontinence occurs when a client develops an urge to void but may not be able to reach the toilet in time. In this scenario, the client had the urge to use the restroom but was unable to make it in time, leading to incontinence. Functional incontinence may be related to conditions that cause the client to forget bladder sensation until the last minute, such as cognitive changes, or the client may have mobility problems that prevent her from reaching the bathroom in time. Choice A, Reflex incontinence, is incorrect as reflex incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine due to hyperreflexia of the detrusor muscle. Choice B, Urge incontinence, is not the correct answer as urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong desire to void. Choice C, Total incontinence, is also incorrect as it refers to the continuous and unpredictable loss of urine, not specifically related to the inability to reach the toilet in time.

4. Mr. Thomas is a well-groomed 68-year-old male patient who had prostate surgery two days ago. He has an indwelling catheter and a urinary drainage bag. You have weighed him at 9 am each morning for 3 mornings in a row. Today, on the 4th day, his morning weight is 3 pounds more than it was the day before. Why could he have gained these 3 pounds in one day, on a 1000 calorie diet?

A. It is obvious that his visitors have been sneaking him junk food from the local fast-food restaurant.
B. It may be that his urinary drainage bag was not emptied today and it was emptied on previous days.
C. It is obvious that the scale is broken and it should be replaced immediately to prevent these false weights.
D. A 3-pound weight gain is not significant enough to question and should just be noted.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that the weight gain may be due to the urinary drainage bag not being emptied today, while it was emptied on previous days. This scenario is common and can lead to an increase in weight that is not related to food intake. Choice A is incorrect because assuming visitors are sneaking junk food is speculative and not based on facts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest the scale is broken. Choice D is incorrect because any unexplained weight gain should be investigated further, even if it seems insignificant at first.

5. Which term best describes changes such as retirement, grandparenting, and increased dependence on others?

A. Moral
B. Psychosocial
C. Self-esteem
D. Psychomotor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Psychosocial.' Retirement, grandparenting, and increased dependence on others are examples of psychosocial changes because they involve social interactions, relationships, and psychological aspects. 'Moral' (Choice A) does not directly relate to the changes mentioned. 'Self-esteem' (Choice C) is more about self-perception and confidence, not the social changes mentioned. 'Psychomotor' (Choice D) refers to physical movements and skills, which are not the focus of the changes described in the question.