which of these guidelines would a nurse follow when measuring a patients weight

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. Which of these guidelines would a healthcare professional follow when measuring a patient's weight?

A. The patient is always weighed wearing only undergarments.
B. The type of scale matters and should be consistent day to day.
C. The patient should remove heavy outer clothing, shoes, and jackets before weighing.
D. Attempts should be made to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day if a sequence of weights is necessary.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When measuring a patient's weight, it is important to ensure accuracy and consistency. If a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, the healthcare professional should attempt to weigh the patient at the same time of day and with the same types of clothing worn each time. It is crucial to use a standardized balance or electronic standing scale for accurate weight measurement. Choice A is incorrect as patients should remove heavy outer clothing, shoes, and jackets before being weighed for accurate results. Choice B is incorrect because the type of scale used does matter and should be consistent for reliable weight tracking. Choice C is incorrect as patients should not leave on heavy outer clothing, shoes, or jackets as these items can add to the weight recorded inaccurately.

2. Which of the following questions is considered open-ended?

A. What time did you last take your medications?
B. Are you feeling okay right now?
C. Please describe your symptoms.
D. What day are you available for a follow-up appointment?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Please describe your symptoms.' This question is considered open-ended because it encourages the respondent to provide a detailed and descriptive answer, fostering a more elaborate response. Open-ended questions are designed to prompt thoughtful and detailed responses. Choice A is a closed-ended question since it seeks a specific time for the medication intake. Choice B is also closed-ended as it can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no,' limiting the response. Choice D is closed-ended as it requests a specific day for the follow-up appointment, restricting the range of possible responses.

3. The most accurate reading for a temperature is done:

A. Orally
B. Aurally through a clean canal
C. Rectally
D. Axially

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Aural readings are done through the ear canal. The tympanic membrane shares a blood supply with the hypothalamus, the brain area that regulates body temperature. Taking the temperature aurally through a clean canal ensures an accurate reading. Choice A (Orally) is not the most accurate method for temperature measurement as it can be affected by external factors like drinking hot or cold liquids. Choice C (Rectally) is invasive and less practical for routine temperature monitoring. Choice D (Axially) is not a standard method for temperature measurement and may not provide accurate results.

4. You are preparing to admit a patient with a seizure disorder. Which of the following actions can you delegate to an LPN/LVN?

A. Complete admission assessment.
B. Set up oxygen and suction equipment.
C. Place a padded tongue blade at the bedside.
D. Pad the side rails before the patient arrives.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of setting up oxygen and suction equipment to the LPN/LVN. This task falls within their scope of practice and can be safely performed by them. Completing the admission assessment (Choice A) typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, making it more appropriate for a registered nurse. Placing a padded tongue blade at the bedside (Choice C) involves potential airway management, which is a more complex task and should be done by a higher-level provider. Padding the side rails before the patient arrives (Choice D) is a task related to patient safety and should be done by the healthcare team as a whole, not solely delegated to an LPN/LVN.

5. The hospital has sounded the call for a disaster drill on the evening shift. Which of these clients would the nurse prioritize first on the list to be discharged in order to make a room available for a new admission?

A. A middle-aged client with a history of being ventilator dependent for over seven (7) years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago.
B. A young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 for over ten (10) years and admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago.
C. An elderly client with a history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and lupus, and was admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome that morning.
D. An adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best candidate for discharge during a need for emergency room availability is a stable patient with a chronic condition who is familiar with their care. In this scenario, the middle-aged client in option A, who has been ventilator dependent for over seven years and admitted with bacterial pneumonia five days ago, is most suitable for discharge. This client is likely stable and can continue medication therapy at home, making them the most appropriate choice for discharge at this time. Choice B should not be the priority for discharge as the young adult with diabetes mellitus Type 2 admitted with antibiotic-induced diarrhea 24 hours ago may need further monitoring and management of their condition. Choice C, the elderly client with multiple comorbidities and admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome on the same day, is not a suitable candidate for immediate discharge as they may require ongoing medical attention and observation. Choice D, the adolescent with a positive HIV test and admitted for acute cellulitis of the lower leg 48 hours ago, should not be discharged first as acute cellulitis may require continued treatment and monitoring, especially in the context of a positive HIV status.