which principle of body mechanics may help to reduce the risk of a back injury incurred by the nurse

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. Which principle of body mechanics may help to reduce the risk of a back injury?

A. Maintain a wide base of support
B. Bend from the knees, not the waist
C. Keep the back straight while lifting
D. Push or pull objects rather than lifting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper body mechanics are crucial to prevent injuries, especially for professions involving lifting and moving objects. Keeping the back straight while lifting is essential to reduce the risk of back injuries as it helps maintain the spine's natural alignment and prevents excessive strain on the back muscles. Choosing choices A, B, and D would increase the risk of back injury. Maintaining a wide base of support provides stability, bending from the knees instead of the waist protects the lower back, and pushing or pulling objects reduces the strain on the back muscles, all contributing to preventing back injuries.

2. A client has applied a cold pack to their arm to help decrease swelling and inflammation after an injury. Which of the following signs indicates that the cold pack should be removed?

A. The skin on the arm appears mottled
B. The cold pack has been in place for 10 minutes
C. The client complains of feeling nauseated
D. The capillary refill in the area distal to the arm is 2 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When using a cold pack for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to monitor the site to prevent tissue damage. Prolonged use of cold therapy can lead to pale, mottled skin with a bluish appearance. This change in skin color indicates poor circulation, and the cold pack should be removed immediately to prevent tissue injury. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the duration of cold pack application, client complaints of nausea, and capillary refill time do not specifically indicate the need for the cold pack to be removed due to potential tissue damage.

3. What is the primary purpose of emergency planning?

A. Comply with the laws of the state.
B. Comply with the laws of the U.S.
C. Comply with both state and U.S. laws
D. Maintain safety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary purpose of emergency planning is to ensure and maintain the safety of people and the preservation of objects, such as buildings and personal possessions during emergencies or disasters. While compliance with state and federal laws regarding emergency planning is important, the main goal is to prioritize life and safety. Choices A, B, and C focus on legal compliance, which is necessary but secondary to the fundamental objective of safeguarding lives and property in emergency situations.

4. When would chest thrusts be performed in an emergency situation?

A. When performing CPR to initiate cardiovascular circulation.
B. When assessing responsiveness of an unconscious patient.
C. When assisting a pregnant woman who is choking.
D. None of the above examples indicate the need for chest thrusts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the scenario of an emergency where a pregnant woman is choking, chest thrusts are performed to clear the airway obstruction. This technique is used instead of abdominal thrusts to avoid potential harm to the fetus. While chest thrusts are not as effective as abdominal thrusts in clearing obstructions, they are the preferred method in this specific situation. Choices A and B are incorrect as chest thrusts are not typically performed during CPR to initiate cardiovascular circulation or when assessing responsiveness of an unconscious patient. Choice D is incorrect as chest thrusts are indeed warranted when assisting a pregnant woman who is choking.

5. A nurse is completing an incident report about a medication error that she made when she accidentally administered too much insulin to a diabetic client. All of the following are components of this documentation EXCEPT:

A. The reason for administering the wrong dose
B. The type of drug involved
C. The amount of insulin that was given
D. Any adverse effects on the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When completing an incident report for a medication error, it is essential to include factual information such as the type of drug involved, the amount administered, and any adverse effects on the client. However, stating the reason for administering the wrong dose should be avoided in documentation. The focus should be on reporting what happened rather than assigning blame or admitting fault. This approach helps in ensuring a thorough and accurate account of the medication error without introducing subjective elements that could complicate the investigation or resolution process. Therefore, the correct answer is 'The reason for administering the wrong dose.' Choices A, B, and D are vital components of incident report documentation, providing crucial details that help in understanding the error and its impact on the client.