NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. Who among the following individuals wrote a medical code of ethics?
- A. Hammurabi
- B. Thomas Percival
- C. Hippocrates
- D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
Rationale: All of the above individuals contributed to the development of medical ethics. Hammurabi created the earliest known code around 2500 BC. Hippocrates, known for the principle 'Do no harm,' emphasized ethical practices in medicine. Thomas Percival, a physician interested in sociological medicine, authored a Code of Medical Ethics in 1803, which influenced modern medical ethics. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of them individually wrote a medical code of ethics, making 'All of the above' the most inclusive and accurate answer.
2. Mrs. F has been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following complications is Mrs. F at highest risk of developing?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Hypermagnesemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypercalcemia
Rationale: The parathyroid glands regulate calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in the body. Hyperparathyroidism leads to excessive production of parathyroid hormone, causing the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood calcium levels, known as hypercalcemia. This puts individuals at risk of developing complications such as kidney stones, bone pain, osteoporosis, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The other options, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypermagnesemia, are not directly associated with hyperparathyroidism. Hyponatremia is low sodium levels in the blood, hypocalcemia is low calcium levels, and hypermagnesemia is high magnesium levels, which are not typically seen in hyperparathyroidism.
3. A nursing unit is implementing a new electronic charting program for the nursing staff to use. Which of the following best describes a disadvantage of using electronic charting?
- A. The information is more likely to be lost or used inappropriately.
- B. Any provider in the unit can have access to the client's medical records.
- C. The system diminishes communication between nurses and providers.
- D. The program may be confusing and difficult to implement.
Correct answer: The program may be confusing and difficult to implement.
Rationale: A significant disadvantage of implementing a new electronic charting program is the potential for complexity and difficulty in implementation. Introducing a new system requires time and education for staff to adapt and use it appropriately. Users may experience confusion as they learn to navigate the new charting techniques, which can impact workflow efficiency and accuracy. Option A is incorrect because electronic charting systems are designed to enhance data security and integrity, reducing the risk of information being lost or misused. Option B is incorrect as access control mechanisms can restrict who can view specific patient records. Option C is incorrect as electronic charting systems often facilitate communication between healthcare providers by providing real-time access to patient information.
4. The family of a patient who is receiving therapeutic hypothermia states they do not understand why the patient is being kept so cold. What objective information can you provide to help address their concerns?
- A. Let them talk to another patient who has had the same therapy
- B. Provide research-based information about therapeutic hypothermia
- C. Connect them with the nurse manager
- D. Call the physician and ask him to talk to the family
Correct answer: Provide research-based information about therapeutic hypothermia
Rationale: Providing research-based information about the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for their loved one will provide evidence that this is an established therapy with generally positive outcomes. Families are certainly not expected to be familiar with critical care interventions, and their concerns should be addressed with evidence-based data whenever possible. Option A is not appropriate as sharing patient information violates privacy laws and does not address the family's concerns directly. Option C may not directly provide the detailed information the family needs to understand therapeutic hypothermia. Option D involves unnecessary escalation by immediately involving the physician, when providing education and information should be the initial step in addressing the family's concerns.
5. A nonimmunized child appears at the clinic with a visible rash. Which of the following observations indicates the child may have rubeola (measles)?
- A. Small blue-white spots are visible on the oral mucosa.
- B. The rash begins on the trunk and spreads outward.
- C. There is low-grade fever.
- D. The lesions have a “teardrop-on-a-rose-petal” appearance.
Correct answer: Small blue-white spots are visible on the oral mucosa.
Rationale: The presence of small blue-white spots on the oral mucosa, known as Koplik's spots, is characteristic of measles (rubeola) infection. These spots typically appear on the buccal mucosa opposite the second molars, 1-2 days before the rash onset, and last until 2 days after the rash appears. While Koplik's spots are pathognomonic for measles, their absence does not rule out the diagnosis. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the rash pattern, presence of low-grade fever, and characteristic appearance of lesions are not specific indicators of measles infection.
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