you see a patient lying on the loor of the bathroom you are not assigned to this patient what is the irst thing that you should do

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Prep

1. You see a patient lying on the floor of the bathroom. You are NOT assigned to this patient. What is the first thing that you should do?

A. Get the nurse who is caring for the patient.
B. Tell the nurse that the patient has had another seizure.
C. Observe the patient for any injuries and call out for help.
D. Nothing. This patient is not one of your assignments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct course of action in this situation is to observe the patient for any injuries and call out for help. It is crucial to act immediately in an emergency, regardless of whether the patient is under your care. Checking for injuries and seeking assistance can help ensure the patient receives prompt and appropriate care. Choosing to inform the nurse of a seizure without evidence or taking no action because the patient is not your assignment are not optimal responses. In a healthcare setting, patient safety and well-being should always be the top priority.

2. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

A. A patient with pneumonia who has crackles in the right lung base
B. A patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy
C. A patient with hemoptysis and a 16-mm induration with tuberculin skin testing
D. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) that indicates low forced vital capacity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the patient with possible lung cancer who has just returned after bronchoscopy. After bronchoscopy, the patient may have decreased cough and gag reflexes, necessitating immediate assessment for airway patency to prevent potential complications. The other patients do not exhibit urgent clinical manifestations or have undergone recent procedures that require immediate attention. Therefore, they can be assessed after ensuring the safety and stability of the patient who has just returned after bronchoscopy.

3. A child is admitted to the hospital several days after stepping on a sharp object that punctured her athletic shoe and entered the flesh of her foot. The physician is concerned about osteomyelitis and has ordered parenteral antibiotics. Which of the following actions is done immediately before the antibiotic is started?

A. The admission orders are written.
B. A blood culture is drawn.
C. A complete blood count with differential is drawn.
D. The parents arrive.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before starting antibiotics, a blood culture should be drawn to identify the causative organism. This step is crucial as antibiotics may interfere with the identification process. Drawing a complete blood count with differential or writing admission orders are important steps in patient care but are not as critical as obtaining a blood culture to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. The arrival of the parents is not directly related to the immediate action required before starting antibiotics in this scenario.

4. Which of the following actions can help prevent a fire in the area where a healthcare professional works?

A. Using an adaptor when plugging in client equipment
B. Marking equipment that is not working properly and using it carefully until it can be inspected by maintenance
C. Notifying visitors or posting signs that indicate oxygen is in use in certain areas
D. Keeping extra equipment stored in one area with other supplies and materials

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to help prevent a fire in a healthcare setting is to notify visitors or post signs indicating that oxygen is in use in certain areas. Oxygen is a combustible material, and awareness of its presence is crucial to prevent fire hazards. By informing all individuals in the facility about the use of oxygen through clear signs or notifications, the risk of improper use and potential fire accidents can be minimized. Choice A is incorrect because using an adaptor when plugging in client equipment is not directly related to fire prevention. Choice B is also incorrect as marking faulty equipment and using it until inspection does not directly address fire prevention. Choice D is not a recommended action for fire prevention; storing extra equipment with supplies does not address the specific fire risk associated with oxygen use.

5. When examining an infant, which area should the nurse examine first?

A. Ear
B. Nose
C. Throat
D. Abdomen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When examining an infant, the nurse should start by examining the least-distressing areas first before moving on to more invasive areas. The abdomen is typically the least distressing area to examine, so it should be assessed first. Examining the eye, ear, nose, and throat are considered more invasive and should be saved for last. Therefore, the correct choice is to examine the abdomen first to ensure a comfortable and less distressing examination process for the infant. Choices A, B, and C (Ear, Nose, Throat) are more invasive areas and should be examined after the abdomen.