NCLEX-PN
Nclex Practice Questions 2024
1. The nurse is developing a care plan for a client with severe anxiety. An appropriate outcome for the client is that within 4 days the client should:
- A. Have decreased anxiety.
- B. Talk to the nurse for 10 minutes.
- C. Sit quietly for 30 minutes.
- D. Develop an adaptive coping mechanism.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When developing outcome criteria for a client with severe anxiety, it is crucial for the goals to be specific, measurable, and realistic. In this scenario, the most appropriate outcome is for the client to talk to the nurse for 10 minutes within 4 days. This goal is specific (talking for a defined duration), measurable (10 minutes), and realistic given the client's condition. Expecting a severely anxious client to sit quietly for 30 minutes is not realistic and may even exacerbate their anxiety. While developing an adaptive coping mechanism is important, it is a broader long-term goal and may not be achievable within the specified timeframe. Having decreased anxiety is a desirable outcome, but it lacks specificity and measurability, making it less suitable as an immediate goal.
2. To ensure safety while administering a nitroglycerine patch, what should the nurse do?
- A. Wear gloves
- B. Shave the area where the patch will be applied
- C. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and rinse with hot water
- D. Apply the patch to the buttocks
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To protect herself, the nurse should wear gloves when applying a nitroglycerine patch or cream. Answer B is incorrect because shaving the area where the patch will be applied might abrade the skin, increasing the risk of irritation. Answer C is incorrect because washing with hot water can vasodilate the skin, potentially increasing the absorption of nitroglycerine. Nitroglycerine patches should be applied to areas above the waist, making answer D incorrect as applying it to the buttocks is not recommended.
3. After the client discusses her relationship with her father, the nurse says, "Tell me whether I am understanding your relationship with your father. You feel dominated and controlled by him?"? This is an example of:
- A. verbalizing the implied.
- B. seeking consensual validation.
- C. encouraging evaluation.
- D. suggesting collaboration.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Seeking consensual validation is the correct answer. Consensual validation is a technique used to check one's understanding of what the client has said. It involves confirming with the client whether the nurse's interpretation aligns with the client's feelings or thoughts. This process helps build rapport, trust, and a shared understanding between the nurse and the client. Verbalizing the implied (choice A) refers to expressing the underlying or implicit meaning of a client's statement. Encouraging evaluation (choice C) involves prompting the client to assess or judge a situation. Suggesting collaboration (choice D) entails proposing working together with the client on a shared goal, which is not the primary focus in the scenario provided.
4. The client with schizophrenia has become disruptive and requires seclusion. Which staff member can institute seclusion?
- A. The security guard
- B. The registered nurse
- C. The licensed practical nurse
- D. The nursing assistant
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The registered nurse is the correct choice to institute seclusion for a client with schizophrenia. In healthcare settings, only a registered nurse or a physician can legally initiate seclusion. The security guard, licensed practical nurse, and nursing assistant do not have the authority to carry out this action. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.
5. The client with a myocardial infarction comes to the nurse's station stating that he is ready to go home because there is nothing wrong with him. Which defense mechanism is the client using?
- A. Rationalization
- B. Denial
- C. Projection
- D. Conversion reaction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Denial. The client displaying denial refuses to acknowledge the reality of having a myocardial infarction. Rationalization (choice A) involves making excuses for behavior, not denying a condition. Projection (choice C) is attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, not denying an illness. Conversion reaction (choice D) is converting psychological distress into physical symptoms, which is not evident in this scenario. Therefore, denial is the defense mechanism being used in this situation.
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