NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. When providing endotracheal suctioning, for how long should the nurse suction the endotracheal tube of an intubated client on a ventilator at a time?
- A. Five seconds or less
- B. Ten seconds or less
- C. At least 30 seconds
- D. No longer than 60 seconds
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When providing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse should suction for no longer than ten seconds at a time. Suctioning for longer than ten seconds may cause hypoxia or bronchospasm. Extended suctioning may also place the client at risk of injury to the bronchial and tracheal structures. Choices C and D suggest prolonged suctioning durations that can lead to adverse effects on the client. Choice A, suctioning for five seconds or less, may not be adequate to clear secretions effectively, making choice B the most appropriate duration for safe and efficient suctioning in this scenario.
2. A client is receiving high-dose brachytherapy as a form of cancer treatment. What type of teaching must the nurse include when educating this client about safety?
- A. The client must remain in isolation under airborne precautions
- B. The client should stay in a private room at the hospital
- C. The client may need to limit visits from friends and family
- D. Both B and C
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A client undergoing high-dose brachytherapy has a radiation implant placed for cancer treatment. To ensure safety, the client should be in a private hospital room to prevent radiation exposure to others. Limiting visits from friends and family is necessary to prevent overexposure. Option A is incorrect as isolation under airborne precautions is not required for brachytherapy. Option B and C are the correct choices as they focus on minimizing radiation exposure to others, ensuring safety during treatment.
3. When performing CPR, at what rate should chest compressions be applied?
- A. 100 per minute
- B. 60 per minute
- C. As quickly as possible
- D. 200 per minute
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During CPR, chest compressions should be applied at a rate of 100 compressions per minute in order to effectively circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs. Option A, '100 per minute,' is the correct answer as it aligns with the recommended compression rate in CPR guidelines. Option B, '60 per minute,' is incorrect as it is too slow and may not provide adequate circulation. Option C, 'As quickly as possible,' is vague and does not specify the recommended compression rate. Option D, '200 per minute,' is incorrect as it exceeds the recommended rate and may not be as effective in maintaining perfusion.
4. One of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs. The patient cannot breathe on their own. Suddenly, the lights in the patient's room and the entire nursing unit go off. You realize that the electric power has been lost. What is the first thing that you should do for this patient?
- A. Plug the ventilator into the red outlet in the room.
- B. Plug the ventilator into the blue outlet in the room.
- C. Use an Ambu bag to ventilate the patient.
- D. Call the doctor about this emergency.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In healthcare facilities, emergency generators are in place in case of power outages. The red outlets in patient rooms are connected to the emergency generator and provide power during such situations. By plugging the ventilator into the red outlet, you ensure that the patient's mechanical ventilation needs are met despite the power loss. Using an Ambu bag or calling the doctor should be secondary actions after ensuring the ventilator is powered correctly. Plugging the ventilator into the blue outlet is incorrect and can result in the ventilator not functioning during a power outage.
5. A client has just started a transfusion of packed red blood cells that a physician ordered. Which of the following signs may indicate a transfusion reaction?
- A. The client suddenly complains of back pain and has chills
- B. The client develops dependent edema in the extremities
- C. The client has a seizure
- D. The client's heart rate drops to 60 bpm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is when the client suddenly complains of back pain and has chills. Signs of a transfusion reaction include back pain, chills, dizziness, increased temperature, and blood in the urine. These signs indicate a possible adverse reaction to the blood transfusion. Dependent edema in the extremities is not typically associated with a transfusion reaction. A seizure is not a common sign of a transfusion reaction unless it is due to severe complications. A decrease in heart rate to 60 bpm is not a typical sign of a transfusion reaction, but rather bradycardia may indicate other underlying conditions or medications.
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