a nurse in the emergency room enters a clients care area to start an iv she finds a man sitting on the table hunched over and attempting to take deep

NCLEX-RN

Saunders NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. A client in the emergency room enters the care area to start an IV. He finds a man sitting on the table, hunched over, and attempting to take deep breaths. He states, 'my chest hurts so much!' His wife is sitting on a chair in the corner, crying. Which of the following is the first action of the client?

A. Bring the IV kit and quickly start an IV
B. Assess his breathing and provide oxygen, if necessary
C. Administer medication to control chest pain
D. Talk with his wife and find out why she is crying

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the above scenario, the first action of the nurse should be to assess the client's airway and breathing. It is crucial to address respiratory status first, as the client appears to be experiencing difficulty breathing. Providing oxygen if necessary can help support oxygenation and alleviate potential respiratory distress. Administering medication for chest pain or starting an IV can come after ensuring adequate oxygenation. Talking with the client's wife, though important for emotional support, is not the priority when the client's respiratory status needs to be assessed and managed promptly.

2. You are creating a teaching plan for a patient with newly diagnosed migraine headaches. Which key item should NOT be included in the teaching plan?

A. Avoid foods that contain tyramine, such as alcohol and aged cheese.
B. Avoid drugs such as Tagamet, nitroglycerin, and Nifedipine.
C. Continue taking estrogen as prescribed by your physician.
D. A potential side effect of medications is rebound headache.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Continue taking estrogen as prescribed by your physician. Medications such as estrogen supplements may actually trigger a migraine headache attack. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause, seem to trigger headaches in many women. Choices A and B are important to include in the teaching plan for a patient with migraines as avoiding foods containing tyramine and certain drugs can help prevent migraine triggers. Choice D is also relevant as it is essential for the patient to be aware of potential side effects of medications, including rebound headaches.

3. The discharge planning team is discussing plans for the dismissal of a 16-year-old admitted for complications associated with asthma. The client's mother has not participated in any of the discharge planning processes but has stated that she wants to be involved. Which of the following reasons might prohibit this mother from participating in discharge planning?

A. The client is an emancipated minor
B. The mother has to work and is unavailable
C. The client has a job and a driver's license
D. The mother does not speak English

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is that the client is an emancipated minor. Emancipated minors, even if they are under the age of 18, have the legal right to make decisions about their own healthcare and planning, which may include not wanting their parent involved in the discharge planning process. This status grants them independence from parental involvement in certain situations. The other choices are incorrect because the mother's work schedule, the client's job and possession of a driver's license, and the mother's language proficiency do not inherently prevent her from participating in the discharge planning process, unlike the legal status of being an emancipated minor.

4. While planning care for a toddler, the nurse teaches the parents about the expected developmental changes for this age. Which statement by the mother shows that she understands the child's developmental needs?

A. "I want to protect my child from any falls."?
B. "I will set limits on exploring the house."?
C. "I understand the need to use those new skills."?
D. "I intend to keep control over our child."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is: "I understand the need to use those new skills."? This response indicates that the mother recognizes the importance of allowing the toddler to practice and develop new skills, supporting autonomy and exploration. Setting limits, protecting from falls, and intending to keep control go against the toddler's developmental needs. Toddlers at this stage require opportunities to explore, practice new skills, and gain independence to foster healthy development.

5. What does the 'B' in the SBAR acronym stand for?

A. Background
B. Basic
C. Beginning
D. Break

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'B' in the SBAR acronym stands for Background. SBAR is a standardized communication tool used in healthcare to effectively communicate critical information. In this context, 'Background' refers to providing relevant information about the patient's history, current status, and any other pertinent details. This information helps ensure clear and concise communication between healthcare providers, enhancing patient care. Choice B, 'Basic,' is incorrect as the 'B' specifically emphasizes the detailed background information. Choices C and D, 'Beginning' and 'Break,' are not accurate in the context of the SBAR communication tool.