NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A patient with severe mitral regurgitation and decreased cardiac output is being cared for by a nurse. The nurse assesses the patient for mental status changes. What is the rationale for this intervention?
- A. Decreased cardiac output can cause hypoxia to the brain
- B. Mental status changes may be a side effect of the patient's medication
- C. Mitral regurgitation is a complication associated with some neurological disorders
- D. The patient may be confused about his diagnosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a patient with severe mitral regurgitation and decreased cardiac output, assessing for mental status changes is crucial. Decreased cardiac output can lead to inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of vital organs, including the brain, resulting in hypoxia. This hypoxia can manifest as mental status changes such as confusion, restlessness, or lethargy. Therefore, monitoring mental status helps in identifying potential hypoxic states and guiding appropriate interventions. The other options are incorrect as they do not directly correlate decreased cardiac output with potential hypoxia-induced mental status changes.
2. When caring for an asthmatic patient with an early-phase reaction, which of the following is indicative of an early-phase reaction?
- A. Rapid bronchospasms
- B. Inflammatory epithelial lesions
- C. Increased secretions
- D. Increased mucosal edema
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Rapid bronchospasms are a symptom of an early-phase reaction in an asthmatic patient. During the early phase, bronchospasms occur due to immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Inflammatory epithelial lesions, increased secretions, and increased mucosal edema are typically seen in late-phase reactions as part of the inflammatory response that occurs later. Therefore, rapid bronchospasms are most indicative of an early-phase reaction.
3. Which fact about diabetes is true?
- A. Only children get type 1 diabetes.
- B. Only adults get type 2 diabetes.
- C. Children and adults can have type 1 diabetes.
- D. Both A and B
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that children and adults can have type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes is sometimes known as 'childhood diabetes,' it can affect individuals of any age. Type 1 diabetes is not limited to children. While type 2 diabetes is often associated with adults, children can also develop it, especially due to factors like obesity. Choices A and B are incorrect because diabetes is not exclusive to either children or adults; both types of diabetes can affect individuals across different age groups.
4. A client is being instructed in the use of an incentive spirometer. Which of the following statements from the nurse indicates correct teaching about using this device?
- A. Lie back in a reclining position while using the spirometer.
- B. Take slow deep breaths to reach your goal.
- C. Set a goal of using the spirometer at least 3 times per day.
- D. Practice coughing after taking 10 breaths.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An incentive spirometer is a device used to improve lung function and reduce the risk of atelectasis. The correct way to use the spirometer is by sitting up and taking slow, deep breaths to achieve the set goal, not by lying back in a reclining position or taking rapid, quick breaths. Setting a goal of using the spirometer multiple times a day is beneficial, but it is not the best indicator of correct teaching. After using the spirometer, the client should practice coughing to help clear any loosened secretions that may have occurred during the breathing exercises.
5. The nurse is planning discharge instructions for the mother of a child following orchiopexy, which was performed on an outpatient basis. Which is a priority in the plan of care?
- A. Wound care
- B. Pain control measures
- C. Measurement of intake
- D. Cold and heat applications
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Following orchiopexy, the priority in the plan of care for the child's mother is wound care. The most common complications associated with orchiopexy are bleeding and infection. Discharge instructions should focus on demonstrating wound cleansing and dressing, and teaching parents to recognize signs of infection like redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge. It is crucial to prevent movement of the testicles and avoid contamination of the suture line. While analgesics may be prescribed, pain control measures are not the priority among the options presented. Measurement of intake is not essential as the child is likely to resume normal eating habits. Cold and heat applications are not typical prescribed treatments for post-orchiopexy care.
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