NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. The student observes a patient with no breathing problems. Which action by the student indicates a need to review respiratory assessment skills?
- A. The student starts at the apices of the lungs and moves to the bases.
- B. The student compares breath sounds from side to side, avoiding bony areas.
- C. The student places the stethoscope over the posterior chest and listens during expiration.
- D. The student instructs the patient to breathe slowly and a little more deeply than normal through the mouth.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Listening only during inspiration instead of both inspiration and expiration indicates a need for a review of respiratory assessment skills. During chest auscultation, it is essential to listen to at least one cycle of inspiration and expiration at each placement of the stethoscope. Instructing the patient to breathe slowly and a little deeper than normal through the mouth is a correct practice during auscultation. The correct sequence for lung auscultation is from the apices to the bases, comparing breath sounds bilaterally, avoiding bony areas. It is crucial to place the stethoscope over lung tissue rather than bony prominences to accurately assess lung sounds.
2. A client is complaining of pain that starts in the shoulder and travels down the length of his arm. This type of pain is referred to as:
- A. Referred pain
- B. Superficial pain
- C. Radiating pain
- D. Precipitating pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Radiating pain is the correct term for pain that originates in one part of the body and extends to other related areas. In this scenario, the pain starting in the shoulder and traveling down the arm describes radiating pain. Referred pain (Choice A) is pain felt at a site different from the actual origin of the pain. Superficial pain (Choice B) is pain that arises from the skin or tissues just beneath it. Precipitating pain (Choice D) refers to pain that is triggered by specific actions or events, not the characteristic described in the question.
3. The UAP who has just been accepted to nursing school says to a client, 'You must be so pleased with your progress.' The nurse later explains to the UAP that this is an example of what type of question?
- A. Close-ended question
- B. Open-ended question
- C. Leading question
- D. Neutral question
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The statement 'You must be so pleased with your progress' is an example of a leading question. Leading questions guide the respondent towards a particular answer or response, potentially biasing the data collected. In this scenario, the UAP's question implies that the client should be pleased with their progress, steering the client's response. Closed-ended questions typically elicit brief factual responses or a 'yes' or 'no.' Open-ended questions encourage clients to provide detailed responses and share their thoughts and feelings freely. Neutral questions do not lead or influence the client's response, allowing for unbiased information gathering.
4. 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.
5. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable abbreviation?
- A. D/C
- B. tid
- C. bid
- D. qid
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: D/C. D/C is not an acceptable abbreviation as it can be easily confused with both 'discharge' and 'discontinue.' The abbreviations 'tid' (three times a day), 'bid' (twice a day), and 'qid' (four times a day) are commonly used in medical contexts to indicate dosing frequencies and are widely accepted in healthcare settings.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access
NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
- 30 days access