which of the following lab values is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease

NCLEX-PN

Nclex Exam Cram Practice Questions

1. Which of the following lab values is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease?

A. high HDL cholesterol
B. low HDL cholesterol
C. low total cholesterol
D. low triglycerides

Correct answer: B

Rationale: High HDL cholesterol is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease because HDL cholesterol is known as 'good' cholesterol. It helps remove other forms of cholesterol, like LDL cholesterol, from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. Low HDL cholesterol (Choice B) is actually a risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it means there is less of the 'good' cholesterol to perform its protective functions. Low total cholesterol (Choice C) and low triglycerides (Choice D) are not necessarily associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, as the balance and types of cholesterol play a more crucial role in heart health.

2. People living in poverty are most likely to obtain health care from:

A. their primary care physician (family doctor)
B. a neighborhood clinic
C. specialists
D. Emergency Departments or urgent care centers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: People living in poverty often face barriers to accessing regular healthcare services, leading them to seek care in Emergency Departments or urgent care centers. These facilities are more accessible and do not require appointments or insurance, making them a common choice for individuals with limited resources. Neighborhood clinics, while a good option, may not always be available or affordable for those in poverty. Specialists provide specialized care but usually require a referral from a primary care provider, which individuals in poverty may not have consistent access to. Therefore, Emergency Departments or urgent care centers are the most likely sources of healthcare for people living in poverty.

3. In an obstetrical emergency, which of the following actions should the nurse perform first after the baby delivers?

A. Place extra padding under the mother to absorb blood from the delivery.
B. Cut the umbilical cord using sterile scissors.
C. Suction the baby's mouth and nose.
D. Wrap the baby in a clean blanket to preserve warmth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In an obstetrical emergency, the immediate priority after the baby delivers is to clear the baby's airway by suctioning the mouth and nose to ensure effective breathing. This action helps prevent potential complications like meconium aspiration. Cutting the umbilical cord, wrapping the baby in a blanket, or placing extra padding under the mother can follow once the baby's airway is clear. Therefore, suctioning the baby's mouth and nose is the most critical and time-sensitive intervention in this scenario. Placing extra padding under the mother is not the immediate priority as ensuring the baby's airway is clear. Cutting the umbilical cord and wrapping the baby in a clean blanket are important but can wait until after ensuring the baby's breathing is not compromised.

4. How should an infant be secured in a car?

A. To hold the infant while sitting in the middle of the back seat of the car
B. To place the infant in the front seat in a rear-facing infant safety seat if the car has passenger-side air bags
C. To place the infant in a booster seat in the front seat with the shoulder and lap belts secured around the infant
D. To secure the infant in the middle of the back seat in a rear-facing infant safety seat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The recommended way to secure an infant in a car is to place them in the middle of the back seat in a rear-facing infant safety seat. Option A is incorrect because infants should never be held while in a moving vehicle due to safety concerns. Option B is incorrect because placing an infant in the front seat with a rear-facing safety seat can be risky if the car has passenger-side airbags. Option C is incorrect as booster seats are not suitable for infants. Therefore, the correct choice is to secure the infant in the middle of the back seat in a rear-facing infant safety seat.

5. The nurse is caring for a client recovering from a stroke who recently regained consciousness. The client is having difficulty communicating verbally with the team. Which of the following actions would be least appropriate?

A. Begin client data collection before receiving the physician's order for the referral.
B. Use documents to provide information for the referral.
C. Wait for the physician's order for speech therapy before assisting with the appropriate documentation.
D. Participate in the client referral process.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the least appropriate action would be to wait for the physician's order for speech therapy before assisting with the appropriate documentation. The nurse should start by collecting client data without needing the physician's order, use documents to provide information for the referral, and actively participate in the client referral process. Waiting for the physician's order unnecessarily delays potentially crucial therapy for the client's recovery, affecting the timeliness and effectiveness of care. Therefore, choice C is the least appropriate as immediate action is required in such situations.