NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A client presents with symptoms of a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, chills, and extreme fatigue. Based on these symptoms, which of the following illnesses could the nurse consider for this client?
- A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- B. Hepatitis B
- C. Infectious mononucleosis
- D. Norovirus infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Infectious mononucleosis is a viral disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The symptoms of sore throat, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and extreme fatigue are characteristic of infectious mononucleosis. The diagnosis is confirmed through the client's history and blood tests for the Epstein-Barr virus. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents with localized skin infections, not the systemic symptoms described. Hepatitis B typically presents with jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver inflammation, not the symptoms described. Norovirus infection commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, not the symptoms presented by the client.
2. The nursing care plan for a toddler diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) should be based on the high risk for development of which problem?
- A. Chronic vessel plaque formation
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Occlusions at the vessel bifurcations
- D. Coronary artery aneurysms
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is chronic vessel plaque formation. Kawasaki Disease affects small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to progressive inflammation and potential damage to the walls of medium-sized muscular arteries, which can result in coronary artery aneurysms. While other complications such as pulmonary embolism and occlusions at vessel bifurcations can occur in different conditions, for Kawasaki Disease, the primary concern is the development of chronic vessel plaque formation.
3. While suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, what level of pressure should the nurse apply?
- A. 70-80 mmHg
- B. 100-120 mmHg
- C. 150-170 mmHg
- D. 200 mmHg
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When suctioning the endotracheal tube of an adult client, the nurse should set the suction apparatus at a level no higher than 150 mmHg, with a preferable level between 100 and 120 mmHg. Suction pressure that is too high can contribute to the client's hypoxia. Alternatively, too low suction pressure may not clear adequate amounts of secretions. Choice A (70-80 mmHg) is too low and may not effectively clear secretions. Choices C (150-170 mmHg) and D (200 mmHg) are too high and can potentially harm the client by causing hypoxia or damaging the airway.
4. A clinic nurse interviews a parent who is suspected of abusing her child. Which of the following characteristics is the nurse least likely to find in an abusing parent?
- A. Low self-esteem
- B. Unemployment
- C. Self-blame for the injury to the child
- D. Single status
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The profile of a parent at risk of abusive behavior includes a tendency to blame the child or others for the injury sustained. Abusers typically blame others, especially their partners, for the mistakes in their lives. This is related to hypersensitivity, but they are not necessarily alike. This occurs because most abusive people don't hold themselves as being accountable for the actions they commit. Instead, they'll try to shift the blame to the person that they have abused and somehow say they "deserved it"? or that they were forced into a corner.
5. One hour after a thoracotomy, a patient complains of incisional pain at a level 7 (based on a 0 to 10 scale) and has decreased left-sided breath sounds. The pleural drainage system has 100 mL of bloody drainage and a large air leak. Which action is best for the nurse to take next?
- A. Milk the chest tube gently to remove any clots.
- B. Clamp the chest tube momentarily to check for the origin of the air leak.
- C. Assist the patient to deep breathe, cough, and use the incentive spirometer.
- D. Set up the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and administer the loading dose of morphine.
Correct answer: S
Rationale: In this scenario, the best action is to set up the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and administer the loading dose of morphine. The patient's pain level is high, which can hinder deep breathing and coughing. Addressing pain control is a priority to facilitate optimal respiratory function. Milking the chest tube to remove clots is unnecessary as the drainage amount is not alarming in the early postoperative period. Clamping the chest tube to locate the air leak is not recommended as it can lead to tension pneumothorax. Assisting the patient to deep breathe, cough, and use the incentive spirometer is important but should follow adequate pain management to ensure the patient can effectively participate in these activities.
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