NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. A patient who has a right-sided chest tube following a thoracotomy has continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber of the collection device. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Document the presence of continuous bubbling.
- B. Notify the surgeon of a possible pneumothorax.
- C. Take no further action with the collection device.
- D. Adjust the dial on the wall regulator to decrease suction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber of the chest tube collection device is an expected finding and indicates that the suction control chamber is connected to suction. It does not necessarily indicate a large air leak, which would be detected in the water-seal chamber. There is no evidence to suggest a pneumothorax based solely on continuous bubbling in the suction-control chamber. Adjusting the suction level by changing the wall regulator setting is not indicated in this situation, as the amount of suction applied is primarily regulated by the water level in the water-seal chamber and not by the vacuum source. Therefore, the most appropriate action in this scenario is for the nurse to take no further action with the collection device.
2. Which action will be included in the care for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with asymptomatic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?
- A. Teach about symptoms of variceal bleeding
- B. Draw blood for hepatitis serology testing
- C. Discuss the need to increase caloric intake
- D. Review the patient's current medication list
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct action for a patient diagnosed with asymptomatic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) would be to review the patient's current medication list. This is important because certain medications can increase the risk for NAFLD, and they should be identified and possibly eliminated. Teaching about symptoms of variceal bleeding is not necessary as variceal bleeding is not a concern in a patient with asymptomatic NAFLD. Drawing blood for hepatitis serology testing is not indicated as NAFLD is not associated with hepatitis. Discussing the need to increase caloric intake is also not appropriate since weight loss is usually recommended in the management of NAFLD.
3. The infant has a diagnosis of bladder exstrophy. To protect the exposed bladder tissue, what intervention should the nurse plan?
- A. Cover the bladder with petroleum jelly gauze.
- B. Cover the bladder with a non-adhering plastic wrap.
- C. Apply sterile distilled water dressings over the bladder mucosa.
- D. Keep the bladder tissue dry by covering it with dry sterile gauze.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a condition where the bladder is exposed and external to the body. To protect the exposed bladder tissue from drying out while allowing urine drainage, it is best to cover the bladder with a non-adhering plastic wrap. Using petroleum jelly gauze should be avoided as it can dry out, adhere to the mucosa, and damage delicate tissue upon removal. Applying sterile distilled water dressings can also dry out and cause damage when removed. Keeping the bladder tissue dry with sterile gauze is not ideal as maintaining a moist environment is important for tissue protection in this case.
4. What is a priority problem for a child with severe edema caused by nephrotic syndrome?
- A. Risk for constipation
- B. Risk for skin breakdown
- C. Inability to regulate body temperature
- D. Consuming more calories or nutrients than the body requires
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, characterized by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, a child with severe edema is at high risk for skin breakdown. The priority concern is to prevent skin breakdown by cleaning skin surfaces and ensuring adequate separation with clothing to avoid irritation. The child with nephrotic syndrome is typically anorexic, making consuming more calories or nutrients than necessary not a concern. Risk for constipation and inability to regulate body temperature are not primary issues associated with edema caused by nephrotic syndrome.
5. What should the nurse in the emergency department do first for a new patient who is vomiting blood?
- A. Insert a large-gauge IV catheter.
- B. Draw blood for coagulation studies.
- C. Check blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and respirations.
- D. Place the patient in the supine position.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's initial action should focus on assessing the patient's hemodynamic status by checking vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations. This assessment will help determine the patient's immediate needs and guide further interventions. Drawing blood for coagulation studies and inserting an IV catheter are important steps, but they can follow the initial assessment of vital signs. Placing the patient in the supine position can be risky without first assessing the patient's vital signs, as aspiration is a concern. Therefore, assessing vital signs is the priority to ensure appropriate and timely care for the patient.
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