after a lengthy explanation of a medical procedure the patient asks many questions the physician answers all of the questions to the best of her abili

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale

1. After a lengthy explanation of a medical procedure, the patient asks many questions. The physician answers all of the questions to the best of their ability. The patient then gives consent for treatment. The costly equipment and supplies are put into place, and the patient is prepared. Two minutes before the procedure is to start, the patient begins panicking and changes their mind. Which of the following situations would be the best way to avoid litigation?

A. Document that the patient originally gave consent and proceed if the benefits of the procedure outweigh the patient's wishes.
B. Have the patient sign a form stating that they are refusing consent. If they refuse to sign, do not proceed with the procedure.
C. Repeat the explanation of the procedure until the patient understands that having the procedure done is the best form of treatment. Do not proceed with the procedure.
D. Do not proceed. Document the patient's refusal, have the patient sign a refusal to consent to treatment. If the patient refuses to sign the form, have a witness available to sign.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the best course of action to avoid litigation is to respect the patient's right to refuse treatment, especially when changing their mind before the procedure starts. By not proceeding with the treatment, documenting the patient's refusal, and having the patient sign a refusal to consent form, you are following proper ethical and legal procedures. If the patient refuses to sign the form, having a witness available to sign further strengthens the documentation of the patient's decision. This approach ensures that the patient's autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their healthcare are respected. Choices A, B, and C do not prioritize the patient's right to refuse treatment and could potentially lead to legal issues if treatment is carried out against the patient's wishes.

2. A client is seen in the emergency room as a victim of suspected domestic violence. The nurse's aide brings the client to a center curtained area, gives her a gown to change into, and asks her to wait for the nurse. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse upon arrival?

A. Ask the client to undress to assess for injuries
B. Take the client into a private room
C. Notify the police to file a report
D. Notify the house supervisor to keep security on alert

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dealing with a client suspected of domestic violence, it is crucial to provide privacy and a safe environment. Taking the client into a private room allows for a confidential conversation and assessment without compromising the client's safety or dignity. The nurse should prioritize creating a safe space for the client to share information and receive support. Notification of authorities should only occur once a thorough assessment has been conducted to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect because asking the client to undress should be done with sensitivity and respect for the client's privacy, focusing on assessing injuries rather than visualizing them. Option C is premature as involving the police should be based on a comprehensive assessment and the client's consent. Option D is not the most immediate and direct action required to address the client's immediate needs in a suspected domestic violence situation.

3. Select the age group that is coupled with an infectious disease that is most common in this age group.

A. Infants: High bilirubin
B. Pre-School and School Age Children: Shingles
C. Young Adults and Teenagers: Sexually transmitted diseases
D. The Elderly: Malaria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Young adults and teenagers are at the highest risk for sexually transmitted diseases due to their sexual activity. High bilirubin is a laboratory finding related to jaundice and not an infectious disease. Shingles is more common in the elderly population, not in pre-school and school-age children. Malaria is not most common in the elderly; it is prevalent in regions with specific mosquito vectors. Therefore, the correct answer is that young adults and teenagers are most commonly associated with sexually transmitted diseases.

4. Which of the following statements best describes compartment syndrome?

A. An injury causes pain and tingling that starts in the buttock and travels down the leg.
B. An injury causes swelling within muscle tissue that leads to anoxia of nerves and muscles.
C. An injury causes permanent flexion of the interphalangeal joint, resulting in deformity.
D. An injury causes pain and swelling of the median plantar nerve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Compartment syndrome is characterized by swelling and increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to nerves and muscles. This can result from various causes, such as trauma or the application of a cast after a fracture. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can lead to tissue necrosis. Choice A is incorrect as pain and tingling starting in the buttock and traveling down the leg are not specific features of compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as permanent flexion of the interphalangeal joint is unrelated to compartment syndrome. Choice D is incorrect as pain and swelling of the median plantar nerve do not describe compartment syndrome.

5. A client returns from surgery after having a colon resection. The nurse is performing an assessment and notes the wound edges have separated. This condition is called:

A. Evisceration
B. Hematoma
C. Dehiscence
D. Granulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wound dehiscence occurs when the edges of a wound pull apart. The condition may occur following a surgical procedure if the sutures were deficient. Wound dehiscence may also occur following a wound infection or in cases where a client significantly stretches or overuses the associated tissues. Evisceration refers to the protrusion of internal organs through an open wound. Hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels. Granulation is the formation of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels on the surface of a wound during the healing process.