NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam
1. During which part of the client interview would it be best for the nurse to ask, 'What's the weather forecast for today?'
- A. Introduction
- B. Body
- C. Closing
- D. Orientation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asking about the weather initiates the social or introductory phase of the interview, allowing the nurse to establish rapport with the client at the beginning. This question can help assess the client's mental status and set a friendly tone. In the body phase, the client responds to the nurse's inquiries, while during the closing phase, either the nurse or the client concludes the interview. Therefore, the best time to ask about the weather forecast is during the introduction phase to facilitate a positive start to the interaction.
2. A client is being transferred from a bed to a wheelchair. Which action is essential to maintain client safety in this situation?
- A. Position the wheelchair at the foot of the bed
- B. Maintain a space of at least 12 inches between the wheelchair and the bed
- C. Place the footplates in the lowest position before transferring the client
- D. Lock both wheels on the wheelchair before moving the client
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair, it is crucial to prioritize client safety. Locking both wheels on the wheelchair before moving the client is essential as it adds stability and prevents the wheelchair from moving unexpectedly during the transfer process. Placing the wheelchair at the foot of the bed allows for easier transfer, but ensuring the wheels are locked is more critical for safety. Maintaining a 12-inch space between the wheelchair and the bed is not as essential as ensuring wheel locks are engaged. While placing the footplates in the lowest position can enhance client comfort, it is not a safety measure that is as critical as securing the wheelchair by locking its wheels before the transfer.
3. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
- A. 72-year-old with cor pulmonale who has 4+ bilateral edema in his legs and feet
- B. 28-year-old with a history of a lung transplant and a temperature of 101 F (38.3 C)
- C. 40-year-old with a pleural effusion who is complaining of severe stabbing chest pain
- D. 64-year-old with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after subclavian catheter insertion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The patient with lung cancer and tracheal deviation after a subclavian catheter insertion should be assessed first. Tracheal deviation can indicate tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to prevent inadequate cardiac output or hypoxemia. While the other patients also need assessment, the potential for tension pneumothorax in the patient with tracheal deviation necessitates urgent attention to prevent complications.
4. A patient's blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. The patient asks the nurse, "What do the numbers mean?"? Which is the best reply by the nurse?
- A. "The numbers are within the normal range and are nothing to worry about."?
- B. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes."?
- C. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure of the blood against the arteries when the heart contracts."?
- D. "The concept of blood pressure can be complex. The primary thing to be concerned about is the top number, or the systolic blood pressure."?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure felt on the artery during left ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the elastic recoil, or resting, pressure that the blood constantly exerts in between each contraction. The nurse should answer the patient's question in terms they can understand and not just say it is normal and there is nothing to worry about. The diastolic pressure is the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest, not the stroke volume. Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure are important. Choice A is incorrect as providing a vague reassurance does not address the patient's query. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately describes the diastolic pressure as reflecting stroke volume, which is incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the explanation, focusing solely on the top number without providing a complete understanding of blood pressure.
5. One of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs. The patient cannot breathe on their own. Suddenly, the lights in the patient's room and the entire nursing unit go off. You realize that the electric power has been lost. What is the first thing that you should do for this patient?
- A. Plug the ventilator into the red outlet in the room.
- B. Plug the ventilator into the blue outlet in the room.
- C. Use an Ambu bag to ventilate the patient.
- D. Call the doctor about this emergency.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In healthcare facilities, emergency generators are in place in case of power outages. The red outlets in patient rooms are connected to the emergency generator and provide power during such situations. By plugging the ventilator into the red outlet, you ensure that the patient's mechanical ventilation needs are met despite the power loss. Using an Ambu bag or calling the doctor should be secondary actions after ensuring the ventilator is powered correctly. Plugging the ventilator into the blue outlet is incorrect and can result in the ventilator not functioning during a power outage.
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