one of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs the patient cannot breath on their own suddenly the lights in

NCLEX-RN

Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions

1. 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.

2. While caring for Mr. Charles Y., you see a notation on the nursing care plan that states, 'remind the patient to use the incentive spirometer tid.' This patient will be reminded at which of the following times?

A. 10:00 AM
B. 10 am and 2 pm
C. 10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm
D. 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abbreviation 'tid' stands for 'ter in die,' which means three times a day. In this case, the patient should be reminded to use the incentive spirometer at 10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm. Option A, '10 am,' is too infrequent for tid dosing. Option B, '10 am and 2 pm,' is missing the third reminder at 6 pm. Option D, '10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm,' includes an additional time that is not part of the standard tid dosing schedule.

3. A 6-month-old infant has been brought to the well-child clinic for a checkup. The infant is currently sleeping. What would the nurse do first when beginning the examination?

A. Wake the infant before beginning the examination.
B. Examine the infant's hips before the infant wakes up.
C. Auscultate the lungs and heart while the infant is still sleeping.
D. Begin with the assessment of the eye and continue with the remainder of the examination in a head-to-toe approach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the infant is quiet or sleeping, it is an ideal time to assess the cardiac, respiratory, and abdominal systems. It is recommended not to wake the infant unnecessarily. Auscultating the lungs and heart while the infant is still sleeping allows for a comprehensive assessment without disturbing the infant. Examining the infant's hips prematurely may disrupt the infant's sleep. Starting with an assessment of the eye is not appropriate as it is an invasive procedure and should be performed towards the end of the examination after the non-invasive assessments have been completed.

4. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice?

A. Reading and analyzing research reports to determine their implementation in nursing practice
B. Collecting data to evaluate the efficiency of nursing practice in delivering quality care
C. Monitoring unit practices to ensure adherence to Joint Commission standards
D. Using the most effective, current, and applicable information to guide nursing care for the best outcomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Evidence-based practice involves utilizing the most effective, current, and relevant information to inform nursing care decisions for optimal client outcomes. While research reports and data collection are important components of evidence-based practice, the essence lies in integrating all available information to determine the best course of action. Monitoring compliance with standards, as described in choices A and C, is essential for quality assurance but does not capture the comprehensive nature of evidence-based practice.

5. Which of the following medical terms means 'surgical fixation of the stomach'?

A. Abdominorrhaphy
B. Gastroplasty
C. Gastropexy
D. Abdominorrhexis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Gastropexy,' which means 'surgical fixation of the stomach.' This procedure involves surgically fixing the stomach in place. 'Abdominorrhaphy' refers to suturing or repairing the abdomen, not related to fixing the stomach. 'Gastroplasty' is a surgical reconstruction of the abdomen, not specifically related to fixing the stomach. 'Abdominorrhexis' refers to the rupture or tearing of the abdomen, not a surgical fixation procedure.