NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. The nurse is speaking at a community meeting about personal responsibility for health promotion. A participant asks about chiropractic treatment for illnesses. What should be the focus of the nurse's response?
- A. Electrical energy fields
- B. Spinal column manipulation
- C. Mind-body balance
- D. Exercise of joints
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The focus of the nurse's response should be on spinal column manipulation when discussing chiropractic treatment for illnesses. Chiropractic theory emphasizes that misalignment of the vertebrae can interfere with the transmission of mental impulses between the brain and body organs, leading to diseases. Manipulation is aimed at reducing such misalignments, known as subluxations. While mind-body balance and exercise of joints are important aspects of holistic health, in the context of chiropractic treatment, the key intervention is spinal column manipulation to address vertebral misalignments. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the primary focus of chiropractic treatment.
2. A client with a new prescription for lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder is being educated by a nurse on early indications of toxicity. The nurse should include which of the following manifestations in the teachings?
- A. Constipation
- B. Polyuria
- C. Rash
- D. Tinnitus
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Polyuria is a crucial early indication of lithium toxicity. It results from the drug's effect on the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. This is a significant symptom to monitor as it can indicate potential toxicity. Constipation, rash, and tinnitus are not typically associated with early indications of lithium toxicity. Constipation is more commonly seen as a side effect of some medications, while rash and tinnitus are not specific indicators of lithium toxicity.
3. Gio told his nurse that the FBI is monitoring and recording his every movement and that microphones have been placed in the unit walls. Which action would be the most therapeutic response?
- A. Confront the delusional material directly by telling Gio that this simply is not so.
- B. Tell Gio that this must seem frightening to him but that you believe he is safe here.
- C. Tell Gio to wait and talk about these beliefs in his one-on-one counseling sessions.
- D. Isolate Gio when he begins to talk about these beliefs.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The most therapeutic response in this situation is to acknowledge Gio's feelings of fear and validate his experience by expressing empathy ('this must seem frightening to him'). By reassuring Gio that he is safe in the current environment, the nurse can help reduce his anxiety and build trust. Choice A is not recommended as directly confronting delusional beliefs may lead to increased distress and resistance. Choice C delays addressing Gio's concerns and may not provide immediate support. Choice D of isolating Gio can worsen his feelings of paranoia and distrust in the treatment setting.
4. A nurse is using active listening as a form of therapeutic communication when:
- A. She uses humor to put the client at ease in a situation
- B. She restates what the client said in slightly different words
- C. She uses eye contact and maintains an open stance while the client is talking
- D. She provides personal information to show the client she can relate to him
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Active listening is a form of therapeutic communication that involves the nurse encouraging a client to express their thoughts and feelings. Maintaining eye contact and an open stance while the client is talking demonstrates active listening and shows the client that they are being heard and understood. Using humor (Choice A) may not always be appropriate or therapeutic in all situations. Restating what the client said (Choice B) is a technique known as paraphrasing and is also a form of active listening. Providing personal information (Choice D) can shift the focus from the client to the nurse, which is not the intention of active listening.
5. Mary T. was admitted to a nursing home on May 1st. On July 4th, she was diagnosed with a skin infection. This infection is considered a ________________ infection.
- A. nosocomial
- B. systemic
- C. resident flora
- D. resident aura
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'nosocomial.' A nosocomial infection is defined as one that is not present upon admission to a healthcare facility but instead occurs during the patient's stay. In this case, since Mary was diagnosed with a skin infection after being admitted to the nursing home, it is considered a nosocomial infection. Nosocomial infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings, and infection control measures are in place to prevent their spread. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Systemic' refers to a condition affecting the entire body, not specific to a healthcare setting. 'Resident flora' and 'resident aura' are not commonly used terms in healthcare and do not relate to infections acquired in healthcare facilities.
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