NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Prioritization Questions
1. When assessing the respiratory system of an older patient, which finding indicates that the nurse should take immediate action?
- A. Weak cough effort
- B. Barrel-shaped chest
- C. Dry mucous membranes
- D. Bilateral crackles at lung bases
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Bilateral crackles at lung bases indicate a potential acute issue like heart failure. Immediate action is necessary in this situation. The nurse should conduct further assessments such as oxygen saturation and inform the healthcare provider promptly. A barrel-shaped chest and hyperresonance to percussion are typical signs of aging and do not require immediate action. A weak cough effort is common in older patients due to age-related changes, and dry mucous membranes are also expected in older individuals. While these findings may warrant further evaluation, they do not demand immediate action like bilateral crackles at lung bases.
2. A patient is being visited at home by a healthcare professional. The patient has been taking Naproxen for back pain. Which statement made by the patient most indicates that the healthcare professional needs to contact the physician?
- A. I get an upset stomach if I don't take Naproxen with my meals.
- B. My back pain right now is about a 3/10.
- C. I get occasional headaches since taking Naproxen
- D. I have ringing in my ears.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'I have ringing in my ears.' Ringing in the ears is a severe adverse effect of Naproxen, indicating potential toxicity. This symptom warrants immediate medical attention. Choices A, B, and C are less concerning and do not directly indicate a severe adverse effect or toxicity related to Naproxen. Upset stomach, mild back pain, and occasional headaches are common side effects that may not require immediate physician contact.
3. The nursing care plan for a toddler diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) should be based on the high risk for development of which problem?
- A. Chronic vessel plaque formation
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Occlusions at the vessel bifurcations
- D. Coronary artery aneurysms
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is chronic vessel plaque formation. Kawasaki Disease affects small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to progressive inflammation and potential damage to the walls of medium-sized muscular arteries, which can result in coronary artery aneurysms. While other complications such as pulmonary embolism and occlusions at vessel bifurcations can occur in different conditions, for Kawasaki Disease, the primary concern is the development of chronic vessel plaque formation.
4. A client is admitted to the emergency room with renal calculi and is complaining of moderate to severe flank pain and nausea. The client's temperature is 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The priority nursing goal for this client is:
- A. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Control nausea
- C. Manage pain
- D. Prevent urinary tract infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the scenario presented, the priority nursing goal for a client with renal calculi experiencing moderate to severe flank pain and nausea should be to manage pain. Pain management is crucial as it alleviates suffering, improves comfort, and enhances the quality of life for the client. In the case of ureteral colic from renal calculi, the cornerstone of management is effective pain control. Prompt analgesia, typically achieved with parenteral narcotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is essential to provide relief and facilitate the passage of the calculi. While maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is important in clients with renal calculi, addressing pain takes precedence as it directly impacts the client's immediate well-being. Controlling nausea and preventing urinary tract infections are also important aspects of care, but they are secondary to managing the primary concern of pain in this urgent situation.
5. The mother of a newborn infant with hypospadias asks the nurse why circumcision cannot be performed. Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Circumcision will cause an infection.
- B. Circumcision is not performed in a newborn.
- C. Circumcision will cause difficulty with urination.
- D. Circumcision has been delayed to save tissue for surgical repair.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The reason circumcision is not performed in a newborn with hypospadias is that the dorsal foreskin tissue will be needed for the surgical repair of hypospadias. Delaying circumcision allows for the preservation of tissue that will be crucial for the corrective surgery. This surgical repair is typically done within the first year of life to minimize the psychological impact on the child. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the specific reason for delaying circumcision in this case.
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