which client should be seen by the emergency department nurse first

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX Question of The Day

1. Which client should be seen first by the Emergency Department nurse?

A. A six-year-old with a femur fracture.
B. A two-year-old with a fever of 102 degrees F.
C. A three-year-old with wheezes in the right lower lobe.
D. A two-year-old whose gastrostomy tube came out.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority in the emergency department is to assess and manage clients based on the severity of their condition. In this scenario, the three-year-old with wheezes in the right lower lobe should be seen first because respiratory distress takes precedence over other conditions. Wheezing indicates potential airway compromise, which requires immediate attention to ensure adequate oxygenation. The other options are important but do not pose an immediate threat to the client's airway and breathing. A femur fracture, fever, or a dislodged gastrostomy tube can be addressed after ensuring the child with respiratory distress is stable.

2. A 93-year-old female with a history of Alzheimer's Disease gets admitted to an Alzheimer's unit. The patient has exhibited signs of increased confusion and limited stability with gait. Moreover, the patient is refusing to use a w/c. Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action for the nurse?

A. Recommend the patient remain in her room at all times.
B. Recommend family members bring pictures to the patient's room.
C. Recommend a speech therapy consult to the doctor.
D. Recommend the patient attempt to walk pushing the w/c for safety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 93-year-old female with Alzheimer's Disease exhibiting signs of increased confusion and limited stability with gait, recommending family members to bring pictures to the patient's room is the most appropriate course of action. Visual stimulation in the form of pictures may help decrease signs of confusion and provide comfort to the patient. Option A is incorrect as isolating the patient in her room at all times may worsen her condition by further limiting stimulation and interaction. Option C is incorrect as speech therapy may not directly address the current issues of confusion and gait instability. Option D is incorrect as pushing a wheelchair may not be safe for the patient if she is refusing to use it, potentially leading to falls or further distress.

3. Nurses should understand the chain of infection because it refers to:

A. the linkages involved in disease transmission.
B. the sequence required for transmission of disease.
C. the clustering of bacteria in a specific pattern.
D. increasing virulence patterns among microorganisms.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The chain of infection refers to the sequence required for the transmission of disease, involving steps like the pathogen's presence, movement from a reservoir, and entry into a susceptible host. Understanding this sequence helps healthcare professionals, including nurses, in implementing effective infection control measures. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the concept of the chain of infection. Choice A is too broad and does not specifically address the sequential nature of disease transmission. Choice C focuses on bacterial clustering rather than the transmission process. Choice D mentions virulence patterns, which are not the primary focus of the chain of infection concept.

4. A nurse working in a pediatric clinic observes the following situations. Which of the following may indicate a delayed child to the nurse?

A. A 12-month-old that does not 'cruise'.
B. An 8-month-old that can sit upright unsupported.
C. A 6-month-old that is rolling prone to supine.
D. A 3-month-old that does not roll supine to prone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A 12-month-old that does not 'cruise''. At 12 months, a child should at least be 'cruising' (holding on to objects to walk), which is considered pre-walking. The other choices describe age-appropriate developmental milestones: sitting upright unsupported by 8 months, rolling prone to supine by 6 months, and rolling supine to prone by 3 months. Not 'cruising' at 12 months may indicate a delay in motor skills development.

5. In hanging a parenteral IV fluid that is to be infused by gravity, rather than with an infusion pump, the nurse notes that the IV tubing is available in different drop factors. Which tubing is a microdrop set?

A. 15 drops per milliliter
B. 60 drops per milliliter
C. 20 drops per milliliter
D. 10 drops per milliliter

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A microdrop set delivers 60 drops per milliliter of IV fluid. This allows for a more precise control of the infusion rate. The correct choice is B because it provides the desired microdrop rate. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A delivers 15 drops per milliliter, which is a macrodrop set. C delivers 20 drops per milliliter, also a macrodrop set. D delivers 10 drops per milliliter, another macrodrop set. Therefore, the correct choice for a microdrop set is B.