NCLEX-RN
Safe and Effective Care Environment NCLEX RN Questions
1. Which of the following situations indicates the need to file an incident report?
- A. The neon sign directing parking for visitors has burned out
- B. A nurse must send a syringe pump to maintenance for annual service
- C. A client's blood pressure dropped to 90/55 after receiving a dose of morphine
- D. A client's spouse becomes angry and is asked to leave the premises
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An incident report is necessary for documenting unexpected events that occur in a healthcare setting. Situations that warrant filing an incident report include client accidents, medication errors, security problems, or disruptive behaviors that involve clients, families, or visitors. In this scenario, when a client's spouse displays disruptive behavior and is asked to leave the premises, it is essential to document this incident to ensure a record of the event and its resolution. Choices A, B, and C do not involve disruptive behavior or safety concerns that would require an incident report to be filed.
2. The categories such as ethnicity, gender, and religion illustrate which concept?
- A. Family
- B. Cultures
- C. Spirituality
- D. Subcultures
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Within cultures, various groups of people share different beliefs, values, and attitudes due to factors such as ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, age, and gender. When these distinct groups coexist within a broader culture, they are referred to as subcultures. While ethnicity, gender, and religion are important components of individuals' identities, they do not represent the concepts of family, cultures, or spirituality. The correct answer is 'Subcultures' as these categories reflect differences within a larger cultural context, emphasizing the unique characteristics shared by members of subcultural groups.
3. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around their neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
- B. Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
- C. Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
- D. No action is necessary.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The small charm tied to a leather strip is likely an amulet, which many cultures consider an important means of protection from 'evil spirits.' When a patient appears to have a health practice the nurse is unfamiliar with, the nurse should ask for clarification in a non-judgmental way that communicates acceptance of their beliefs and allows for open communication. Thus, the nurse in this situation should inquire about the amulet's meaning to the patient. Asking the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe, telling the patient that a family member should take valuables home, or doing nothing does not address the importance or meaning of a cultural health practice to the patient and does not allow the nurse to gain an understanding of the patient's cultural health practices.
4. A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?
- A. 142/92
- B. 118/72
- C. 120/80
- D. 138/88
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.
5. During auscultation of a patient's heart sounds, the nurse hears an unfamiliar sound. Which action would the nurse take?
- A. Ask the patient how he or she is feeling.
- B. Document the findings in the patient's record.
- C. Wait 10 minutes and auscultate the sound again.
- D. Ask another nurse to double-check the finding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When encountering an unfamiliar sound during auscultation, it is crucial for the nurse to seek confirmation from another healthcare professional. Asking the patient about their feelings may not provide insight into the unfamiliar sound. Simply documenting the findings without verification may lead to errors in interpretation. Waiting and auscultating again after 10 minutes might delay necessary intervention. Consulting another nurse for a second opinion ensures accurate identification of the unfamiliar sound and appropriate follow-up actions.
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