NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Review Answers
1. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?
- A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client's room
- B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness
- C. Note the client's capabilities to increase self esteem
- D. Set a "no suicide"? contract with the client
Correct answer: A
Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide.
2. Which technological advance is MOST likely to place you at risk for HIPAA violations?
- A. Social media
- B. Word processing programs
- C. Spreadsheets
- D. Cloud storage services (Clouds and SOEs)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is Social media. Social media platforms such as Facebook can significantly put you at risk for HIPAA violations. It is crucial to never share any patient-related information or comments on social media websites, as this breaches patient confidentiality and violates HIPAA regulations. Choices B, C, and D are less likely to directly lead to HIPAA violations. Word processing programs and spreadsheets are commonly used for documentation and data organization, focusing more on internal operations and not on external sharing of sensitive information that can compromise patient confidentiality. Cloud storage services (Clouds and SOEs) are designed for secure data storage and sharing within regulated environments, and HIPAA compliance can be maintained if used appropriately. However, social media's open and unsecured nature makes it a higher risk for HIPAA violations compared to the other technological advances mentioned.
3. A client with asthma is being admitted for breathing difficulties. His arterial blood gas results are pH 7.26, PCO2 49, PaO2 90, and HCO3- 21. Which of the following best describes this condition?
- A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
- B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
- C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
- D. Compensated metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In this case, the client's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.26 and a PCO2 of 49, both of which are abnormal. A pH below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 indicates acidosis. The elevated PCO2 of 49 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the primary issue. The normal range for PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg, so a value of 49 indicates the retention of excess CO2, leading to acidosis. The low HCO3- level of 21 also supports the presence of metabolic acidosis; however, the primary abnormality is respiratory, making this an uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.' Choice B, 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis,' is incorrect because the client's pH is acidic, not alkalotic. Additionally, there is no compensation occurring for the primary respiratory acidosis indicated by the elevated PCO2. Choice C, 'Uncompensated metabolic acidosis,' is incorrect because while the HCO3- level is low, the primary issue indicated by the elevated PCO2 is respiratory acidosis. Choice D, 'Compensated metabolic alkalosis,' is incorrect since the arterial blood gas results do not support a metabolic alkalosis. The low HCO3- level would typically be seen in metabolic acidosis, but in this case, the primary issue is respiratory acidosis.
4. A patient with peripheral vascular disease is receiving discharge instructions. Which of the following information should be included?
- A. Walk barefoot whenever possible.
- B. Use a heating pad to keep feet warm.
- C. Avoid crossing the legs.
- D. Use antibacterial ointment to treat skin lesions prone to infection.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Patients with peripheral vascular disease should be advised to avoid crossing their legs as this can impede blood flow. Peripheral vascular disease, also known as arteriosclerosis obliterans, is primarily caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis results in the gradual progression of arterial occlusion due to the formation of atheromas. Crossed legs can further restrict blood flow, exacerbating the condition. Walking barefoot should be discouraged to prevent potential injuries to the feet. Using a heating pad can lead to burns and should be avoided to prevent thermal injuries. While using antibacterial ointment for skin lesions may be beneficial, it is not the priority instruction for patients with peripheral vascular disease.
5. When a blood pressure cuff is too wide for a client's arm, what type of reading might this blood pressure cuff produce?
- A. A normal reading
- B. An abnormally low reading
- C. An abnormally high reading
- D. A fluctuating reading
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When a blood pressure cuff is too wide for a client's arm, it may produce an abnormally low blood pressure reading. This occurs because the oversized cuff can lead to an underestimation of blood pressure. It is essential to ensure that the cuff fits appropriately to obtain an accurate reading. An abnormally high reading (Choice C) is less likely with an oversized cuff, as it generally leads to lower readings. A normal reading (Choice A) is unlikely due to the inaccuracies caused by the oversized cuff. A fluctuating reading (Choice D) is not a typical result of using a cuff that is too wide; instead, it usually leads to consistently low readings.
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