NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale
1. Which of the following reasons would be legal when considering a patient's medical record?
- A. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart to find out her birthdate and address so that he can mail her a card
- B. Not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing
- C. Not allowing a patient to view her chart because she is behind on her payments
- D. All of the above are legal
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is not allowing a patient to view her own chart because the physician feels this information would be detrimental to her wellbeing. Physicians have a duty to withhold certain health information from patients if disclosing it could potentially harm the patient. In situations where revealing certain information may have a significantly negative impact on the patient's mental or physical health, healthcare providers have the legal right to withhold that information. Allowing a patient's brother to view her chart for non-medical reasons like sending a card is not a valid legal reason for disclosing patient information. Similarly, refusing access based on financial reasons is not a legal ground for restricting access to a patient's medical record as patient care should not be influenced by financial matters.
2. A client is found lying on the floor near the bathroom door, stating, 'I thought I could get up on my own.' What information must the nurse document in this situation?
- A. A statement explaining the condition the client was found in, quoting the client's words about the situation
- B. An explanation of how the fall happened and when the physician was notified
- C. An account of the conditions of the room that contributed to the client's fall
- D. A summary of the client's medical history and current medications
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a fall or injury occurs while under nursing care, it is crucial to document the known aspects of the situation and the response to the injury. In this scenario, the nurse should document the client's condition as found and quote the client's own words about the situation. This helps provide a clear account of the event without implying blame. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because detailing how the fall happened, listing room conditions, or summarizing medical history are not directly relevant to documenting the immediate situation and the client's own words following the fall.
3. A family member is complaining that the lights are too dim in the middle of the night when she comes in to visit her husband. What is the most objective response?
- A. Patients sleep better with the lights dimmed.
- B. The nightshift nurses prefer to work with less light.
- C. It's time for him to sleep, and you should, too.
- D. There's a reason we do that. Let me share a research study with you.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most objective response in this situation is to explain to the family member that there is a specific reason for dimming the lights and offer to share a research study to provide evidence-based information. By doing so, it helps the family member understand that the care provided is based on established practices and research, potentially alleviating her concerns and ensuring that her husband receives appropriate care. Choices A, B, and C do not address the family member's concern or provide a rationale backed by evidence, making them less suitable responses in this context.
4. When a mother is inquiring about her child's ability to potty train, what is the most critical aspect of toilet training?
- A. The age of the child
- B. The child's ability to understand instructions
- C. The overall mental and physical abilities of the child
- D. Consistent attempts with positive reinforcement
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most critical aspect of toilet training is the overall mental and physical abilities of the child. While age can play a role, it is not the sole determining factor. Understanding instructions is important but may not be the most critical aspect. Consistent attempts with positive reinforcement can be helpful, but without considering the child's abilities, it may not lead to successful potty training.
5. A patient with bipolar disorder asks the nurse, "Why did I get this illness? I don't want to be sick."? The nurse would best respond with:
- A. People who develop mental illnesses often had a very traumatic childhood experience.
- B. There is some evidence that contracting a virus during childhood can lead to mental disorders.
- C. Sometimes people with mental illness have an overactive immune system.
- D. We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is, 'We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.' Current research suggests that while genetics play a role in the development of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, it is not the sole factor. Environmental influences, life experiences, and other non-genetic factors also contribute significantly to the manifestation of mental disorders. Choices A, B, and C provide incorrect information that is not supported by current research. Traumatic childhood experiences, contracting a virus during childhood, and an overactive immune system are not established causes of bipolar disorder or mental illnesses in general.
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