which practice will help to reduce the risk of a needlestick injury

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. Which practice will help reduce the risk of a needlestick injury?

A. Expose the end of the needle only when ready to enter the room for the procedure
B. Never recap a needle after use
C. Keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed
D. Exchange needles from a central area rather than passing them between workers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To reduce the risk of a needlestick injury, it is essential to keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed. This practice ensures quick and safe disposal of needles after use, minimizing the chances of accidental needlesticks. Recapping needles should be avoided as it increases the risk of injuries. Passing needles between workers should also be avoided to prevent accidental needle pricks during handovers. Therefore, the best practice to prevent needlestick injuries is to maintain a sharps container nearby for safe and immediate disposal of needles.

2. What is a common error when taking a pulse?

A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
D. None of the above will cause errors.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.

3. Which of the following is classified as a prerenal condition that affects urinary elimination?

A. Nephrotoxic medications
B. Pericardial tamponade
C. Neurogenic bladder
D. Polycystic kidney disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A prerenal condition is one that causes reduced urinary elimination by affecting the blood flow to the kidneys. Pericardial tamponade is a condition that impacts the heart's ability to pump sufficient blood, leading to decreased blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys. This reduction in blood flow to the kidneys can result in decreased urine production. The other choices, such as nephrotoxic medications, neurogenic bladder, and polycystic kidney disease, do not primarily affect the blood flow to the kidneys and are not classified as prerenal conditions that impact urinary elimination.

4. A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?

A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.

5. Nursing care plans are _______________?

A. written by CNAs before they provide care
B. guidelines of care that all nursing team members use
C. used by nurses but not by nursing assistants
D. used by nursing assistants but not by nurses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nursing care plans are comprehensive documents created by registered nurses to outline individualized care for patients. These plans serve as guidelines for all members of the nursing team, including nursing assistants, to ensure consistent and quality care. Choice A is incorrect as CNAs typically assist in implementing the care plan rather than creating it. Choice C is incorrect as nursing care plans are utilized by all members of the nursing team, not exclusive to only nurses. Choice D is incorrect as nursing assistants also utilize nursing care plans to provide patient care effectively.