NCLEX-PN clinical judgment practice questions, set 8

NCLEX-PN · clinical judgment

NCLEX-PN clinical judgment practice questions set 8

You notice cues, form a hypothesis, act, and evaluate — the same loop Next Generation items reward. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the NCLEX-PN exam guide or more NCLEX-PN practice questions.

Five clinical judgment questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

A month after receiving a blood transfusion, an immunocompromised client develops fever, liver abnormalities, a rash, and diarrhea. The nurse should suspect this client has:

  1. A. no relation to the blood transfusion.
  2. B. graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
  3. C. myelosuppression.
  4. D. an allergic reaction to a recent medication.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

In this scenario, the symptoms of fever, liver abnormalities, rash, and diarrhea in an immunocompromised client a month after a blood transfusion are indicative of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD occurs when white blood cells in donor blood attack the tissues of an immunocompromised recipient. This process can manifest within a month of the transfusion. While choices 1 and 4 are plausible, it is crucial for the nurse to consider the possibility of GVHD in immunocompromised transfusion recipients due to the significant risk. Myelosuppression, choice C, typically presents with decreased blood cell counts and is not consistent with the symptoms described. An allergic reaction to medication, choice D, would present with different manifestations such as itching, hives, or anaphylaxis, which are not described in the scenario.

Question 2

A contraindication for topical corticosteroid use in a client with atopic dermatitis (eczema) is:

  1. A. parasitic infection
  2. B. fungal infection
  3. C. spirochetal infection
  4. D. viral infection
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — viral infection

Topical corticosteroids are mainly used for their localized effects. When treating atopic dermatitis with a steroidal preparation, there is a risk of the site being vulnerable to invasion by organisms. Viruses like herpes simplex or varicella zoster pose a threat of disseminated infection. Therefore, viral infection is a contraindication for topical corticosteroid use in clients with atopic dermatitis. It is crucial to educate clients using topical corticosteroids to avoid crowds or people with infections and to promptly report any signs of infection. Choices A, B, and C (parasitic, fungal, and spirochetal infections) are not typically contraindications for topical corticosteroid use in the context of atopic dermatitis, as these agents do not pose the same risk of disseminated infection or systemic effects as viral infections.

Question 3

The nurse suspects an elderly client has been the victim of abuse. The client denies abuse and declines assistance. The nurse's next action should be to:

  1. A. respect the client's decision to refuse assistance.
  2. B. report the incident to the authorities.
  3. C. arrange an appointment with the client's family.
  4. D. educate the client about available services.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — educate the client about available services.

In cases where elderly clients deny abuse and refuse assistance, it is crucial for the nurse to respect their autonomy while also ensuring their safety. Educating the client about available services is the appropriate action as it empowers the client with information without imposing any decisions on them. It allows the client to make informed choices regarding their well-being. Reporting the incident to the authorities (Choice B) may be necessary if there is immediate danger, but in this scenario, the client denies abuse. Arranging an appointment with the client's family (Choice C) may not be appropriate without the client's consent or in cases where the family might be involved in the abuse. Simply doing nothing (Choice A) is not the best course of action as the nurse should still provide support and resources to the client.

Question 4

The nurse has a client who is being transferred to another floor right around change of shift. Which of the following actions is least appropriate?

  1. A. Inform the staff on the other floor of any unresolved issues with the client.
  2. B. Ask the charge nurse if overtime would be permitted to complete the client's transfer to the other floor.
  3. C. Ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer since the client's medical record has all of the information, and a report should not be needed.
  4. D. Complete the transfer paperwork before the client is transferred.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer since the client's medical record has all of the information, and a report should not be needed.

The least appropriate action in this scenario is to ask the new nurse to take care of the transfer without providing a full handoff of care. It is crucial to ensure a safe handoff during the transfer to maintain continuity of care and patient safety. Informing the staff on the other floor of any unresolved issues with the client (Choice A) is important for the client's well-being as it helps in providing comprehensive care. Asking the charge nurse about overtime (Choice B) demonstrates consideration for completing the task effectively, but it should not take precedence over ensuring a proper handoff. Completing the transfer paperwork before the client is transferred (Choice D) is necessary to ensure all documentation is in order, but it should be done in conjunction with providing a thorough handoff of care to the new nurse.

Question 5

A nurse provides information about feeding to the mother of a 6-month-old infant. Which statement by the mother indicates an understanding of the information?

  1. A. Meats are really important for iron, and I should start feeding meats to my infant right away.
  2. B. Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.
  3. C. I can mix the food in my infant's bottle if he won't eat it.
  4. D. Fluoride supplementation is not necessary until permanent teeth come in.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.

The correct answer is B: 'Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.' Egg white, even in small quantities, is not recommended for infants until the end of the first year of life due to its common allergenic potential. Choice A is incorrect because while meats are important for iron, they are not typically introduced to infants until around 6-8 months. Choice C is incorrect because food should never be mixed with formula in the bottle as it may lead to feeding difficulties and inaccurate monitoring of intake. Choice D is incorrect because fluoride supplementation may be required around 6 months depending on the infant's fluoride intake from water. Introducing solid foods like rice cereal, fruits, or vegetables is usually done around 5-6 months, following healthcare provider recommendations.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.

Ten more NCLEX-PN clinical judgment questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

A nurse is interviewing an older adult while assisting with data collection. Which client comment regarding vision requires immediate discussion with the health care provider?

  1. A. "If I go from a very bright room to a very dark room, I have some trouble adjusting."
  2. B. "I have to hold my newspaper farther and farther away from me when I read."
  3. C. "I have a little trouble telling if my same-colored shirts and blouses actually match; the colors seem the same to me."
  4. D. "It looks like I have a blank spot in the middle of what I'm trying to see."
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

A nurse planning care for her assigned clients understands that which aspect is the purpose of the hospital's standards of care?

  1. A. Identify methods of treatment.
  2. B. Provide direction for care based on the client's diagnosis.
  3. C. Identify new care methods based on current medical research.
  4. D. Provide direction for the practice of nursing
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

A client complaining of chest pain is prescribed an intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid). After the infusion is initiated, the occurrence of which symptom warrants the nurse discontinuing an intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin?

  1. A. Frontal headache
  2. B. Orthostatic hypotension
  3. C. Decrease in intensity of chest pain
  4. D. Cool clammy skin
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

An older client reports that she has been awakening during the night, awakes early in the morning and is unable to fall back to sleep, and feels sleepy during the daytime. Based on these reported data, what should the nurse do?

  1. A. Encourage the client to consume stimulants such as caffeinated coffee or tea during the daytime hours.
  2. B. Ask the registered nurse to obtain a prescription for a nighttime sedative.
  3. C. Report the findings to the registered nurse.
  4. D. Document the findings in the medical record.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

Which of the following methods of contraception is able to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STDs?

  1. A. intrauterine device (IUD)
  2. B. Norplant
  3. C. oral contraceptives
  4. D. vaginal sponge
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

How can a diet high in fiber content benefit an individual?

  1. A. aid in rapid weight loss.
  2. B. reduce diabetic ketoacidosis.
  3. C. lower cholesterol.
  4. D. reduce the requirement for folate.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

Which of the following is most likely to impact the body image of an infant newly diagnosed with Hemophilia?

  1. A. immobility
  2. B. altered growth and development
  3. C. hemarthrosis
  4. D. altered family processes
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

A client newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus needs education. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in this education?

  1. A. "You can eat anything you want, but avoid foods with sugar."?
  2. B. "You need to lose weight, so your diet must be controlled."?
  3. C. "You need a diet and exercise program."?
  4. D. "You must reduce salt, fat, and sugar intake in your diet."?
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

A nurse who recently learned she is pregnant has just received client assignments for the day. Which client assignment should the nurse question as being inappropriate?

  1. A. A client with metastatic cancer who is receiving a continuous infusion of intravenous morphine sulfate
  2. B. A client with a solid-sealed cervical radiation implant
  3. C. A client with diarrhea for whom enteric precautions are in effect
  4. D. A client for whom contact precautions have been implemented and who requires frequent wound irrigations
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

After experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning, a client tells the nurse, 'I don’t want to make any new friends right now.' This is an example of which of the following indicators of stress?

  1. A. emotional indicator
  2. B. spiritual indicator
  3. C. sociocultural indicator
  4. D. intellectual indicator
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these NCLEX-PN clinical judgment questions

NCLEX-PN clinical judgment practice questions, set 8 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the NCLEX-PN exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.