NCLEX-PN clinical judgment practice questions, set 8
NCLEX-PN · clinical judgment
NCLEX-PN clinical judgment practice questionsset 8
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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:
A. no relation to the blood transfusion.
B. graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
C. myelosuppression.
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:
A. parasitic infection
B. fungal infection
C. spirochetal infection
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:
A. respect the client's decision to refuse assistance.
B. report the incident to the authorities.
C. arrange an appointment with the client's family.
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?
A. Inform the staff on the other floor of any unresolved issues with the client.
B. Ask the charge nurse if overtime would be permitted to complete the client's transfer to the other floor.
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.
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?
A. Meats are really important for iron, and I should start feeding meats to my infant right away.
B. Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.
C. I can mix the food in my infant's bottle if he won't eat it.
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.
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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?
A. "If I go from a very bright room to a very dark room, I have some trouble adjusting."
B. "I have to hold my newspaper farther and farther away from me when I read."
C. "I have a little trouble telling if my same-colored shirts and blouses actually match; the colors seem the same to me."
D. "It looks like I have a blank spot in the middle of what I'm trying to see."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is "It looks like I have a blank spot in the middle of what I'm trying to see." Seeing blank spots in the middle of an object is a sign of central vision loss, which is a symptom of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a serious condition that requires immediate discussion with a healthcare provider to prevent further vision loss. Choice A, mentioning difficulty adjusting between bright and dark rooms, is a common issue related to changes in lighting and not a cause for immediate concern. Choice B, having to hold objects farther away when reading, is indicative of presbyopia, a normal age-related change in vision. Choice C, experiencing slight changes in color perception, is also a common age-related change and not an urgent issue that necessitates immediate discussion with a healthcare provider.
A nurse planning care for her assigned clients understands that which aspect is the purpose of the hospital's standards of care?
A. Identify methods of treatment.
B. Provide direction for care based on the client's diagnosis.
C. Identify new care methods based on current medical research.
D. Provide direction for the practice of nursing
Correct answer:
The purpose of the hospital's standards of care is to provide a broad direction for the overall practice of nursing that applies to all nursing situations, across specialty areas, and across the country. These standards guide the practice of nursing by outlining the expected level of care and professional performance. While identifying methods of treatment is important, it is usually specific to individual client needs and not the overarching goal of standards of care. Providing direction for care solely based on the client's diagnosis is limited to a particular patient's treatment plan and does not encompass the broader scope of nursing practice. Identifying new care methods based on current medical research is essential for advancing healthcare practices but is not the primary purpose of the hospital's standards of care.
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?
A. Frontal headache
B. Orthostatic hypotension
C. Decrease in intensity of chest pain
D. Cool clammy skin
Correct answer:
The correct answer is 'Cool clammy skin.' This assessment finding indicates decreased cardiac output that could result from excessive vasodilation. Cool clammy skin is a sign of poor perfusion, suggesting that the blood pressure might be dropping too low. Discontinuing the nitroglycerin infusion is crucial to prevent further complications.
Choice A, 'Frontal headache,' is a common side effect of nitroglycerin but not a reason to discontinue the infusion unless severe or persistent. Choice B, 'Orthostatic hypotension,' may occur as a side effect of nitroglycerin but does not necessarily warrant discontinuation unless severe. Choice C, 'Decrease in intensity of chest pain,' is actually an expected therapeutic response to nitroglycerin and indicates improved myocardial perfusion, so it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
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?
A. Encourage the client to consume stimulants such as caffeinated coffee or tea during the daytime hours.
B. Ask the registered nurse to obtain a prescription for a nighttime sedative.
C. Report the findings to the registered nurse.
D. Document the findings in the medical record.
Correct answer:
Age-related changes in sleep include reduced sleep efficiency, increased incidence of nocturnal awakening, increased incidence of early-morning awakening, and increased daytime sleepiness. Since the reported data are normal age-related changes, the appropriate action for the nurse would be to document the findings in the medical record. Reporting the findings to the registered nurse is unnecessary as these changes are expected with aging and do not indicate a need for immediate intervention. Prescribing sedatives should be avoided as a first-line approach due to potential side effects and risks, especially in older adults. Encouraging the consumption of stimulants like caffeinated beverages during the daytime may further disrupt sleep patterns, which is counterproductive in addressing the client's reported sleep issues.
Which of the following methods of contraception is able to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STDs?
A. intrauterine device (IUD)
B. Norplant
C. oral contraceptives
D. vaginal sponge
Correct answer:
The correct answer is the vaginal sponge. The vaginal sponge, when used with foam or jelly contraception, acts as a barrier method that can reduce the transmission of HIV and other STDs, in addition to preventing pregnancy. In contrast, IUDs, Norplant, and oral contraceptives are effective in preventing pregnancy but do not provide protection against the transmission of HIV and STDs. IUDs prevent pregnancy by affecting sperm movement and survival, Norplant releases hormones to prevent ovulation, and oral contraceptives work by inhibiting ovulation. However, these methods do not create a physical barrier against HIV and STD transmission. It is important to counsel clients using methods like IUDs, Norplant, and oral contraceptives to also use chemical or barrier contraceptives to lower the risk of HIV or STD transmission.
How can a diet high in fiber content benefit an individual?
A. aid in rapid weight loss.
B. reduce diabetic ketoacidosis.
C. lower cholesterol.
D. reduce the requirement for folate.
Correct answer:
A diet high in fiber content can help lower cholesterol levels. Fiber-rich foods such as grains, apples, potatoes, and beans are known to aid in reducing cholesterol by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and preventing its absorption into the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect as the question does not specify losing weight rapidly but rather focuses on the benefits of a high-fiber diet, which includes aiding in weight management through promoting satiety and regulating digestion. Choice B is incorrect because while fiber helps manage blood sugar levels, it is not directly related to reducing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes. Choice D is incorrect as a high-fiber diet does not reduce the need for folate; however, it can aid in the absorption of folate and other essential nutrients.
Which of the following is most likely to impact the body image of an infant newly diagnosed with Hemophilia?
A. immobility
B. altered growth and development
C. hemarthrosis
D. altered family processes
Correct answer:
Altered Family Processes is a significant factor that can impact the body image of an infant newly diagnosed with Hemophilia. Infants are highly sensitive to the reactions of their caregivers, and a new diagnosis like Hemophilia can introduce stress and uncertainties into the family dynamics. This can affect the infant's sense of security, trust development, and how they perceive themselves. Immobility, while a potential long-term effect of Hemophilia, is not the immediate impact on body image for a newly diagnosed infant. Altered growth and development would take time to manifest and would not be an immediate concern after a recent diagnosis. Hemarthrosis, although a characteristic symptom of Hemophilia, is a physical manifestation rather than a direct influence on body image perception in a newly diagnosed infant.
A client newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus needs education. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in this education?
A. "You can eat anything you want, but avoid foods with sugar."?
B. "You need to lose weight, so your diet must be controlled."?
C. "You need a diet and exercise program."?
D. "You must reduce salt, fat, and sugar intake in your diet."?
Correct answer:
A client newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus requires education on managing their condition. Choice C is the correct answer because it emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach involving both diet and exercise. This holistic approach is crucial in managing blood sugar levels and overall health for individuals with diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as it provides misleading information by suggesting that the client can eat anything as long as it doesn't contain sugar, which is not accurate for diabetes management. Choice B is not the best option as it focuses solely on weight loss rather than addressing the holistic needs of a diabetic individual. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests eliminating all salt, fat, and sugar, which is an extreme approach and not a realistic or balanced way to manage diabetes.
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?
A. A client with metastatic cancer who is receiving a continuous infusion of intravenous morphine sulfate
B. A client with a solid-sealed cervical radiation implant
C. A client with diarrhea for whom enteric precautions are in effect
D. A client for whom contact precautions have been implemented and who requires frequent wound irrigations
Correct answer:
The correct answer is a client with a solid-sealed cervical radiation implant. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of a sealed radiation source within the targeted tumor tissue. A client with such an implant emits radiation as long as it is in place. Pregnant nurses should not care for clients with solid-sealed radiation implants due to the potential radiation exposure risk to the fetus. Clients under enteric precautions due to diarrhea, receiving a continuous infusion of intravenous morphine sulfate for cancer pain, or requiring contact precautions and frequent wound irrigations do not pose a risk to pregnant nurses and are appropriate assignments for them. Therefore, the nurse should question the assignment involving the client with the solid-sealed cervical radiation implant as it poses a risk to the fetus.
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?
A. emotional indicator
B. spiritual indicator
C. sociocultural indicator
D. intellectual indicator
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: sociocultural indicator. In this situation, the client's reluctance to make new friends after experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning reflects a change in their social behavior, which is influenced by sociocultural factors. This response indicates how stress can impact a person's relationships and social interactions. Choice A, emotional indicator, is incorrect because the client's statement is more related to social interactions than emotional expression. Choice B, spiritual indicator, is incorrect as the given scenario does not directly involve spiritual beliefs or practices. Choice D, intellectual indicator, is also incorrect as the client's statement does not reflect cognitive or intellectual changes but rather social aspects affected by the stressful event.
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.
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