NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions, set 52

NCLEX-RN · clinical judgment

NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions set 52

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-RN exam guide or more NCLEX-RN 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

Which response by the nurse best explains the purpose of ranitidine (Zantac) for a patient admitted with bleeding esophageal varices?

  1. A. The medication will reduce the risk of aspiration.
  2. B. The medication will inhibit the development of gastric ulcers.
  3. C. The medication will prevent irritation of the enlarged veins.
  4. D. The medication will decrease nausea and improve appetite.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — The medication will prevent irritation of the enlarged veins.

The correct answer is: 'The medication will prevent irritation of the enlarged veins.' Esophageal varices are dilated submucosal veins. The therapeutic action of H2-receptor blockers in patients with esophageal varices is to prevent irritation and bleeding from the varices caused by reflux of acidic gastric contents. While ranitidine can decrease the risk of peptic ulcers, reduce nausea, and help prevent aspiration pneumonia, the primary purpose of H2-receptor blockade in this patient is to prevent irritation and bleeding from the varices, not the other listed effects.

Question 2

Which of the following glands found in the skin secretes a liquid called Sebum?

  1. A. Apocrine Glands
  2. B. Sebaceous Glands
  3. C. Lacrimal Glands
  4. D. Sweat Glands
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Sebaceous Glands

Sebum is a liquid secreted by glands in the skin known as sebaceous glands. Sebum's primary function is to lubricate the skin and help maintain its integrity. Apocrine glands secrete a different type of sweat that is odorless but can develop an odor when combined with bacteria on the skin. Lacrimal glands produce tears to keep the eyes moist, and sweat glands secrete sweat to regulate body temperature through evaporation. Therefore, the correct answer is Sebaceous Glands because they specifically secrete sebum, distinguishing them from the other gland types mentioned.

Question 3

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

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

Correct answer: C — Keep a sharps container nearby where it can be easily accessed

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.

Question 4

A patient's urine specimen tested positive for bilirubin. Which of the following is most true?

  1. A. The patient should be evaluated for kidney disease
  2. B. The specimen was probably left at room temperature for more than two hours
  3. C. The specimen is positive for bacteria
  4. D. The specimen should be stored in an area protected from light
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The specimen should be stored in an area protected from light

Bilirubin is easily broken down by light, so all samples testing positive for bilirubin should be protected from light exposure. Storing the specimen in an area protected from light helps maintain the integrity of the bilirubin levels for accurate testing. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of bilirubin in urine does not necessarily indicate kidney disease. Choice B is incorrect as the exposure to light, not room temperature, affects bilirubin levels. Choice C is incorrect as the presence of bilirubin does not indicate the presence of bacteria in the specimen.

Question 5

In addition to standard precautions, the nurse caring for a patient with rubella would plan to implement what type of precautions?

  1. A. Droplet precautions
  2. B. Airborne precautions
  3. C. Contact precautions
  4. D. Universal precautions
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Droplet precautions

Rubella is an illness transmitted by large-particle droplets, so the nurse should implement droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small particles in the air, such as tuberculosis, varicella, and rubeola. Contact precautions are utilized for diseases transmitted by direct contact with the patient or their environment. Universal precautions and body substance isolations are part of the CDC's standard precautions recommendations, but do not specifically address the transmission route of rubella.

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Question 6

The health care provider writes an order for bacteriologic testing for a patient who has a positive tuberculosis skin test. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. A. Teach about the reason for the blood tests.
  2. B. Schedule an appointment for a chest x-ray.
  3. C. Teach about the need to get sputum specimens for 2 to 3 consecutive days.
  4. D. Instruct the patient to expectorate three specimens as soon as possible.
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Question 7

To which of the following do the CDC Standard precautions recommendations apply?

  1. A. Patients with diagnosed infections only
  2. B. Blood or body fluids with visible blood only
  3. C. All body fluids including sweat
  4. D. All patients receiving care in hospitals
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Question 8

The parents of a newborn with a cleft lip are concerned and ask the nurse when the lip will be repaired. With which statement should the nurse respond?

  1. A. Cleft lip cannot be repaired.
  2. B. Cleft-lip repair is usually performed by 6 months of age.
  3. C. Cleft-lip repair is usually performed during the first months of life.
  4. D. Cleft-lip repair is usually performed between 6 months and 2 years.
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Question 9

The nurse is caring for an infant with cryptorchidism. The nurse anticipates that the most likely diagnostic study to be prescribed would be the one that assesses which item?

  1. A. Babinski reflex
  2. B. DNA synthesis
  3. C. Urinary function
  4. D. Chromosomal analysis
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Question 10

What is the primary nursing concern when caring for patients being treated with splints, casts, or traction?

  1. A. To assess for and prevent neurovascular complications or dysfunction
  2. B. To ensure adequate nutrition during the healing process
  3. C. To provide patient education for maintenance of splints, casts, or traction in the community
  4. D. To treat acute pain
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Question 11

A 25-year-old male client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and will take levothyroxine (Synthroid) 50 mcg/day by mouth. As part of the teaching plan, the nurse emphasizes that this medication:

  1. A. Should be taken in the morning
  2. B. May increase the client's energy level
  3. C. Does not need to be stored in a dark container
  4. D. May increase the client's heart rate
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Question 12

A client is being instructed in the use of an incentive spirometer. Which of the following statements from the nurse indicates correct teaching about using this device?

  1. A. Lie back in a reclining position while using the spirometer.
  2. B. Take slow deep breaths to reach your goal.
  3. C. Set a goal of using the spirometer at least 3 times per day.
  4. D. Practice coughing after taking 10 breaths.
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Question 13

A man has been taking lisinopril for CHF. The patient is seen in the emergency room for persistent diarrhea. The nurse is concerned about which side effect of lisinopril?

  1. A. Vertigo
  2. B. Hypotension
  3. C. Palpitations
  4. D. Nagging, dry cough
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Question 14

Which example best describes the concept of beneficence?

  1. A. A nurse provides pain medication for a client in the recovery room who is experiencing pain
  2. B. A client has an advanced directive in place stating that he does not want intubation if he needs CPR
  3. C. At the request of the client, a nurse does not inform the family about his cancer diagnosis
  4. D. A nurse withholds narcotic medication for a client in pain, knowing that he is currently disoriented
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Question 15

As a nursing supervisor in a long-term care facility, you prioritize strict infection control prevention measures due to the understanding that the normal aging process weakens the body's defenses. Which theory of aging supports the necessity of strict infection control prevention measures?

  1. A. The Programmed Longevity Theory
  2. B. The Immunological Theory of Aging
  3. C. The Endocrine Theory
  4. D. The Rate of Living Theory
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About these NCLEX-RN clinical judgment questions

NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions, set 52 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-RN 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.

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