NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions, set 7

NCLEX-RN · clinical judgment

NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions set 7

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

Family members of a patient ask repeated questions about the monitors and various readings in the patient's room. What is the most supportive response to their questions?

  1. A. Inform them that you can't take the time to answer all their questions
  2. B. Provide detailed explanations for each device
  3. C. Tell them it's too technical to explain
  4. D. Provide an overview and encourage them to spend their time with the patient
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Provide an overview and encourage them to spend their time with the patient

Addressing the family's questions and providing an overview of information validates their concerns and addresses their requests. Limiting details and encouraging them to focus on the patient helps to avoid anxiety that could be created by focusing on values that should be interpreted in the context of the patient's situation by professionals with experience with such data. It also encourages them to provide what they uniquely have to offer: a comforting presence for their loved one. Choice A is dismissive and does not address the family's needs. Choice B may overwhelm the family with unnecessary technical information. Choice C is unhelpful as it disregards the family's genuine interest and concern. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate response as it balances providing information while guiding the family to focus on supporting the patient.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for an infant who has recently been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Which of the following clinical signs would most likely be present?

  1. A. Slow pulse rate
  2. B. Weight gain
  3. C. Decreased systolic pressure
  4. D. Irregular WBC lab values
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Weight gain

Weight gain due to fluid accumulation is associated with heart failure and congenital heart defects. When the heart is unable to circulate blood normally, the kidneys receive less blood, leading to reduced fluid filtration into the urine. The excess fluid accumulates in various body parts such as the lungs, liver, eyes, and sometimes in the legs. Slow pulse rate (Choice A) is less likely as infants with heart failure typically present with tachycardia due to the body compensating for decreased cardiac output. Decreased systolic pressure (Choice C) is also less likely as heart failure typically leads to increased blood pressure as the body tries to maintain adequate perfusion. Irregular white blood cell (WBC) values (Choice D) are not directly associated with congenital heart defects unless there is an underlying infection or inflammatory process.

Question 3

A patient is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. A nurse checking the patient's lab results would expect which of the following changes in laboratory findings?

  1. A. Elevated serum calcium
  2. B. Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH)
  3. C. Elevated serum vitamin D
  4. D. Low urine calcium
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Elevated serum calcium

In primary hyperparathyroidism, there is excess secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to increased resorption of calcium from bones and decreased excretion of calcium by the kidneys. This results in elevated serum calcium levels. Elevated serum calcium is a hallmark characteristic of primary hyperparathyroidism, making it the correct answer. Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Choice B) is incorrect because primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with elevated PTH levels due to the malfunction of the parathyroid glands. Elevated serum vitamin D (Choice C) is incorrect because primary hyperparathyroidism is not typically associated with elevated vitamin D levels. Low urine calcium (Choice D) is incorrect as primary hyperparathyroidism leads to decreased calcium excretion by the kidneys, resulting in high levels of calcium in the urine.

Question 4

A client must use a non-rebreathing oxygen mask. Which of the following statements is true regarding this type of mask?

  1. A. A non-rebreather can provide an FiO2 of 40%.
  2. B. A client should breathe through his or her mouth when using a non-rebreather.
  3. C. A non-rebreather offers a reservoir from which the client inhales.
  4. D. The mask of a non-rebreather should be changed every 3 hours.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — A non-rebreather can provide an FiO2 of 40%.

A non-rebreather mask is used for supplemental oxygen delivery for clients experiencing breathing difficulties. The non-rebreather mask includes a one-way valve that allows exhaled air to escape, preventing the rebreathing of carbon dioxide. The client inhales oxygenated air from a reservoir bag attached to the mask, providing high-concentration oxygen therapy. A non-rebreather mask can deliver FiO2 levels of up to 90%, making it an effective intervention for clients requiring high oxygen concentrations. Therefore, the statement that 'A non-rebreather can provide an FiO2 of 40%' is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because clients should breathe through their nose and mouth, the mask offers a reservoir for inhaling oxygen, and the mask should be assessed and potentially replaced if soiled or damaged, not routinely changed every 3 hours.

Question 5

The charge nurse is notified that the unit will be receiving an admission of a client from another bed in the hospital in order to make room for others being admitted through the emergency room. The unit is the Women's Health Center of the hospital. Which of the following patients would be most appropriate to be transferred to this unit?

  1. A. A 26-year-old woman who had a bowel resection
  2. B. A 40-year-old man who underwent a hernia repair
  3. C. A 31-year-old woman with septicemia and who is on a ventilator
  4. D. A 91-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease recovering from a fall
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — A 26-year-old woman who had a bowel resection

When deciding on transferring patients between units in a hospital, it is essential to consider the appropriateness of the patient for the receiving unit. The Women's Health Center typically caters to female patients with gynecological or obstetric conditions that do not require intensive monitoring or specialized care. In this scenario, the most suitable patient for transfer to the Women's Health Center would be the 26-year-old woman who had a bowel resection, as her condition aligns more closely with the services provided in that unit. The other options, including a male patient, a critically ill patient on a ventilator, and an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease, would not be appropriate for transfer to a Women's Health Center due to the specialized care they require, which may not align with the unit's focus and staffing capabilities.

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Question 6

A 39-year-old woman presents for treatment of excessive vaginal bleeding after giving birth to twins one week ago. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate in this situation?

  1. A. Knowledge Deficit related to post-partum blood loss
  2. B. Self-Care Deficit related to post-partum neglect
  3. C. Fluid Volume Deficit related to post-partum hemorrhage
  4. D. Body Image Disturbance related to body changes after delivery
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Question 7

What would be the most appropriate follow-up by the home care nurse for a 57-year-old male client with a hemoglobin of 10 g/dl and a hematocrit of 32%?

  1. A. Ask the client if he has noticed any bleeding or dark stools
  2. B. Tell the client to call 911 and go to the emergency department immediately
  3. C. Schedule a repeat Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in 1 month
  4. D. Tell the client to schedule an appointment with a hematologist
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Question 8

After instructing the client on crutch walking technique, the nurse should evaluate the client's understanding by using which of the following methods?

  1. A. Return demonstration
  2. B. Explanation
  3. C. Achievement of 90 on written test
  4. D. Have the client explain the procedure to the family
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Question 9

The pediatric nurse caring for a 3-year-old child with cerebral palsy (CP) prepares a home care teaching plan for the caregivers on discharge. Which items will the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select one that does not apply.)

  1. A. Apply splints and braces to facilitate muscle control.
  2. B. Buy toys that are appropriate for the child's abilities.
  3. C. Encourage the child to perform self-care tasks.
  4. D. Use skeletal muscle relaxants for short-term control.
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Question 10

Which of the following screening tools have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy for screening for intimate partner violence?

  1. A. Hurt, Insult, Threaten, and Scream (HITS)
  2. B. Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, and Kick (HARK)
  3. C. Slapped, Threatened, and Thrown (STaT)
  4. D. All of the above
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Question 11

A patient is getting discharged from a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The patient has a history of severe COPD and PVD. The patient is primarily concerned about his ability to breathe easily. Which of the following would be the best instruction for this patient?

  1. A. Deep breathing techniques to increase oxygen levels.
  2. B. Cough regularly and deeply to clear airway passages.
  3. C. Cough following bronchodilator utilization.
  4. D. Decrease CO2 levels by increasing oxygen intake during meals.
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Question 12

Which of the following actions can help prevent a fire in the area where a healthcare professional works?

  1. A. Using an adaptor when plugging in client equipment
  2. B. Marking equipment that is not working properly and using it carefully until it can be inspected by maintenance
  3. C. Notifying visitors or posting signs that indicate oxygen is in use in certain areas
  4. D. Keeping extra equipment stored in one area with other supplies and materials
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Question 13

An assisted living facility is an example of which type of healthcare provider?

  1. A. Primary care
  2. B. Secondary care
  3. C. Tertiary care
  4. D. None of the above
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Question 14

A nurse caring for a pediatric client shows little concern when the parents attempt to speak with her about their daughter's illness. When approached by the nurse manager about her behavior, the nurse responds by saying, 'I don't want to get involved. It doesn't matter what I do anyway; my work does not make much of a difference.' This nurse is exhibiting which of the following characteristics?

  1. A. Objectivity
  2. B. Depersonalization
  3. C. Procrastination
  4. D. Disruption
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Question 15

Your patient has shown the following signs and symptoms: Feeling very thirsty, large amount of water intake, dryness of the mouth, and urinary frequency. What physical disorder does this patient most likely have?

  1. A. Diabetes
  2. B. Angina
  3. C. Hypertension
  4. D. Hypotension
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About these NCLEX-RN clinical judgment questions

NCLEX-RN clinical judgment practice questions, set 7 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.

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.