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RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 171

RN exams · clinical judgment

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions set 171

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 RN exams exam guide or more RN exams 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

On which biological theory of aging is the prevention of telomere shortening based?

  1. A. Genetic research
  2. B. Caloric restriction
  3. C. Oxidative stress
  4. D. Cross-link
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Genetic research

The correct answer is A: Genetic research. Telomere shortening is primarily based on the theory of cellular senescence, which is related to genetic research. Telomeres are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Genetic research has shown that telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-related diseases. Caloric restriction, oxidative stress, and cross-link theories of aging are not directly linked to telomere shortening. Caloric restriction focuses on extending lifespan by reducing calorie intake, oxidative stress theory suggests that aging is caused by cumulative damage from reactive oxygen species, and cross-link theory emphasizes the accumulation of non-reversible bonds between molecules as a cause of aging.

Question 2

A 28-year-old female client was admitted 3 days ago after she ran nude through the streets, shouting that she was the 'Queen of Hearts.' The client has remained delusional since admission. An initial expected outcome would be that the client will:

  1. A. Allow the nurse to logically dispute the delusion
  2. B. Distinguish external boundaries
  3. C. Engage in reality-oriented conversation
  4. D. Explain why she thinks she is the 'Queen of Hearts'
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Engage in reality-oriented conversation

The correct answer is C: Engage in reality-oriented conversation. This is the most appropriate initial expected outcome because it focuses on helping the client ground herself in reality. Engaging in reality-oriented conversation can help the client understand and acknowledge her delusions, leading to potential insight and eventual treatment. A: Allowing the nurse to logically dispute the delusion may not be effective initially as the client may not be receptive to this approach during the acute phase of her delusion. B: Distinguishing external boundaries may not address the underlying delusional beliefs and may not be the most immediate concern. D: Explaining why she thinks she is the 'Queen of Hearts' may reinforce the delusion rather than challenging it.

Question 3

In which context are members of a cohort described when using the age-stratification theory to explain the effect of similar events, conditions, and circumstances?

  1. A. Historical
  2. B. Biological
  3. C. Sociological
  4. D. Chronological
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Historical

The correct answer is A: Historical. In age-stratification theory, cohort members are described in historical context to explain shared experiences. This theory emphasizes that individuals born around the same time experience similar events shaping their lives. Historical context is crucial as it considers the societal, cultural, and economic factors influencing a specific generation. Choice B, Biological, is incorrect as age-stratification theory focuses on social aspects rather than biological ones. Choice C, Sociological, is broad and doesn't specifically address the historical aspect of cohort description. Choice D, Chronological, is incorrect as it simply refers to the order of events without considering the historical backdrop of a cohort's experiences.

Question 4

A male patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia typically relates effectively with female staff but angrily tells the male nurse, 'You act like a homosexual. None of the men trust you or want to be around you.' The nurse, who is heterosexual, is perplexed by the patient's statements and discusses the event with his mentor. Which explanation most likely underlies the patient's behavior?

  1. A. The patient was unleashing unconscious, hostile feelings toward the nurse.
  2. B. The patient feared the nurse would reject him, so he coped by rejecting the nurse first.
  3. C. It was the patient's way of distancing himself from potential emotional intimacy.
  4. D. The patient was coping with homosexual urges by projecting them onto the nurse.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The patient was coping with homosexual urges by projecting them onto the nurse.

The correct answer is D because the patient's accusation of the nurse being homosexual and implying that other men do not trust him or want to be around him suggests projection of the patient's own homosexual urges onto the nurse. This defense mechanism of projection helps the patient avoid acknowledging and dealing with his own uncomfortable feelings by attributing them to someone else. Option A is incorrect because the patient's behavior is more about projecting feelings onto the nurse rather than unconscious hostility. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's fear of rejection rather than projecting his own feelings onto the nurse. Option C is incorrect as it does not address the specific dynamic of projecting homosexual urges onto the nurse.

Question 5

An elderly woman is brought to the clinic by her daughter. The client states that she has had a cold for several days. Her daughter states that her mother has been confused about when her routine medications are to be taken and that her mother has never experienced confusion before. Based on this information, it is important that the nurse ask the client whether:

  1. A. There is a history of mental illness in the family.
  2. B. She has been given a diagnosis of a mental health disorder in the past.
  3. C. She can recall her last visit to a physician.
  4. D. None of the above.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — There is a history of mental illness in the family.

The correct answer is A: There is a history of mental illness in the family. This is important because the sudden onset of confusion in an elderly person could be indicative of a new mental health issue or cognitive decline. Asking about a family history of mental illness can provide valuable insights into potential genetic predispositions or underlying conditions that may be contributing to the client's confusion. Choices B and C are incorrect because the client's own history of mental health diagnosis or ability to recall a physician visit are not directly related to the sudden onset of confusion. Choice D is incorrect because asking about a family history of mental illness could provide crucial information in understanding the client's current condition.

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Question 6

A student transfers from a hometown college to a university 200 miles away after breaking up with her boyfriend of 2 years. She was slow to make friends at the university. The history shows a close relationship with her mother and sister. She began eating large quantities when she felt sad, and then she induced vomiting. When the student's schoolwork declined, she sought help from the university health clinic. During the initial interview, what priority issue should the nurse address?

  1. A. Losses
  2. B. Sleep patterns
  3. C. School activities
  4. D. Menstrual flow
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Question 7

A nurse is discussing renal complications with a diabetic patient. What condition should the nurse explain?

  1. A. Diabetic nephropathy
  2. B. Diabetic retinopathy
  3. C. Diabetic neuropathy
  4. D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
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Question 8

A nurse is discussing renal complications with a diabetic patient. What condition should the nurse explain?

  1. A. Diabetic nephropathy
  2. B. Diabetic retinopathy
  3. C. Diabetic neuropathy
  4. D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected appendicitis. What sign is the nurse looking for?

  1. A. Rebound tenderness
  2. B. Murphy\'s sign
  3. C. McBurney\'s point
  4. D. Cullen\'s sign
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Question 10

A nurse is teaching a client about proper insulin administration. What is a key point to include?

  1. A. Rotate injection sites
  2. B. Use the same site repeatedly
  3. C. Inject into the same muscle
  4. D. Massage the injection site
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Question 11

A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with heart failure. What should the nurse emphasize?

  1. A. Limit salt intake
  2. B. Weigh daily
  3. C. Exercise regularly
  4. D. Follow a low-fat diet
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Question 12

Vivid dreaming occurs in which stage of sleep?

  1. A. Stage I non-REM
  2. B. Rapid eye movement (REM) stage
  3. C. Stage II non-REM
  4. D. Delta stage
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Question 13

A nurse is planning care for a client with a burn injury. What should be the primary focus?

  1. A. Preventing infection
  2. B. Pain management
  3. C. Maintaining body temperature
  4. D. Nutritional support
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Question 14

A nurse observes an assistive personnel (AP) perform mouth care for a client who is unconscious. Which of the following actions by the AP requires intervention by the nurse?

  1. A. Using an oral care sponge swab moistened with cool water to clean the client’s mouth
  2. B. Wearing clean gloves to perform mouth care for the client
  3. C. Lowering the side rail on the side of the bed where they will stand to perform mouth care
  4. D. Using two gloved fingers to open the client’s mouth for cleaning
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

A nurse is teaching a client about proper insulin administration. What is a key point to include?

  1. A. Rotate injection sites
  2. B. Use the same site repeatedly
  3. C. Inject into the same muscle
  4. D. Massage the injection site
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams clinical judgment questions

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 171 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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