RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 22
RN exams · clinical judgment
RN exams clinical judgment practice questionsset 22
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
Side effects shared by NSAIDs include all the following EXCEPT:
A. Addiction
B. Gastrointestinal ulceration
C. Nephropathy
D. Hepatotoxicity
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Addiction
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, share a side effect profile linked to their inhibition of COX enzymes, which reduces protective prostaglandins. Gastrointestinal ulceration occurs due to decreased mucus production in the stomach, increasing risks of bleeding or ulcers, a well-known issue with chronic use. Nephropathy results from reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis, impairing kidney perfusion and potentially leading to acute or chronic renal damage. Hepatotoxicity, though less frequent, can arise from metabolic overload in the liver with prolonged high doses. Addiction, however, is not associated with NSAIDs. It's a characteristic of opioids, which stimulate the brain's reward pathways via mu receptors, fostering dependence. NSAIDs lack psychoactive properties and don't induce euphoria or craving, making Addiction the exception. This question tests the ability to differentiate NSAID toxicities from those of other drug classes, vital for safe prescribing and patient counseling on risks.
Question 2
Side effects shared by NSAIDs include all the following EXCEPT:
A. Addiction
B. Gastrointestinal ulceration
C. Nephropathy
D. Hepatotoxicity
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Addiction
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, share a side effect profile linked to their inhibition of COX enzymes, which reduces protective prostaglandins. Gastrointestinal ulceration occurs due to decreased mucus production in the stomach, increasing risks of bleeding or ulcers, a well-known issue with chronic use. Nephropathy results from reduced renal prostaglandin synthesis, impairing kidney perfusion and potentially leading to acute or chronic renal damage. Hepatotoxicity, though less frequent, can arise from metabolic overload in the liver with prolonged high doses. Addiction, however, is not associated with NSAIDs. It's a characteristic of opioids, which stimulate the brain's reward pathways via mu receptors, fostering dependence. NSAIDs lack psychoactive properties and don't induce euphoria or craving, making Addiction the exception. This question tests the ability to differentiate NSAID toxicities from those of other drug classes, vital for safe prescribing and patient counseling on risks.
Question 3
A 32 year old patient complains about heartburn and dull pain in the epigastrium that appear 2-3 hours after meal. Exacerbations happen in spring and in autumn. The patient has food intolerance of eggs and fish. Objectively: stomach palpation reveals painfulness in the gastroduodenal area. Electrophasoduodenoscopy revealed a 5 mm ulcer on the anterior wall of duodenum. Urease test is positive. What is the most probable leading mechanism of disease development?
A. Helicobacterial infection
B. Dietary allergy
C. Autoantibody production
D. Reduced prostaglandin synthesis
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Helicobacterial infection
The correct answer is A: Helicobacterial infection. This is the most probable leading mechanism of disease development in this case because the patient's symptoms, such as heartburn, epigastric pain, food intolerance, and presence of a duodenal ulcer with a positive urease test, are classic signs of Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and ulcer formation. The exacerbations in spring and autumn could be due to seasonal variations in immune response.
Choice B: Dietary allergy is incorrect because the symptoms and findings in the patient are more indicative of an infectious etiology rather than an allergic reaction to specific foods.
Choice C: Autoantibody production is unlikely as there are no indications of an autoimmune process in this case.
Choice D: Reduced prostaglandin synthesis is not the leading mechanism as the symptoms and findings are more consistent with an infectious cause rather than a deficiency in prostaglandin synthesis.
Question 4
The nurse is preparing for the discharge of a premature neonate to home with the parents. The nurse explains the neonate must be able to pass the infant car seat challenge before discharge. For which reason would the neonate be considered unsafe in a car seat?
A. Inability to remain at a 45-degree angle for a period of 1 hour
B. Reluctance of parents to use the car seat because of the small size of the baby
C. Inability to maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate during trial
D. Inability to continue prescribed oxygen therapy for the neonate while in a car seat
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Inability to maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate during trial
The correct answer is C because the infant car seat challenge is used to assess if the neonate can maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate in a seated position. This is crucial as infants who are unable to maintain these vital signs while in a car seat are at risk of oxygen desaturation and apnea, which can lead to serious complications such as suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, if the neonate is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate during the trial, it would be unsafe for them to travel in a car seat.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the safety concerns associated with the infant car seat challenge. Choice A refers to the angle at which the neonate should be positioned in the car seat, which is important for proper positioning but not the primary concern during the car seat challenge. Choice B focuses on parental attitudes towards using the car seat, which is not a physiological
Question 5
Following the death of a child, one of the parents begins to falsely accuse other members of the family of blaming the child's death on the parent. This leads to family members avoiding the mentioned parent for fear of the false accusation. The parent takes this as proof that the family truly believes the accusation. This sets up a destructive cycle of family dysfunction. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this family?
A. Impaired family processes related to impaired adjustment
B. Impaired adjustment related to loneliness
C. Loneliness related to fear
D. Dysfunctional grieving related to loss of relationships
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Dysfunctional grieving related to loss of relationships
The correct answer is D: Dysfunctional grieving related to loss of relationships. This nursing diagnosis is most appropriate because the parent's behavior following the child's death is indicative of dysfunctional grieving, as they are falsely accusing family members and experiencing a breakdown in relationships. This behavior is a maladaptive way of coping with the loss, leading to further dysfunction within the family.
A: Impaired family processes related to impaired adjustment does not fully capture the specific issue of dysfunctional grieving and loss of relationships.
B: Impaired adjustment related to loneliness focuses more on the individual's emotional state rather than the family dynamics and dysfunction.
C: Loneliness related to fear does not address the core issue of dysfunctional grieving and the breakdown in family relationships.
In summary, the parent's behavior and the resulting family dysfunction point towards dysfunctional grieving as the primary nursing diagnosis in this case.
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Question 6
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse–client relationship? (Select all that apply)
A. Dependency
B. Collaboration
C. Paternalism
D. Acceptance of differences
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together towards shared goals, with both parties actively participating and contributing to decision-making processes. Collaboration fosters a relationship based on equality, respect, and shared responsibility, leading to improved outcomes for the client.
A: Dependency is not a characteristic of mutuality as it implies one party relying solely on the other, which goes against the principles of collaboration and shared decision-making.
C: Paternalism is not a characteristic of mutuality as it involves a one-sided approach where the nurse makes decisions on behalf of the client without their active involvement or input.
D: Acceptance of differences, while important in promoting understanding and respect in the relationship, is not a defining characteristic of mutuality. It is more about acknowledging and respecting each other's unique perspectives rather than actively collaborating towards common goals.
A nurse is entering information on the patient’s electronic health record (EHR) and is called to assist in an emergency situation with regard to another patient in the labor and birth suite. The nurse rushes to the scene to assist; however, she leaves the chart open on the computer screen. The emergent patient situation is resolved satisfactorily, and the nurse comes back to the computer entry screen to complete charting. At the end of the shift, the nurse manager asks to speak with the nurse and tells her that she is concerned with what happened today on the unit because there was a breach in confidentiality. Which response by the nurse indicates that she understands the nurse manager’s concerns?
A. The nurse acknowledges that she should have made sure that her patient was safe before assisting with the emergency.
B. The nurse states that she should have logged out of the EHR prior to attending to the emergency.
C. The nurse indicates that the unit was understaffed.
D. The nurse indicates that the she changed her password following the clinical emergency to maintain confidentiality.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale:
1. The correct answer is B because logging out of the EHR prior to attending to the emergency is crucial to maintain patient confidentiality.
2. By leaving the EHR open, the nurse exposed sensitive patient information to potential unauthorized access.
3. This action violates patient privacy rights and is a breach of confidentiality.
4. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the specific issue of breaching patient confidentiality by leaving the EHR open.
5. Choice C is irrelevant as understaffing does not excuse the breach of patient confidentiality.
6. Choice D is incorrect as changing the password after the breach does not rectify the initial mistake of leaving the EHR open.
Summary: Choice B is the correct response as it directly addresses the breach of confidentiality by acknowledging the importance of logging out of the EHR to protect patient information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not effectively address the issue of breaching patient confidentiality.
The community health nurse is preparing for visits in the community. Which factor has the greatest influence on a community's health?
A. Behavior choices made by persons in the community
B. Number of clinics and hospitals in the community
C. Number of people in the community
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Behavior choices made by persons in the community. This factor has the greatest influence on a community's health because individual behaviors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and preventive care directly impact health outcomes. By promoting healthy behaviors and providing education on risk factors, the community health nurse can effectively improve the overall health of the community.
Choice B: Number of clinics and hospitals in the community is incorrect because access to healthcare facilities is important but does not directly influence individual behavior choices that impact health outcomes.
Choice C: Number of people in the community is incorrect because while population size can affect healthcare resource allocation, it does not directly address individual behavior choices that are crucial for community health.
Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it addresses the root cause of health outcomes and allows for targeted interventions to improve community health.
After having an argument with a spouse, which defense mechanism is the patient exhibiting when becoming verbally abusive toward the nurse?
A. Denial.
B. Projection.
C. Sublimation.
D. Displacement.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Displacement. Displacement is the defense mechanism where emotions or impulses are redirected from the original target to a less threatening target. In this scenario, the patient is displacing their anger from their spouse onto the nurse. This is evident by the patient becoming verbally abusive towards the nurse after the argument with their spouse.
A: Denial is the defense mechanism where individuals refuse to accept reality. This is not applicable in this situation as the patient is not denying the argument with their spouse.
B: Projection is the defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. This is not the case here as the patient is not attributing their behavior to the nurse.
C: Sublimation is the defense mechanism where individuals channel their emotions into more socially acceptable behaviors. This is not relevant in this context as the patient is not channeling their emotions into a constructive outlet.
A postpartum client who is Rh-negative refuses to receive RhoGAM after the delivery of an infant who is Rh-positive. Which information should the nurse provide this client?
A. RhoGAM prevents maternal antibody formation for future Rh-positive babies.
B. RhoGAM is not necessary unless all of her pregnancies are Rh-positive.
C. The Rh-positive factor from the fetus threatens her blood cells.
D. The mother should receive RhoGAM when the baby is Rh-negative.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A. RhoGAM is administered to Rh-negative individuals after exposure to Rh-positive blood to prevent the development of antibodies that could harm future Rh-positive babies during subsequent pregnancies. By refusing RhoGAM after the delivery of an Rh-positive infant, the mother risks developing these antibodies, which could lead to hemolytic disease in future pregnancies with Rh-positive babies. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to explain to the client that receiving RhoGAM prevents the formation of maternal antibodies against Rh-positive blood, safeguarding the health of future babies. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because RhoGAM is necessary after exposure to Rh-positive blood, regardless of the Rh status of future pregnancies. Choice C is incorrect as it does not accurately convey the purpose of RhoGAM administration. Choice D is incorrect because RhoGAM is specifically given after exposure to Rh-positive blood, not when the baby is Rh-negative.
During a manic episode, a patient is hyperactive, restless, and disorganized. The patient goes to the dining room and begins to throw food and dishes. Verbal intervention is ineffective. The patient's behavior poses a substantial risk of harm to others. Staff escorts the patient to the patient's room to dine alone. What is the rationale for this action?
A. Prevent other patients from observing the behavior.
B. Reduce environmental stimuli that negatively affect the patient.
C. Protect the patient's biological integrity until medication takes effect.
D. Reinforce limit setting
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Reduce environmental stimuli that negatively affect the patient. This action helps reduce stimulation that may be exacerbating the manic episode, promoting a calmer environment for the patient. Removing the patient from the dining room minimizes triggers for further disruptive behavior. This approach prioritizes the patient's well-being by managing the environmental factors contributing to the escalation of symptoms.
A: Preventing other patients from observing the behavior does not directly address the patient's needs during the manic episode and does not actively help in managing the situation.
C: Protecting the patient's biological integrity until medication takes effect may be important, but in this scenario, the immediate focus is on addressing the environmental factors contributing to the behavior.
D: Reinforcing limit setting is important in managing behavior, but in this specific situation, reducing environmental stimuli is a more immediate and effective intervention.
Which method of intrapartum fetal monitoring is the most appropriate when a woman has a history of hypertension during pregnancy?
A. Continuous auscultation with a fetoscope
B. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring
C. Intermittent assessment with a Doppler transducer
D. Intermittent electronic fetal monitoring for 15 minutes each hour
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Continuous electronic fetal monitoring. This method is most appropriate for a woman with a history of hypertension during pregnancy because it allows continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate patterns and uterine contractions, providing real-time data to detect any signs of fetal distress promptly. Continuous monitoring is crucial in high-risk pregnancies to ensure timely intervention if any issues arise.
A: Continuous auscultation with a fetoscope is not ideal for a woman with a history of hypertension as it does not provide continuous monitoring and may miss subtle changes in fetal well-being.
C: Intermittent assessment with a Doppler transducer does not offer continuous monitoring, which is essential in high-risk pregnancies like hypertension.
D: Intermittent electronic fetal monitoring for 15 minutes each hour is not as effective as continuous monitoring in detecting changes in fetal well-being promptly, which is crucial in cases of hypertension during pregnancy.
The nurse is preparing for the discharge of a premature neonate to home with the parents. The nurse explains the neonate must be able to pass the infant car seat challenge before discharge. For which reason would the neonate be considered unsafe in a car seat?
A. Inability to remain at a 45-degree angle for a period of 1 hour
B. Reluctance of parents to use the car seat because of the small size of the baby
C. Inability to maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate during trial
D. Inability to continue prescribed oxygen therapy for the neonate while in a car seat
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the infant car seat challenge is used to assess if the neonate can maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate in a seated position. This is crucial as infants who are unable to maintain these vital signs while in a car seat are at risk of oxygen desaturation and apnea, which can lead to serious complications such as suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, if the neonate is unable to maintain adequate oxygenation, heart rate, and respiratory rate during the trial, it would be unsafe for them to travel in a car seat.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the safety concerns associated with the infant car seat challenge. Choice A refers to the angle at which the neonate should be positioned in the car seat, which is important for proper positioning but not the primary concern during the car seat challenge. Choice B focuses on parental attitudes towards using the car seat, which is not a physiological
A 42-year-old florist comes to your office, complaining of chronic constipation for the last 6 months. She has had no nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and no abdominal pain or cramping. She denies any recent illnesses or injuries. She denies any changes to her diet or exercise program. She is on no new medications. During the review of systems you note that she has felt fatigued, had some weight gain, has irregular periods, and has cold intolerance. Her past medical history is significant for one vaginal delivery and two cesarean sections. She is married, has three children, and owns a flower shop. She denies tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. Her mother has type 2 diabetes and her father has coronary artery disease. There is no family history of cancers. On examination she appears her stated age. Her vital signs are normal. Her head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and neck examinations are normal. Her cardiac, lung, and abdominal examinations are also unremarkable. Her rectal occult blood test is negative. Her deep tendon reflexes are delayed in response to a blow with the hammer, especially the Achilles tendons. What is the best choice for the cause of her constipation?
A. Large bowel obstruction
B. Irritable bowel syndrome
C. Rectal cancer
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct answer:
The constellation of symptoms described in the scenario, including chronic constipation, fatigue, weight gain, irregular periods, cold intolerance, and delayed deep tendon reflexes, suggests hypothyroidism as the likely cause. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a slowdown in bodily functions. Constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the decreased motility of the bowel. The presence of cold intolerance, weight gain, and irregular periods further supports this diagnosis, as these are classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. The delayed deep tendon reflexes, especially in the Achilles tendons, are indicative of the myopathic changes that can occur in hypothyroidism. It is important to further investigate thyroid function through laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. Other conditions such as large bowel obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, and rectal cancer are less likely based
A nurse is assessing a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Lack of feelings of remorse
B. Requiring frequent reassurance from others
C. Suspiciousness of others
D. Inflated sense of self
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Suspiciousness of others. In paranoid personality disorder, individuals have a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others. This belief that others are out to harm or deceive them is a key characteristic. This suspicion can lead to interpersonal difficulties and strained relationships.
A: Lack of feelings of remorse is not a typical finding in paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder may have difficulties trusting others, but it does not necessarily mean they lack empathy or remorse.
B: Requiring frequent reassurance from others is more commonly seen in individuals with dependent personality disorder rather than paranoid personality disorder. Those with paranoid personality disorder tend to be distrustful and self-reliant.
D: An inflated sense of self is more characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder rather than paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with paranoid personality disorder often have feelings of inadequacy or inferiority.
RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 22 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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