RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 24

RN exams · clinical judgment

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions set 24

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

A 30 year old male presents with a stab wound to the abdomen. BP is 85/60, HR 130, RR 26 and GCS 14. Neck veins are flat and chest examination is clear with bilateral breath sounds. Optimal resuscitation should include:

  1. A. "Transfusion of FFP and platelets"
  2. B. "Preparation for laparotomy while initiating fluid resuscitation"
  3. C. "Resuscitation with crystalloid and pRBC until base excess is normal"
  4. D. "Fluid resuscitation and angioembolization"
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — "Preparation for laparotomy while initiating fluid resuscitation"

The correct answer is B: "Preparation for laparotomy while initiating fluid resuscitation." In this scenario, the patient is hemodynamically unstable with signs of hypovolemic shock. The priority is to address the source of bleeding, which is likely intra-abdominal due to the stab wound. Therefore, preparing for a laparotomy to control the bleeding is crucial. Fluid resuscitation should be initiated to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics and improve tissue perfusion. This approach addresses the immediate life-threatening issue and is the most appropriate course of action to prevent further deterioration. Explanation for other choices: A: "Transfusion of FFP and platelets" - This option does not address the immediate need for controlling bleeding and stabilizing the patient's hemodynamics. C: "Resuscitation with crystalloid and pRBC until base excess is normal" - While fluid resuscitation is necessary, waiting for base excess to normalize may delay definitive treatment and compromise the

Question 2

Schemata, automatic thoughts, and cognitive distortions are terms that relate to:

  1. A. Rational-emotive behavioral therapy.
  2. B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  3. C. Operant conditioning theory.
  4. D. Biofeedback.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The correct answer is B: Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Schemata, automatic thoughts, and cognitive distortions are central concepts in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, schemata are core beliefs, automatic thoughts are immediate cognitive responses to situations, and cognitive distortions are irrational thought patterns. CBT aims to identify and challenge these cognitive processes to promote healthier thinking patterns and behaviors. Incorrect choices: A: Rational-emotive behavioral therapy focuses on challenging irrational beliefs and is related to CBT, but does not specifically address schemata, automatic thoughts, and cognitive distortions. C: Operant conditioning theory focuses on learning through reinforcement and punishment, not cognitive processes like schemata and automatic thoughts. D: Biofeedback is a technique to help individuals control physiological processes, such as heart rate or muscle tension, and is not directly related to cognitive processes addressed in CBT.

Question 3

A patient who has AIDS is being treated in the hospital and admits to having periods of extreme anxiety. What would be the most appropriate nursing intervention?

  1. A. Teach the patient guided imagery.
  2. B. Give the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen.
  3. C. Increase the patients activity level.
  4. D. Collaborate with the patients physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Teach the patient guided imagery.

The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with AIDS experiencing extreme anxiety is to teach the patient guided imagery. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help the patient reduce anxiety levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall well-being. By teaching the patient how to use guided imagery, the nurse empowers the patient to manage her anxiety in a non-pharmacological way. This intervention promotes self-care and allows the patient to have a tool to use independently beyond the hospital setting. Giving the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen may be beneficial for adherence but does not directly address the anxiety symptoms. Increasing the patient's activity level may be helpful for overall well-being but may not specifically target the extreme anxiety. Collaborating with the patient's physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone, a potent opioid medication, is not appropriate unless it is indicated for severe pain management, not anxiety.

Question 4

A nurse providing prenatal care to a pregnant woman is addressing measures to reduce her postpartum risk of cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse. What action should the nurse recommend?

  1. A. Maintenance of good perineal hygiene
  2. B. Prevention of constipation
  3. C. Increased fluid intake for 2 weeks postpartum
  4. D. Performance of pelvic muscle exercises Chapter 58: Breast Cancer: Breast cancer – risks factors, Diagnostic tests and management, Self Breast Exam, Perioperative care: Complications, Rehab, Discharge teaching
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Performance of pelvic muscle exercises Chapter 58: Breast Cancer: Breast cancer – risks factors, Diagnostic tests and management, Self Breast Exam, Perioperative care: Complications, Rehab, Discharge teaching

The correct answer is D, performance of pelvic muscle exercises. Pelvic muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles which support the bladder, uterus, and bowel. By strengthening these muscles, the risk of developing cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse postpartum is reduced. It is a proactive approach to prevent these conditions. Choice A, maintenance of good perineal hygiene, is important for preventing infections but does not specifically address the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Choice B, prevention of constipation, is also important but does not directly target the muscle weakness that contributes to prolapse. Choice C, increased fluid intake for 2 weeks postpartum, is not as effective in preventing prolapse as pelvic muscle exercises. In summary, pelvic muscle exercises are the most appropriate recommendation as they directly address strengthening the muscles that support the pelvic organs, reducing the risk of prolapse postpartum.

Question 5

The nurse is testing a patient's visual accommodation, which refers to:

  1. A. pupillary constriction when looking at a near object.
  2. B. pupillary dilation when looking at a far object.
  3. C. changes in peripheral vision in response to light.
  4. D. involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — pupillary constriction when looking at a near object.

Visual accommodation refers to the ability of the eye to adjust focus when shifting gaze between objects at different distances. The correct answer is A, pupillary constriction when looking at a near object, as this is a key component of visual accommodation. When looking at a near object, the eye needs to adjust its focus by constricting the pupil to allow more depth of field and clearer vision. This process helps in bringing near objects into focus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Pupillary dilation when looking at a far object is not related to visual accommodation, as the pupil dilates in low light conditions to allow more light to enter the eye. C: Changes in peripheral vision in response to light is not related to visual accommodation, as peripheral vision refers to the ability to see objects outside the direct line of sight. D: Involuntary blinking in the presence of bright light is a protective reflex to shield the eyes from excessive light and is not directly related to visual

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.

Ten more RN exams clinical judgment questions

Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.

Question 6

Which statement is true regarding oral care for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)? (Select all that apply.)

  1. A. Tooth brushing is performed every 2 hours for the greatest effect.
  2. B. Implementing a comprehensive oral care program is an intervention for preventing WWW .THENURSINGMASTERY.COM VAP.
  3. C. Oral care protocols should include oral suctioning and brushing teeth.
  4. D. Protocols that include chlorhexidine gluconate have beaebnirb e.cfofme/ctetsivt e in preventing VAP.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

The spouse of a man being treated with sertraline (Zoloft) calls to report that he had a grand mal seizure. Prior to the seizure, he had seemed confused and his forehead felt hot. The man does not have a seizure-disorder history. Which action should the nurse direct the spouse to take?

  1. A. Monitor the patient and notify the clinic if there are more seizures.
  2. B. Hold all medications and call 911 for transportation to the hospital.
  3. C. Hold tonight's sertraline and encourage him to drink more fluids.
  4. D. Administer an antipyretic drug to lower his fever and prevent seizures.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their three children (ages 5, 8, and 10) are in therapy with the nurse psychotherapist. Mrs. Smith tells the nurse that their marriage has been 'falling apart' since the birth of their youngest child, Tom. She explains that they 'did not want a third child, and I became pregnant even after my husband had undergone a vasectomy. We were very angry, the pregnancy was a problematic one, and the child has been difficult since birth. We had problems before he was born, but since Tom was born, things have gone from bad to worse. No one can control him, and he is wrecking our family!' The nurse assesses that which of the following may be occurring in this family?

  1. A. Scapegoating
  2. B. Triangling
  3. C. Disengagement
  4. D. Enmeshment
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

In order for male differentiation to occur during embryonic development, testosterone must be secreted from the testes. What stimulates the secretion of testosterone during embryonic development?

  1. A. Luteinizing hormone from the maternal pituitary gland
  2. B. Human chorionic gonadotropin
  3. C. Inhibin from the corpus luteum
  4. D. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the embryo’s hypothalamus
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

A nurse is concerned about the practice of routinely ordering a battery of laboratory tests for patients who are admitted to the hospital from a long-term care facility. An appropriate source in handling this ethical dilemma would be which of the following?

  1. A. the patient's family
  2. B. the admitting physician
  3. C. the nurse in charge of the unit
  4. D. the institutional ethics committee
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

A 35 year old female sustains multiple injuries in a motor vehicle crash and is transported to a small hospital in full spinal protection. She has a GCS of 4 and is being mechanically ventilate I.v access is established and warmed crystalloid is infuse She remains hemodynamically normal and full spinal protection is maintaine Preparations are made to transfer her to another facility for definitive neurosurgical care. Prior to transport, which of the following tests or treatments is mandatory?

  1. A. FAST exam
  2. B. Lateral cervical spine xray
  3. C. Chest x-ray
  4. D. Administration of methylprednisolone
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

2 Which of the following is the best way for a nursing assistant to keep residents' health information confidential?

  1. A. Discuss a resident's information away from the facility so that other residents cannot hear it
  2. B. Bring family and friends to the facility to meet the residents
  3. C. Return charts to their proper place after use
  4. D. Post updates about favorite residents on her Facebook page to avoid being overheard
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

An unresponsive adult trauma patient exhibits pale, cold, and clammy skin that appears ashen/cyanotic. He is breathing less than eight times a minute, has a heart rate of 32 beats a minute, and shows an irregular bradyarrhythmia on the monitor in lead II. He is experiencing frank hypotension that is barely palpable. Which of the following stages of shock is most likely causing his presentation?

  1. A. Irreversible shock
  2. B. Uncompensated shock
  3. C. Reversible shock
  4. D. Compensated shock
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

An unresponsive adult trauma patient exhibits pale, cold, and clammy skin that appears ashen/cyanotic. He is breathing less than eight times a minute, has a heart rate of 32 beats a minute, and shows an irregular bradyarrhythmia on the monitor in lead II. He is experiencing frank hypotension that is barely palpable. Which of the following stages of shock is most likely causing his presentation?

  1. A. Irreversible shock
  2. B. Uncompensated shock
  3. C. Reversible shock
  4. D. Compensated shock
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

The nurse is teaching a student nurse about some of the differences between a term and preterm infant. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. A. Infants born at 32 weeks gestational age have sufficient alveolar stability to maintain adequate lung expansion.
  2. B. Surfactant may need to be given to the infant born less than 34 to 36 weeks of age to assist with alveolar stability.
  3. C. Women with gestational diabetes have larger babies; therefore, there are fewer issues with lung maturity when born preterm.
  4. D. Mothers carrying multiples fetuses will increase the surfactant production naturally in utero.
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 24 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 RN exams 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.