RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 58

RN exams · clinical judgment

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions set 58

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 staff nurse reports an observation of a coworker injecting themselves with a syringe in the bathroom. The coworker admits to stealing narcotics from the medication room. The staff nurse should take which of the following courses of action?

  1. A. Agree to not report the incident if the coworker promises to report themselves to the supervisor.
  2. B. Report the incident to the appropriate person in the chain of command right away.
  3. C. Report the incident to the other RNs on the shift.
  4. D. Agree to not report the incident if the coworker seeks treatment.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Report the incident to the appropriate person in the chain of command right away.

Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reporting the incident to the appropriate person in the chain of command is necessary to ensure patient safety and uphold professional ethics. 2. The coworker's actions pose a serious risk to patient care and safety, and immediate action is required. 3. Reporting to the supervisor allows for proper investigation, intervention, and support for the coworker. 4. Confidentiality and professionalism are maintained by following the appropriate reporting channels. Summary: A: Agreeing not to report the incident in exchange for the coworker self-reporting is not appropriate as it compromises patient safety and enables unethical behavior. C: Reporting to other RNs on the shift may not ensure proper action and escalation of the issue to the appropriate authority. D: Delaying reporting in exchange for the coworker seeking treatment does not address the immediate risk posed by their actions.

Question 2

A client with type 2 diabetes is admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). Which clinical finding is most concerning to the nurse?

  1. A. Serum glucose of 500 mg/dL
  2. B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
  3. C. Serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg
  4. D. Serum pH of 7.30
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg

A serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg is the most concerning finding in a client with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) as it indicates severe dehydration and hypertonicity. This high serum osmolarity level can lead to neurological complications and requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration. Serum glucose levels, blood pressure, and serum pH are important parameters to monitor in HHS, but a significantly elevated serum osmolarity poses a higher risk of complications and warrants urgent attention. High serum glucose levels, like 500 mg/dL, are expected in HHS but do not directly indicate the severity of dehydration. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is within normal limits and may not be directly related to the acute complications of HHS. A serum pH of 7.30 suggests acidosis, which is important to address but may not be as immediately concerning as severe dehydration indicated by high serum osmolarity.

Question 3

A consumptive patient has an open pulmonary form of disease. Choose what sputum staining should be selected for finding out the tubercle (Koch's) bacillus?

  1. A. Method of Ziel-Neelsen
  2. B. Method of Romanowsky-Giemsa
  3. C. Method of Gram
  4. D. Method of Neisser
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Method of Ziel-Neelsen

The correct answer is A. Method of Ziel-Neelsen. This method uses a special stain (carbol fuchsin) to detect acid-fast organisms like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. The staining procedure involves heating the slide to help penetrate the mycolic acid layer of the bacteria, making them resistant to decolorization by acid-alcohol. The red stained acid-fast bacilli stand out against the blue counterstain. This method is specific for identifying tubercle bacilli in sputum samples. Choice B: Method of Romanowsky-Giemsa is used for staining blood smears and is not suitable for detecting acid-fast bacilli in sputum. Choice C: Method of Gram is used for staining bacteria based on their cell wall composition and is not effective for identifying acid-fast bacilli like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Choice D: Method of Neisser is not a specific staining method for acid-fast bacilli and is not suitable

Question 4

A history reveals that a patient virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. The nurse says, "Describe what you think about your present weight and how you look." Which response would be most consistent with anorexia nervosa?

  1. A. "I'm fat and ugly."
  2. B. "What I think about myself is my business."
  3. C. "I'm grossly underweight, but I cover it well."
  4. D. "I'm a few pounds overweight, but I can live with it."
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — "I'm fat and ugly."

The correct answer is A because the response indicates a distorted body image, a common characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image, leading individuals to see themselves as overweight despite being underweight. In this case, the patient's response of "I'm fat and ugly" demonstrates a negative perception of their weight and appearance, which aligns with the distorted body image seen in anorexia nervosa. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: "What I think about myself is my business" - This response does not indicate a distorted body image or negative perception of weight and appearance, which are key features of anorexia nervosa. C: "I'm grossly underweight, but I cover it well" - While this response acknowledges being underweight, it does not reflect the distorted body image commonly seen in anorexia nervosa. D: "I'm a

Question 5

Which of the following is a guideline for dealing with urinary incontinence?

  1. A. The nursing assistant should let roommates know when residents have been incontinent so that they can help notify the care team when incontinence occurs.
  2. B. The nursing assistant should tell residents' families about episodes of incontinence so they can encourage residents to do better.
  3. C. The nursing assistant should change wet or soiled linens or incontinence briefs immediately.
  4. D. The nursing assistant should not offer fluids because this will help lessen episodes of incontinence.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — The nursing assistant should change wet or soiled linens or incontinence briefs immediately.

The correct answer is C because changing wet or soiled linens or incontinence briefs immediately is a crucial guideline for managing urinary incontinence. By promptly changing soiled linens and briefs, the nursing assistant helps maintain the resident's skin integrity, prevents skin breakdown, and promotes comfort and hygiene. This action also reduces the risk of infections and eliminates odors, contributing to the resident's overall well-being. Choice A is incorrect because privacy and confidentiality are essential in managing incontinence, and sharing this information with roommates is inappropriate. Choice B is incorrect because involving residents' families in managing incontinence should be done with the resident's consent and in a supportive, sensitive manner. Choice D is incorrect because proper hydration is important for overall health, and restricting fluids can lead to dehydration and other health complications.

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Question 6

While reviewing the head CT scan of a patient following a motor vehicle accident, the AGACNP appreciates a crescent-shaped fluid collection. This most likely represents

  1. A. Acute subdural hematoma
  2. B. Acute epidural hematoma
  3. C. Acute uncal herniation
  4. D. Acute brainstem compression
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Question 7

A 47 year old house painter is brought to the hospital after falling 6 meters from a ladder and landing straddled on a fence. Examination of his perineum reveals extensive ecchymosis. There is blood in the external urethral meatus. The initial diagnostic study for evaluation of the urinary tract in this patient should be:

  1. A. "Cystoscopy"
  2. B. "Cystography"
  3. C. "IV pyelography"
  4. D. "Retrograde urethrography"
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Question 8

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) support group. One of the teaching points will include diet and weight loss to decrease hirsutism and acne. What is the reasoning for this rationale?

  1. A. Diet and exercise will promote weight loss, which will decrease hyperandrogenemia
  2. B. Diet and exercise will decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes
  3. C. Diet and exercise will decrease serum lipid levels and lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.
  4. D. Diet and exercise will increase the frequency of ovulation and menstruation and increase fertility.
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Question 9

A hospital nurse is concerned about the demands of providing safe care to clients who are seriously ill. The nurse manager should suggest which intervention to effectively help the nurse balance the demanding work in the hospital setting?

  1. A. Delegate more tasks to the unlicensed nursing personnel on the unit.
  2. B. Request a transfer to another nursing care unit with patients who are stable.
  3. C. Write down stories in a journal about how caring makes a difference for patients.
  4. D. Use an assertive communication style for every patient3nurse interaction.
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Question 10

A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare professional review before administering the medication?

  1. A. Potassium
  2. B. Serum creatinine
  3. C. Sodium
  4. D. Hemoglobin A1C
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Question 11

There are 2 hours left before the shift ends. The new UAP tells the team leader that she must leave now because she has a family emergency. What should the team leader do? Select all that apply.

  1. A. Ask her what tasks and duties are pending for the next 2 hours.
  2. B. Call a UAP who is scheduled for the next shift to come early.
  3. C. Allow her to leave but remind her she is still on probation as a new staff member.
  4. D. Call another unit and see if there is a UAP who could float to the unit.
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Question 12

The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?

  1. A. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication
  2. B. Assertive, responsible, and caring communication
  3. C. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication
  4. D. Positive, expert, and focused communication
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Question 13

A director of nursing (DON) asks the staff to list how their nursing unit can help the organization meet its goal to "provide quality patient care with attention to compassion and excellence." An ad hoc committee is formed to develop a timeline of identified actions. The DON coaches the committee to reach desired outcomes. This DON is demonstrating which other role of leadership and management?

  1. A. Transactional
  2. B. Clinical consultant
  3. C. Corporate supporter
  4. D. Autocratic
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Question 14

R. S. is a 66-year-old female with Cushings syndrome due to an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor. The tumor is readily isolated by imaging, and the patient had an uneventful surgery. When seeing her in follow-up, the AGACNP anticipates

  1. A. Rapid reversal of symptoms, with good pituitary function
  2. B. Transient rebound release of remaining pituitary hormones
  3. C. Markedly improved dexamethasone suppression test
  4. D. Hyponatremia and compensatory SIADH
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Question 15

A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation who has been diagnosed with gestational hypertension. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

  1. A. Encourage the patient to rest and increase fluid intake.
  2. B. Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly and assess for signs of preeclampsia.
  3. C. Administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed.
  4. D. Instruct the patient to lie on her back to relieve pressure on the uterus.
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About these RN exams clinical judgment questions

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 58 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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