RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 59

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RN exams clinical judgment practice questions set 59

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

How can a nurse reduce the risk of infection in a newborn in the NICU?

  1. A. Maintain strict hand hygiene
  2. B. Limit visitors and monitor closely for signs of infection
  3. C. Ensure proper sterilization of equipment
  4. D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Limit visitors and monitor closely for signs of infection

Rationale for Correct Answer (B): Limiting visitors and monitoring closely for signs of infection in a newborn in the NICU is crucial because newborns are highly vulnerable to infections. By restricting visitors, the risk of introducing pathogens is reduced. Close monitoring allows for early detection of any signs of infection, enabling prompt intervention to prevent complications. Summary of Other Choices: A: While maintaining strict hand hygiene is important, it alone is not sufficient to reduce the risk of infection in a newborn in the NICU. C: Proper sterilization of equipment is essential but may not directly address the risk of infection transmission from visitors or other sources. D: Administering prophylactic antibiotics is not recommended as a routine measure due to the potential for antibiotic resistance and adverse effects in newborns. Monitoring and prevention are preferred over indiscriminate antibiotic use.

Question 2

Which of the following is true of Transmission-Based Precautions?

  1. A. An NA does not need to practice Standard Precautions if he practices Transmission-Based Precautions.
  2. B. They are exactly the same as Standard Precautions.
  3. C. They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions.
  4. D. They will not be listed in the care plan so as not to alarm anyone.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions.

The correct answer is C because Transmission-Based Precautions are used in addition to Standard Precautions for patients with known or suspected infections. Step 1: Standard Precautions are the basic level of infection control practices that should be applied to all patients. Step 2: Transmission-Based Precautions are additional precautions used for patients with specific infectious conditions to prevent the spread of pathogens. Step 3: Therefore, practicing Transmission-Based Precautions alongside Standard Precautions ensures proper infection control measures are taken for patients with infectious diseases. Choices A and B are incorrect because Standard Precautions apply to all patients, and Transmission-Based Precautions are not the same as Standard Precautions. Choice D is incorrect because listing Transmission-Based Precautions in the care plan is essential for ensuring proper infection control practices are followed.

Question 3

Mr. Nelson is a 65-year-old male who has been advised that he is a candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting. He has been doing some internet research and is asking about whether or not he should have a beating heart bypass. Regarding off-pump coronary bypass grafting, the AGACNP advises Mr. Nelson that

  1. A. There is a slightly higher risk of neurologic complications
  2. B. Long-term results suggest that the grafts do not stay open as long as those in traditional bypass grafting
  3. C. The incidence of off-pump bypass grafting has increased significantly in the last 10 years
  4. D. The off-pump procedure is considerably more expensive but is correlated with better long-term outcomes
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — There is a slightly higher risk of neurologic complications

The correct answer is A: There is a slightly higher risk of neurologic complications. Rationale: 1. Off-pump bypass grafting involves performing surgery on a beating heart without the use of a heart-lung machine. 2. The lack of cardiopulmonary bypass during off-pump surgery can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of neurologic complications. 3. This is why the AGACNP advises Mr. Nelson about the slightly higher risk of neurologic complications associated with off-pump bypass. 4. Choice B is incorrect as long-term results actually suggest similar or better patency rates for grafts in off-pump surgery. 5. Choice C is incorrect as the statement about the incidence increasing significantly in the last 10 years is not relevant to the risks of off-pump surgery. 6. Choice D is incorrect as off-pump surgery is not considerably more expensive and the correlation with better long-term outcomes is debatable.

Question 4

Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse identify as appropriate when working with a client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder?

  1. A. Altered thought processes related to (R/T) increased stress
  2. B. Risk for suicide R/T loneliness
  3. C. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T paranoid thinking
  4. D. Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others

The correct answer is D: Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others. This is because individuals with schizoid personality disorder often have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, leading to social isolation. This nursing diagnosis directly addresses the primary issue of the disorder. A: Altered thought processes related to (R/T) increased stress is incorrect because schizoid personality disorder is not typically associated with altered thought processes in the same way as other psychotic disorders. B: Risk for suicide R/T loneliness is incorrect because while individuals with schizoid personality disorder may experience loneliness, it is not necessarily linked to an increased risk for suicide. C: Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T paranoid thinking is incorrect as schizoid personality disorder is not typically characterized by violent behavior or paranoid thinking towards others.

Question 5

A 45-year old female diabetic is displaying signs of irritability and irrational behavior during an office visit. The nurse observes visible tremors in the client’s hands. based on the client’s history and the nurse’s understanding of diabetes mellitus, the nurse interprets these findings to be signs of:

  1. A. hyperglycemia
  2. B. hyperglycemic hyperosmolar
  3. C. diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) nonketosis (HHNK)
  4. D. hypoglycemia
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — hypoglycemia

The correct answer is D: hypoglycemia. In a diabetic patient, signs of irritability, irrational behavior, and visible tremors in the hands indicate low blood sugar levels, which is hypoglycemia. This is because the brain relies on glucose for energy, and when blood sugar levels drop too low, it can lead to neuroglycopenic symptoms such as confusion and tremors. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: hyperglycemia - High blood sugar levels typically present with symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, and fatigue, not irritability and tremors. B: hyperglycemic hyperosmolar - This condition is characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels and severe dehydration, leading to symptoms such as extreme thirst and confusion, not irritability and tremors. C: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) nonketosis (HHNK) - These conditions are associated with high blood sugar levels and metabolic disturbances,

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Question 6

The nurse uses the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) format to communicate a change in patient status to a healthcare provider. In which order should the nurse make the following statements?

  1. A. The patient needs to be evaluated immediately and may need intubation and mechanical ventilation.
  2. B. The patient was admitted yesterday with heart failure and has been receiving furosemide (Lasix) for diuresis, but urine output has been low.
  3. C. The patient has crackles audible throughout the posterior chest and the most recent oxygen saturation is 89%. Her condition is very unstable.
  4. D. This is the nurse on the surgical unit. After assessing the patient, I am very concerned about increased shortness of breath over the past hour.
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Question 7

A 72-year-old patient has a history of hypertension and chronic lung disease. An important question for the nurse to include in history-taking would be:

  1. A. "Do you use a fluoride supplement?"
  2. B. "Have you had tonsillitis in the last year?"
  3. C. "At what age did you get your first tooth?"
  4. D. "Have you noticed any dryness in your mouth?"
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Question 8

A nurse is meeting with a new client at a substance use disorder clinic. During the meeting, the client states that they have been using cocaine at least once daily for the past 6 months. The nurse is collecting which of the following types of data from the client's account?

  1. A. Subjective
  2. B. Secondary
  3. C. Historical
  4. D. Objective
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Question 9

A patient tells you about her experience with prolonged therapy for her breast cancer. You comment, "That must have been a very trying time for you." What is this an example of?

  1. A. Reassurance
  2. B. Empathy
  3. C. Summarization
  4. D. Validation
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Question 10

The nurse explains that the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship differs from the social relationship because:

  1. A. a social relationship does not have goals or needs to be met.
  2. B. the nurse-patient relationship ends when the patient is discharged.
  3. C. the focus is mainly on the nurse in the nurse-patient relationship.
  4. D. a social relationship does not require trust or sharing of life experiences. The nurse-patient relationship is limited to the patient's stay in the facility and is focused on the patient. A social relationship may have goals or needs and does require trust and sharing of life experiences.
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Question 11

A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)

  1. A. the primary goal for the first job is to complete orientation and should be considered as an extension of nursing school.
  2. B. appointments for interviews should be scheduled immediately after graduation to avoid rushing into a position.
  3. C. self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners.
  4. D. work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio.
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Question 12

A college student who is diagnosed with a vaginal infection and vulva irritation describes the vaginal discharge as having a 'cottage cheese' appearance. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

  1. A. Cleanse the perineum with warm soapy water 3 times per day
  2. B. Instill the first dose of nystatin (Mycostatin) vaginally per applicator
  3. C. Perform a glucose measurement using a capillary blood sample
  4. D. Obtain a blood specimen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
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Question 13

Which of the following is true of Transmission-Based Precautions?

  1. A. An NA does not need to practice Standard Precautions if he practices Transmission-Based Precautions.
  2. B. They are exactly the same as Standard Precautions.
  3. C. They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions.
  4. D. They will not be listed in the care plan so as not to alarm anyone.
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Question 14

A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and reports occasional headaches and blurred vision. What is the nurse's priority action?

  1. A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
  2. B. Administer pain relief and encourage the patient to rest.
  3. C. Assess the patient's vision and schedule an appointment with an eye specialist.
  4. D. Encourage the patient to drink fluids and avoid strenuous activity.
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Question 15

Which nursing statement explains how methylphenidate works when teaching parents about this medication?

  1. A. "Methylphenidate's sedation side effect assists children by decreasing their energy level."
  2. B. "How methylphenidate works is unknown. Although it is a stimulant, it does combat the symptoms of ADHD."
  3. C. "Methylphenidate helps the child focus by decreasing the amount of dopamine in the basal ganglia and neuron synapses."
  4. D. "Methylphenidate decreases hyperactivity by increasing serotonin levels."
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About these RN exams clinical judgment questions

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 59 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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