RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 60
RN exams · clinical judgment
RN exams clinical judgment practice questionsset 60
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
Which of the following is true of the HPV vaccine?
A. Ideally it should be administered within 3 years of first intercourse.
B. It covers against almost every HPV type.
C. It can be used as adjuvant therapy in cervical cancer.
D. It can protect against anogenital lesions.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — It can protect against anogenital lesions.
The correct answer is D: It can protect against anogenital lesions. The HPV vaccine can protect against several types of HPV that are known to cause anogenital warts and lesions. This is based on scientific evidence from clinical trials.
A: Ideally it should be administered within 3 years of first intercourse - This statement is not accurate. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, regardless of sexual activity.
B: It covers against almost every HPV type - This statement is incorrect. While the HPV vaccine covers the most common high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer, it does not cover against every HPV type.
C: It can be used as adjuvant therapy in cervical cancer - This statement is incorrect. The HPV vaccine is primarily used as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of HPV infection and related health issues, not as a treatment for existing cervical cancer.
Question 2
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have been growing in popularity and surveys show that they are being used to treat several mental health conditions. With these statistics in mind the nurse is careful to assess which client for the possible use of CAM therapies?
A. The teenager who is dealing with sexual identity issues
B. The older adult who has developed early onset dementia
C. The young adult who is experiencing chronic pain as a result of a knee injury
D. The middle-aged adult who is experiencing depression after the death of a parent
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — The middle-aged adult who is experiencing depression after the death of a parent
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse should assess the middle-aged adult experiencing depression after the death of a parent for possible use of CAM therapies because depression is a common mental health condition that CAM therapies can help alleviate. The client's emotional distress and grief may benefit from holistic approaches like mindfulness meditation or acupuncture. It is important to address mental health conditions with appropriate interventions, and CAM therapies can be a valuable supplement to traditional treatments.
Summary:
A: While sexual identity issues are important, they do not necessarily indicate a need for CAM therapies in this context.
B: Early onset dementia is a neurological condition, and CAM therapies may not be the primary focus for treatment.
C: Chronic pain from a knee injury may require more conventional medical interventions before exploring CAM therapies for pain management.
Question 3
A 29-year-old computer programmer comes to the office for evaluation of a headache. The tightening sensation of moderate intensity is located all over the head. It used to last minutes, but this time it has lasted for 5 days. He denies photophobia and nausea. He spends several hours at a computer monitor/keyboard. He has tried over-the-counter medication; it has dulled the pain, but not taken it away. Based on this description, what is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Cluster
B. Analgesic rebound
C. Tension
D. Migraine
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Tension
The correct answer is C: Tension headache. The key features in the scenario are the bilateral location of the headache, duration of 5 days, absence of nausea and photophobia, and the patient's occupation as a computer programmer. Tension headaches are typically bilateral, mild to moderate in intensity, and often related to stress, posture, and prolonged screen time. The fact that over-the-counter medication only dulled the pain supports the diagnosis of tension headache.
Summary of other choices:
A: Cluster headaches typically have a unilateral location, severe intensity, and are associated with autonomic symptoms like tearing of the eye.
B: Analgesic rebound headaches occur due to overuse of pain medications, leading to worsening of headaches when the medication wears off.
D: Migraine headaches often present with unilateral throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, which are not present in this case.
Question 4
An experienced nurse tells the nurse-manager that working with a new graduate is impossible because the new graduate will not listen to suggestions. The new graduate comes to the nurse-manager describing the senior nurse's attitude as challenging and offensive. What action is best for the nurse manager to take?
A. Have both nurses meet separately with the staff mental health consultant
B. Listen actively to both nurses and offer suggestions to solve the dilemma
C. Ask the senior nurse to examine mentoring strategies used with the new graduate
D. Ask the nurses to meet with the nurse-manager to identify ways of working together
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Ask the nurses to meet with the nurse-manager to identify ways of working together
The correct answer is D. The nurse-manager should ask the nurses to meet to identify ways of working together. This is the best action because it promotes open communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution between the two nurses. By facilitating a discussion between them, the nurse-manager can help address the underlying issues, clarify misunderstandings, and find common ground for effective teamwork. This approach encourages mutual understanding and fosters a positive working relationship.
A: Having both nurses meet separately with the staff mental health consultant does not directly address the conflict between them.
B: While listening actively and offering suggestions is important, involving both nurses in the discussion is crucial for resolving the conflict.
C: Asking the senior nurse to examine mentoring strategies does not involve the new graduate in the conversation and may not address the overall issue.
Question 5
A nurse has asked the nurse educator if there is any way to predict the severity of a patients anaphylactic reaction. What would be the nurses best response?
A. The faster the onset of symptoms, the more severe the reaction.
B. The reaction will be about one-third more severe than the patients last reaction to the same antigen.
C. There is no way to gauge the severity of a patients anaphylaxis, even if it has occurred repeatedly in the past.
D. The reaction will generally be slightly less severe than the last reaction to the same antigen.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — There is no way to gauge the severity of a patients anaphylaxis, even if it has occurred repeatedly in the past.
The correct answer is C because the severity of an anaphylactic reaction can vary greatly from one episode to another in the same patient. Anaphylactic reactions are unpredictable and can be influenced by various factors such as the amount of allergen exposure, individual immune response, underlying health conditions, and concurrent medications. Therefore, it is not possible to reliably gauge the severity of a patient's anaphylactic reaction even if it has occurred repeatedly in the past.
Choice A is incorrect because the onset of symptoms alone is not a reliable predictor of the severity of the reaction. Choice B is incorrect as well because there is no set formula to predict that the reaction will be one-third more severe than the patient's last reaction. Choice D is incorrect because stating that the reaction will generally be slightly less severe than the last reaction is also not accurate or supported by evidence.
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.
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
A patient tells the nurse that he is allergic to penicillin. Which of the following would be the nurse's best response to this information?
A. "Are you allergic to any other drugs?"
B. "How often have you received penicillin?"
C. "I'll record your allergy information on your chart, so you won't receive any."
D. "Please describe what happens to you when you take penicillin."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: "Please describe what happens to you when you take penicillin." This response allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the patient's allergic reaction to penicillin, which is crucial for assessing the severity of the allergy and determining appropriate treatment options. By understanding the specific symptoms experienced by the patient, the nurse can help prevent potential adverse reactions in the future.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because:
A: This question does not address the immediate concern of the patient's penicillin allergy and does not help in understanding the nature of the allergic reaction.
B: The frequency of penicillin usage is not as relevant as understanding the nature and severity of the allergic reaction.
C: While recording allergy information is important, it does not address the need for understanding the patient's specific allergic response to penicillin.
A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) brings up a conflict with the staff in a community meeting and develops a following of clients who unreasonably demand modification of unit rules. Which approach is best for the nursing staff to implement?
A. Allow the clients to apply the democratic process when developing unit rules.
B. Maintain consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation.
C. Allow the client spokesperson to verbalize concerns during a unit staff meeting.
D. Maintain unit order by the application of autocratic leadership.
Correct answer:
The correct approach is B: Maintain consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation. In this scenario, the client with BPD is exhibiting manipulative behavior by rallying other clients to unreasonably demand rule modifications. By maintaining consistency in care and open communication, staff can address the conflict effectively without succumbing to manipulation. This approach also promotes a therapeutic environment and upholds boundaries.
Choice A: Allowing clients to apply the democratic process may further enable manipulation and chaos rather than resolving the conflict effectively.
Choice C: Allowing only the client spokesperson to verbalize concerns may not address the underlying issue of manipulation and could potentially reinforce the behavior.
Choice D: Applying autocratic leadership may lead to a power struggle and exacerbate the conflict, rather than promoting a collaborative resolution.
The mother of a teen with an eating disorder tells the nurse, "Our family is pretty well adjusted. It's hard for me to imagine what we could have done to have this happen."Â The nurse can promote more complete understanding of the etiology of eating disorders by mentioning that young women are also influenced by:
A. the abundance of nutritious foods available.
B. the fashion industry's idealization of thinness.
C. competition in the work place.
D. the biologic tendency to be underweight.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: the fashion industry's idealization of thinness. This is because the fashion industry often promotes thinness as the ideal body type, leading to societal pressure on young women to conform to this standard. This can contribute to the development of eating disorders as individuals may engage in unhealthy behaviors to achieve or maintain a thin body shape.
A: the abundance of nutritious foods available - While access to nutritious foods is important for overall health, it does not directly influence the development of eating disorders.
C: competition in the work place - While workplace competition may contribute to stress, it is not a primary factor in the development of eating disorders.
D: the biologic tendency to be underweight - While genetic factors can play a role in susceptibility to eating disorders, it is not the primary influence in the development of these disorders in young women.
You are a resident in the emergency department. An irate parent comes to you furious because the social worker has been asking him about striking his child. The child is a 5-year-old boy who has been in the emergency department four times this year with several episodes of trauma that did not seem related. Today, the child is brought in with a child complaint of 'slipping into a hot bathtub' with a bum wound on his legs. The parent threatens to sue you and says 'How dare you think that about me? I love my son!' What should you do?
A. Admit the child to remove him from the possibly dangerous environment.
B. Call the police.
C. Ask the father yourself if there has been any abuse.
D. Report the family to child protective services.
Correct answer:
Although, in general, it is better to address issues directly with patients and their families, this is not the case when you strongly suspect child abuse. Reporting of child abuse is mandatory even based on suspicion alone. Although it is frightening to be confrontational with the family, the caregiver is legally protected even if there turns out to be no abuse as long as the report was made honestly and without malice. You do not have the authority to remove the child from the custody of the parents. Only child protective services or the courts can do that. The police would be appropriate for an assault happening at that exact moment, but the police are not appropriate to investigate child abuse. When you have a suspicion of child abuse, it doesn't matter what the parents say. That is why talking directly to the mother or father is incorrect. When you suspect abuse, even if the family denies it, you must still report.
A pregnant patient at 36 weeks gestation reports sudden swelling of the face and hands. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia.
B. Instruct the patient to rest and elevate her feet.
C. Recommend the patient drink more water to reduce swelling.
D. Administer diuretics as prescribed to manage fluid retention.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. At 36 weeks gestation, sudden swelling of the face and hands can indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure and assessing for other signs of preeclampsia, such as headache or vision changes, is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications for both the mother and baby.
Summary:
B: Instructing the patient to rest and elevate her feet may provide some relief for swelling but does not address the underlying potential issue of preeclampsia.
C: Recommending increased water intake may not be appropriate if the swelling is due to preeclampsia and can worsen the condition.
D: Administering diuretics without proper assessment and diagnosis of preeclampsia can be harmful and is not the initial priority action.
A 44-year-old woman presents with an unexpected pregnancy. She asks the nurse, 'Is my baby going to have a birth defect? My third cousin has Down syndrome.' What is the nurse's best response?
A. Tell the patient she is at risk for gene mutation because a birth defect in a distant relative places the woman at increased risk.
B. Discuss the potential risk for intrauterine growth retardation due to the mother's advanced age.
C. Discuss the patient's situation with the physician to ask for a referral to high-risk obstetrics.
D. Discuss the potential risk for a chromosomal abnormality based on the patient's advanced age.
Correct answer:
Step 1: The correct answer is D because advanced maternal age (AMA), generally defined as 35 years or older, is a well-known risk factor for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Step 2: Down syndrome is more common in babies born to mothers over the age of 35 due to the increased likelihood of errors in cell division during egg development.
Step 3: Given the patient's age of 44, she falls into the category of AMA and is at an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities in her baby.
Step 4: Option A is incorrect as the risk is not solely based on gene mutation but rather on the increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities due to age.
Step 5: Option B is incorrect as it focuses on intrauterine growth retardation, which is not directly related to the patient's query about birth defects.
Step 6: Option C is incorrect as a referral to high-risk obstetrics may not be necessary solely based on the patient's
A patient admitted yesterday for injuries sustained while intoxicated believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get into the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. Which medication can the nurse anticipate the health care provider will prescribe?
A. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine (Nardil)
B. Phenothiazine, such as thioridazine (Mellaril)
C. Benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan)
D. Narcotic analgesic, such as morphine
Correct answer:
The correct medication to anticipate for this patient is a benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan).
Rationale:
1. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat acute agitation and anxiety in patients, which is present in this case.
2. Lorazepam has a rapid onset of action and can help calm the patient quickly.
3. It can help manage the patient's perception of the window blinds as snakes and reduce agitation.
4. Benzodiazepines are safer for patients with alcohol intoxication compared to other sedatives or antipsychotics.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are not typically used for acute agitation and anxiety. They have a slower onset of action and are not first-line for this situation.
B: Phenothiazines may worsen the patient's condition due to their potential side effects like sedation and hypotension.
D: Narcotic analgesics are not appropriate for managing anxiety or agitation
The breastfeeding patient should be taught a safe method to remove her breast from the baby's mouth. Which suggestion by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Break the suction by inserting your finger into the corner of the infant's mouth.
B. A popping sound occurs when the breast is correctly removed from the infant's mouth.
C. Slowly remove the breast from the baby's mouth when the infant has fallen asleep and the jaws are relaxed.
D. Elicit the Moro reflex in the baby to wake the baby up, and remove the breast when the baby cries.
Correct answer:
Rationale for correct answer (A):
1. Breaking the suction by inserting a finger into the corner of the infant's mouth is the most appropriate method to remove the breast safely.
2. This technique prevents trauma to the nipple and helps the baby release the latch gently.
3. It allows for a smooth and painless disengagement of the baby from the breast.
4. By breaking the suction first, the risk of causing discomfort or injury to both the mother and the baby is minimized.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B. A popping sound is not a reliable indicator of correct breast removal and may lead to abrupt disengagement, causing pain and potential injury.
C. Removing the breast slowly while the baby is asleep can disrupt the baby's sleep and may not be gentle or safe.
D. Eliciting the Moro reflex is unnecessary and may startle the baby, leading to an abrupt disengagement that can cause discomfort and potential injury.
Which assessment finding in a patient with pneumonia is most concerning?
A. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.
B. Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air.
C. Fever of 100.4°F (38°C).
D. Crackles in the lower lung fields.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air. This finding is most concerning in a patient with pneumonia because it indicates severe hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Low oxygen saturation levels can be life-threatening and require immediate intervention.
Rationale:
1. Oxygen saturation is a direct indicator of how well the lungs are oxygenating the blood.
2. A saturation level of 86% on room air is significantly below the normal range (typically 95-100%).
3. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ dysfunction, and even respiratory failure if left untreated.
4. Prompt oxygen therapy is necessary to improve oxygenation and prevent further complications.
Summary:
A: Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute - Elevated respiratory rate is common in pneumonia but not as concerning as severe hypoxemia.
C: Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) - Fever is a common symptom of pneumonia but
Which of the ff is the most important factor in the nursing management of clients who undergo treatment for a malignant tumor ff the urinary diversion procedure?
A. Placement of IV and central venous pressure lines
B. Administrating cleansing enemas
C. Observing for leakage of urine or stool from the anastomosis
D. Assessing the clients ability to manage self catheterization
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Observing for leakage of urine or stool from the anastomosis. This is crucial in nursing management post-urinary diversion procedure to prevent complications such as infection, dehydration, and skin breakdown. Leakage can indicate issues with the surgical site integrity and requires prompt intervention.
A: Placement of IV and central venous pressure lines is important but not as critical as monitoring for leakage from the anastomosis.
B: Administering cleansing enemas may be necessary for certain procedures but is not the most important factor in this case.
D: Assessing the client's ability to manage self-catheterization is important for long-term care but does not take precedence over monitoring for potential complications like leakage.
In summary, option C is the most important factor as it directly impacts the client's immediate post-operative care and helps prevent serious complications.
RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 60 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.