RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 70

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RN exams clinical judgment practice questions set 70

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

The nurse is providing education about smoking cessation. Which strategy is most effective for long-term success?

  1. A. Using nicotine patches for one month.
  2. B. Joining a support group for smokers.
  3. C. Switching to e-cigarettes as a replacement.
  4. D. Gradually reducing cigarette use over six months.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Joining a support group for smokers.

The correct answer is B: Joining a support group for smokers. This strategy is most effective for long-term success because it provides emotional support, accountability, and motivation. Support groups offer a sense of community, understanding, and shared experiences, which can help individuals stay committed to quitting smoking. Nicotine patches (choice A) may help with withdrawal symptoms initially, but long-term success often requires more than just nicotine replacement therapy. Switching to e-cigarettes (choice C) is not a recommended strategy for smoking cessation as it still involves nicotine and may not address the underlying addiction. Gradually reducing cigarette use (choice D) is less effective as it prolongs the process and may not lead to complete cessation. Support groups provide a comprehensive approach to quitting smoking by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Question 2

Which assessment finding of a newborn requires prompt action by the nurse?

  1. A. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute
  2. B. Cyanosis of the extremities
  3. C. Pause in breathing lasting 20 seconds
  4. D. Pause in breathing for 15 seconds followed by rapid respirations
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Pause in breathing lasting 20 seconds

The correct answer is C: Pause in breathing lasting 20 seconds. This finding indicates a potential apnea episode in the newborn, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications like hypoxia. The pause in breathing lasting 20 seconds exceeds the normal range for apnea in newborns, typically defined as a pause lasting more than 15 seconds. Prompt action is necessary to assess and address the underlying cause of the apnea episode. Choice A (Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute) is within the normal range for newborns (30-60 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate action. Choice B (Cyanosis of the extremities) may indicate poor circulation but is not as urgent as a prolonged pause in breathing. Choice D (Pause in breathing for 15 seconds followed by rapid respirations) is incorrect as it does not meet the criteria for apnea in newborns and does not require immediate action.

Question 3

Which nursing intervention has highest priority for a patient with bulimia nervosa?

  1. A. Assist the patient to identify triggers to binge eating.
  2. B. Provide remedial consequences for weight loss.
  3. C. Assess for signs of impulsive eating.
  4. D. Explore needs for health teaching.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Assist the patient to identify triggers to binge eating.

The correct answer is A: Assist the patient to identify triggers to binge eating. The highest priority for a patient with bulimia nervosa is addressing the root cause of the behavior, which is often triggered by emotional or situational factors. By identifying triggers, the patient can learn to recognize and manage them effectively, ultimately reducing the frequency of binge eating episodes. This intervention focuses on addressing the underlying issue and promoting long-term recovery. Summary: B: Providing remedial consequences for weight loss is not the priority as the main concern is addressing the binge eating behavior. C: Assessing for signs of impulsive eating is important, but identifying triggers takes precedence in addressing the behavior. D: Exploring needs for health teaching may be relevant, but addressing triggers to binge eating is more immediate and crucial for managing bulimia nervosa.

Question 4

Your adult patient is experiencing lightheadedness and shortness of breath. He is found to be bradycardic with a second-degree type II AV heart block on the electrocardiogram. His heart rate is 44, he is breathing 20 times per minute, and has a blood pressure of 90 systolic. He is cool and pale but denies chest pain. Which of the following would be most appropriate if the patient fails to respond to atropine?

  1. A. Administer 1 milligram of epinephrine
  2. B. Synchronized cardioversion at 10 joules
  3. C. Transcutaneous pacing
  4. D. Administer a 500-milliliter IV bolus of normal saline
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Transcutaneous pacing

The correct answer is C: Transcutaneous pacing. In this scenario of a patient with bradycardia and a second-degree type II AV block, transcutaneous pacing is the most appropriate next step if the patient fails to respond to atropine. Transcutaneous pacing involves placing external electrodes on the patient's chest to deliver electrical impulses to stimulate the heart, effectively pacing the heart and maintaining an adequate heart rate. This is crucial in a patient with symptomatic bradycardia and heart blocks as it can quickly and effectively increase the heart rate and improve cardiac output. The other choices are incorrect: A: Administering 1 milligram of epinephrine may be too aggressive and can further worsen the heart block in this case. B: Synchronized cardioversion at 10 joules is not indicated for bradycardia and can be harmful in this scenario. D: Administering a 500-milliliter IV bolus of normal

Question 5

When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, what position is best to ensure accurate measurements?

  1. A. Dorsal recumbent
  2. B. Sitting
  3. C. Standing
  4. D. Supine
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Dorsal recumbent

When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, the best position to ensure accurate and consistent measurements is the dorsal recumbent position. This position allows the legs to be positioned comfortably, and the individual is lying on their back with legs extended, facilitating accurate measurement of the circumference without the influence of gravity. Sitting, standing, and supine positions may not provide optimal conditions for accurate leg circumference measurements, particularly in clients with bipedal edema where positioning and consistency are crucial. Sitting and standing positions may not allow for consistent leg positioning and could introduce errors due to the effects of gravity on the fluid distribution. The supine position, while similar to dorsal recumbent, may not be as comfortable for the client and could still be influenced by gravity when measuring leg circumference.

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Question 6

Which maternal condition should be considered a contraindication for the application of internal monitoring devices?

  1. A. Unruptured membranes
  2. B. intravenous (IV) fluid.
  3. C. Fetus has known heart defect
  4. D. must act quickly to improve placental blood flow and fetal oxygen supply
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Question 7

The patient is on parenteral nutrition and is lethargic. The patient reports thirst and headache and has had increased urination. Which problem does the nurse prepare to address?

  1. A. Hyperglycemia
  2. B. Hypoglycemia
  3. C. Hypercapnia
  4. D. Hypocapnia
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Question 8

The nurse has completed the assessment for a client in the clinic with a diagnosis of chronic asthma. What would be the priority goal the nurse should discuss with the client?

  1. A. Maintaining a regular exercise routine.
  2. B. Complying with medication instructions.
  3. C. Recognizing triggers that cause asthma attacks.
  4. D. Understanding the physical limitations caused by this disease.
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Question 9

A client in the terminal stage of cancer is receiving continuous infusion of morphine (Duramorph) for pain management. Which assessment finding suggests that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this drug?

  1. A. Voiding of 350mL of concentrated urine in 8 hours
  2. B. Respiratory rate of 8breaths/min
  3. C. Irregular heart rate of 82 beats/min
  4. D. Pupils constricted and equal ?? A1 PASSERS TRAINING, RESEARCH, REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT COMPANY MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING SET J
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Question 10

Which of the following patients would most likely benefit from a needle decompression?

  1. A. A 45-year-old male with a chest wall contusion and absent breath sounds on one side
  2. B. A 62-year-old female with bilateral wheezing and difficulty breathing
  3. C. A 30-year-old male with hypotension, JVD, and tracheal deviation after chest trauma
  4. D. A 24-year-old female with chest pain and a productive cough
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Question 11

During ovulation induction, a patient asks why hormone levels are monitored so frequently. What is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. To predict embryo quality before fertilization.
  2. B. To ensure hormone levels stay within safe and effective ranges for egg maturation.
  3. C. To confirm the patient is pregnant before the cycle ends.
  4. D. To determine if the uterine lining is ready for implantation.
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Question 12

Dr. Langley's work is devoted to understanding constancy and change throughout the lifespan. Dr. Langley's field of study is __________.

  1. A. genetics
  2. B. clinical psychology
  3. C. adolescent development
  4. D. developmental science
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Question 13

Noninvasive diagnostic procedures used to determine kidney function include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

  1. A. Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) x-ray
  2. B. Renal ultrasound
  3. C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  4. D. Intravenous pyelography (IVP)
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Question 14

The nurse is preparing a client for a scheduled cesarean delivery. What is the priority preoperative instruction?

  1. A. Eat a high-protein meal before surgery.
  2. B. Empty your bladder before the procedure.
  3. C. Avoid brushing your teeth on the morning of surgery.
  4. D. Refrain from taking prescribed medications.
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Question 15

The nurse has recently set limits for a patient with borderline personality disorder. The patient tells the nurse, 'You used to care about me. I thought you were wonderful. Now I can see I was mistaken. You're hateful.' Which phenomenon is represented by this response?

  1. A. Splitting
  2. B. Denial
  3. C. Reaction formation
  4. D. Projection
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About these RN exams clinical judgment questions

RN exams clinical judgment practice questions, set 70 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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