You practice vitals, infection control, documentation, and the first nursing action when a patient is unstable. 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 fundamentals questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
Mr. M. consents to a procedure on his left ear. After the patient is anesthetized Dr. W. discovers that the right ear is in greater need of surgery. What should the surgeon do?
A. Perform the procedure on the right ear if it is clear that it is more necessary.
B. Wake the patient up and seek consent for a different procedure.
C. Seek a second opinion from another surgeon and proceed with the more necessary procedure.
D. Perform the procedure on both ears.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Wake the patient up and seek consent for a different procedure.
You must obtain informed consent by specific procedure. Consent for another procedure or clear medical necessity cannot infer consent for another procedure. Neither the medical necessity of the procedure, the seriousness of the condition, nor the assumption that any reasonable person would consent is sufficient to assume that consent is given. The patient is not aware of his surroundings and condition because of the sedation. You cannot have an 'informed consent' without waking up and informing the patient. Another example would be a blood transfusion in a Jehovah's Witness. If, during a procedure, a clear but unexpected necessity for blood transfusion arises, you must wake the patient up and ask about the patient's wishes to have or not have blood. The consent or refusal must be informed. You cannot say that because of the necessity or sedation, that you should just give the blood. On the other hand, just because a patient is a Jehovah's Witness, you cannot assume that he will refuse the blood. A refusal must be informed as well. The patient could, after all, be a Jehovah's Witness who does not agree with that religion's teaching on blood. Each procedure must undergo an individual consent process.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a 17-year-old female patient whose left leg was amputated after being crushed in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following interventions might the nurse perform to accommodate the patient's intellectual dimension?
A. considering the patient's developmental stage when planning nursing
B. encouraging friends and relatives to visit often and bring games to distract her
C. teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program
D. providing the opportunity for a counselor to come in and talk to her about her loss
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program
The correct answer is C: teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program. This intervention focuses on addressing the patient's intellectual dimension by providing education and information crucial for her understanding and participation in her care. By teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program, the nurse empowers the patient to actively engage in her recovery process. This intervention promotes independence, self-efficacy, and knowledge, which are essential for the patient's physical and emotional well-being.
Incorrect options:
A: considering the patient's developmental stage when planning nursing - While considering the patient's developmental stage is important, it does not directly address the intellectual dimension in this context.
B: encouraging friends and relatives to visit often and bring games to distract her - While social support and activities are beneficial, they do not specifically target the intellectual dimension or provide the necessary education and information for the patient's care.
D: providing the opportunity for a counselor to come in and talk to her about her
Question 3
Which of the following is a characteristic of primary healthcare? Select all that apply.
A. It is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology.
B. It is made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community.
C. It does not require the full participation of the individual and family.
D. It brings healthcare as close as possible to where people live and work.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — It is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology.
The correct answer is A. Primary healthcare is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology. This is because primary healthcare aims to provide basic, essential healthcare services to individuals and families using evidence-based practices and appropriate technology. This ensures that the care provided is of high quality and effective in addressing the health needs of the community.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: While primary healthcare aims to be accessible to individuals and families in the community, it does not necessarily have to be universally accessible. Access may be limited by factors such as geography, resources, or infrastructure.
C: Primary healthcare requires active participation from individuals and families to promote health and prevent illness. It focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health through education and preventive measures.
D: Primary healthcare does aim to bring healthcare closer to where people live and work, but this is not the sole defining characteristic. The proximity of care is important for improving access and convenience, but it is not the only aspect that defines primary
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a 17-year-old female patient whose left leg was amputated after being crushed in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following interventions might the nurse perform to accommodate the patient's intellectual dimension?
A. considering the patient's developmental stage when planning nursing
B. encouraging friends and relatives to visit often and bring games to distract her
C. teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program
D. providing the opportunity for a counselor to come in and talk to her about her loss
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program
The correct answer is C: teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program. This intervention focuses on addressing the patient's intellectual dimension by providing education and information crucial for her understanding and participation in her care. By teaching her how to care for the stump and explaining the rehabilitation program, the nurse empowers the patient to actively engage in her recovery process. This intervention promotes independence, self-efficacy, and knowledge, which are essential for the patient's physical and emotional well-being.
Incorrect options:
A: considering the patient's developmental stage when planning nursing - While considering the patient's developmental stage is important, it does not directly address the intellectual dimension in this context.
B: encouraging friends and relatives to visit often and bring games to distract her - While social support and activities are beneficial, they do not specifically target the intellectual dimension or provide the necessary education and information for the patient's care.
D: providing the opportunity for a counselor to come in and talk to her about her
Question 5
Which of the following is a characteristic of primary healthcare? Select all that apply.
A. It is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology.
B. It is made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community.
C. It does not require the full participation of the individual and family.
D. It brings healthcare as close as possible to where people live and work.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — It is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology.
The correct answer is A. Primary healthcare is essential healthcare based on sound methods and technology. This is because primary healthcare aims to provide basic, essential healthcare services to individuals and families using evidence-based practices and appropriate technology. This ensures that the care provided is of high quality and effective in addressing the health needs of the community.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: While primary healthcare aims to be accessible to individuals and families in the community, it does not necessarily have to be universally accessible. Access may be limited by factors such as geography, resources, or infrastructure.
C: Primary healthcare requires active participation from individuals and families to promote health and prevent illness. It focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health through education and preventive measures.
D: Primary healthcare does aim to bring healthcare closer to where people live and work, but this is not the sole defining characteristic. The proximity of care is important for improving access and convenience, but it is not the only aspect that defines primary
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Question 6
According to established standards, what healthcare provider should conduct a holistic assessment for all patients admitted to the hospital?
A. physician
B. admission clerk
C. licensed practical nurse
D. registered nurse
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why the correct answer is D (registered nurse):
1. Registered nurses are trained to conduct comprehensive holistic assessments, considering physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of a patient's health.
2. They have the knowledge and skills to perform a thorough evaluation and identify any potential health issues or concerns.
3. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care and are often the first point of contact for patients, making them well-positioned to conduct assessments upon admission.
4. Physicians primarily focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, while admission clerks and licensed practical nurses do not have the same level of training and scope of practice as registered nurses.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A. Physicians are not typically responsible for conducting holistic assessments upon admission.
B. Admission clerks are not healthcare providers and do not have the clinical expertise required for holistic assessments.
C. Licensed practical nurses have a more limited scope of practice compared to registered nurses and may not have the necessary training
The following information is recorded in the health history: 'The patient has had abdominal pain for 1 week. The pain lasts for 30 minutes at a time; it comes and goes. The severity is 7 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is located in the mid-epigastric area.' Which of these categories does it belong to?
A. Chief complaint
B. Present illness
C. Personal and social history
D. Review of systems
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Present illness. The present illness section of a health history includes detailed information about the current health problem, such as the duration, characteristics, severity, associated symptoms, and location of the symptoms. In this case, the information provided about the patient's abdominal pain, including its duration, intensity, pattern, associated symptoms, and location, falls under the present illness category. This information is essential for healthcare providers to understand the current health issue and make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Choice A (Chief complaint) typically refers to the main reason for the patient seeking medical attention, which is usually a concise statement in the patient's own words. The information provided is more detailed than a typical chief complaint.
Choice C (Personal and social history) includes information about the patient's lifestyle, habits, social support, and past medical history. The information provided is focused on the current health issue rather than personal or social background.
Choice D (Review of systems) involves a systematic inquiry
According to established standards, what healthcare provider should conduct a holistic assessment for all patients admitted to the hospital?
A. physician
B. admission clerk
C. licensed practical nurse
D. registered nurse
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why the correct answer is D (registered nurse):
1. Registered nurses are trained to conduct comprehensive holistic assessments, considering physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of a patient's health.
2. They have the knowledge and skills to perform a thorough evaluation and identify any potential health issues or concerns.
3. Nurses play a crucial role in patient care and are often the first point of contact for patients, making them well-positioned to conduct assessments upon admission.
4. Physicians primarily focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions, while admission clerks and licensed practical nurses do not have the same level of training and scope of practice as registered nurses.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A. Physicians are not typically responsible for conducting holistic assessments upon admission.
B. Admission clerks are not healthcare providers and do not have the clinical expertise required for holistic assessments.
C. Licensed practical nurses have a more limited scope of practice compared to registered nurses and may not have the necessary training
The following information is recorded in the health history: 'The patient has had abdominal pain for 1 week. The pain lasts for 30 minutes at a time; it comes and goes. The severity is 7 to 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is located in the mid-epigastric area.' Which of these categories does it belong to?
A. Chief complaint
B. Present illness
C. Personal and social history
D. Review of systems
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Present illness. The present illness section of a health history includes detailed information about the current health problem, such as the duration, characteristics, severity, associated symptoms, and location of the symptoms. In this case, the information provided about the patient's abdominal pain, including its duration, intensity, pattern, associated symptoms, and location, falls under the present illness category. This information is essential for healthcare providers to understand the current health issue and make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Choice A (Chief complaint) typically refers to the main reason for the patient seeking medical attention, which is usually a concise statement in the patient's own words. The information provided is more detailed than a typical chief complaint.
Choice C (Personal and social history) includes information about the patient's lifestyle, habits, social support, and past medical history. The information provided is focused on the current health issue rather than personal or social background.
Choice D (Review of systems) involves a systematic inquiry
Which of the following accreditations is a legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist?
A. National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
B. American Association of Colleges of Nursing accreditation
C. State Board of Nursing accreditation
D. educational institution accreditation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: State Board of Nursing accreditation. State Boards of Nursing are governmental bodies responsible for regulating nursing practice within their respective states. Accreditation by the State Board of Nursing is a legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist because it ensures that the nursing program meets specific standards set by the state to protect the public and ensure quality education.
Rationale:
1. State Boards of Nursing have the authority to regulate nursing education within their jurisdiction.
2. Accreditation by the State Board of Nursing ensures that the nursing program meets specific state-mandated standards.
3. Without State Board of Nursing accreditation, a nursing school may not be recognized as meeting the necessary requirements to produce competent nurses.
Summary:
- Choice A (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) is a voluntary accrediting body and not a legal requirement.
- Choice B (American Association of Colleges of Nursing accreditation) is also a voluntary accreditation and not a legal requirement.
- Choice D (educational institution accreditation) is
A woman brings her husband to the clinic for an examination. She is particularly worried because after a recent fall, he seems to have lost a great deal of his memory of recent events. Which statement reflects the nurse's best course of action?
A. Perform a complete mental status examination
B. Refer him to a psychometrician
C. Plan to integrate the mental status examination into the history and physical examination
D. Reassure his wife that memory loss after a physical shock is normal and will soon subside
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Perform a complete mental status examination. This is the best course of action as memory loss following a fall can be indicative of a serious condition such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury. A complete mental status examination will help assess various cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, attention, and reasoning abilities. This will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the husband's mental health and cognitive functioning, helping to identify any underlying issues that may require further intervention or treatment.
Choice B is incorrect because a psychometrician typically focuses on administering and interpreting psychological tests, which may not address the immediate concerns related to memory loss after a fall. Choice C is not the best course of action as integrating the mental status examination into the history and physical examination may not provide a thorough assessment of the husband's cognitive abilities. Choice D is incorrect as memory loss after a physical shock should not be dismissed without a proper evaluation, as it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.
A woman brings her husband to the clinic for an examination. She is particularly worried because after a recent fall, he seems to have lost a great deal of his memory of recent events. Which statement reflects the nurse's best course of action?
A. Perform a complete mental status examination
B. Refer him to a psychometrician
C. Plan to integrate the mental status examination into the history and physical examination
D. Reassure his wife that memory loss after a physical shock is normal and will soon subside
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Perform a complete mental status examination. This is the best course of action as memory loss following a fall can be indicative of a serious condition such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury. A complete mental status examination will help assess various cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, attention, and reasoning abilities. This will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the husband's mental health and cognitive functioning, helping to identify any underlying issues that may require further intervention or treatment.
Choice B is incorrect because a psychometrician typically focuses on administering and interpreting psychological tests, which may not address the immediate concerns related to memory loss after a fall. Choice C is not the best course of action as integrating the mental status examination into the history and physical examination may not provide a thorough assessment of the husband's cognitive abilities. Choice D is incorrect as memory loss after a physical shock should not be dismissed without a proper evaluation, as it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.
A nurse inadvertently administers the wrong dose of antibiotic to a patient recovering from surgery. Which of these is the correct course of action for the nurse when documenting this in the patient’s medical record?
A. The nurse should create an incident report and record the facts of the incident in the medical record, but does not have to include an actual copy of the incident report or reference its existence.
B. The nurse should create an incident report and include a copy of the report in the patient’s medical record.
C. The nurse should tell the patient of the incident and ask his or her preference on if an incident report should be created and if one is, it should be included in the patient’s medical record.
D. The nurse should just document the dosage given in the patient’s chart. An incident report is not necessary because it was simply the wrong dosage of a drug that was ordered.
Correct answer:
The correct course of action is Answer A: The nurse should create an incident report and record the facts of the incident in the medical record, but does not have to include an actual copy of the incident report or reference its existence.
1. Creating an incident report is crucial for documenting errors to ensure transparency and learning opportunities within the healthcare system.
2. Recording the facts of the incident in the medical record helps in tracking the error, ensuring proper follow-up, and providing necessary information for future care of the patient.
3. Not including an actual copy of the incident report or referencing its existence helps maintain confidentiality and prevents unnecessary alarm or distress to the patient or other healthcare providers.
Incorrect choices:
B: Including a copy of the incident report in the patient’s medical record may breach confidentiality and is not necessary for routine documentation.
C: Involving the patient in deciding on the incident report is not standard practice and may not always be appropriate in such situations.
D: Failing to document the incident properly
Which of the following accreditations is a legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist?
A. National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
B. American Association of Colleges of Nursing accreditation
C. State Board of Nursing accreditation
D. educational institution accreditation
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: State Board of Nursing accreditation. State Boards of Nursing are governmental bodies responsible for regulating nursing practice within their respective states. Accreditation by the State Board of Nursing is a legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist because it ensures that the nursing program meets specific standards set by the state to protect the public and ensure quality education.
Rationale:
1. State Boards of Nursing have the authority to regulate nursing education within their jurisdiction.
2. Accreditation by the State Board of Nursing ensures that the nursing program meets specific state-mandated standards.
3. Without State Board of Nursing accreditation, a nursing school may not be recognized as meeting the necessary requirements to produce competent nurses.
Summary:
- Choice A (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) is a voluntary accrediting body and not a legal requirement.
- Choice B (American Association of Colleges of Nursing accreditation) is also a voluntary accreditation and not a legal requirement.
- Choice D (educational institution accreditation) is
The nurse is assessing the mental status of a child. Which statement about children and mental status is true?
A. All aspects of mental status in children are interdependent
B. Children are highly labile and unstable until the age of 2 years
C. Children's mental status is largely a function of their parents' level of functioning until the age of 7 years
D. A child's mental status is impossible to assess until the child develops the ability to concentrate
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A because all aspects of mental status in children are indeed interdependent. This means that cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains of mental status are interconnected and influence each other. It is crucial to assess all aspects together to gain a comprehensive understanding of a child's mental well-being.
Choice B is incorrect because children are not necessarily highly labile and unstable until the age of 2 years. While children may exhibit rapid changes in behavior due to developmental milestones, it is not accurate to generalize them as highly labile.
Choice C is incorrect as children's mental status is not solely a function of their parents' level of functioning. While parental influence plays a significant role, children's mental status is also influenced by various other factors such as genetics, environment, and individual experiences.
Choice D is incorrect as it is possible to assess a child's mental status even before they develop the ability to concentrate. Assessment tools and techniques exist to evaluate different aspects of mental status in children, even at a
RN exams fundamentals practice questions 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.
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