RN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 10

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RN exams fundamentals practice questions set 10

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

A 24-year-old man sustains multiple fractured ribs bilaterally as a result of being crushed in a press at a plywood factory. Examination in the ED reveals a flail segment of the patient's thorax. Primary resuscitation includes high-flow oxygen administration via a nonrebreathing mask

  1. A. and initiation of Ringers lactate solution. The patient exhibits progressive confusion
  2. B. cyanosis
  3. C. and tachypne Management at this time should consist of:
  4. D. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.

The correct answer is D: Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. In the case of a flail chest, where multiple ribs are fractured causing a segment of the chest wall to move independently from the rest of the thorax, the patient is at high risk of respiratory compromise. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, as the flail segment impairs the ability of the chest wall to expand effectively. High-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask alone may not be sufficient to support the patient's respiratory needs. Choice A is incorrect because the patient's confusion is likely due to inadequate oxygenation and ventilation, not fluid resuscitation. Choice B is incorrect because cyanosis is a late sign of respiratory distress and should not be solely relied upon for management decisions. Choice C is incorrect as tachypnea is a compensatory mechanism and not a definitive management strategy for a flail chest.

Question 2

Which of the following patients best fits the criteria for a critical burn?

  1. A. A 10-year-old patient with superficial burns over 60% of the body
  2. B. A 15-year-old patient with full-thickness burns on the left upper/lower arm, non-circumferential
  3. C. A 60-year-old patient with partial-thickness burns across 25% of the body, not involving the hands, feet, face, or genitals
  4. D. A 20-year-old patient with partial-thickness burns on 25% of the body, not including the hands, feet, face, or genitals
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — A 10-year-old patient with superficial burns over 60% of the body

The correct answer is A because a 10-year-old patient with superficial burns over 60% of the body is considered a critical burn due to the extent of body surface area involved and the age of the patient. Young children have less physiological reserve and are more prone to fluid loss and complications. Superficial burns over a large body surface area can lead to significant fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances, and potential systemic complications. Choice B is incorrect as full-thickness burns are more severe than superficial burns, but the extent of burns on the left upper/lower arm is limited compared to Choice A. Choice C is incorrect because although the patient has partial-thickness burns over 25% of the body, the age of the patient is not as critical as in Choice A. Choice D is incorrect for the same reasons as Choice C; the extent of burns is similar but the age of the patient is different, and the patient's age is a crucial factor in determining the severity of burns.

Question 3

You are on-scene with a patient in cardiac arrest. You turn the monitor/defibrillator on and attach the pads to the patient. When it begins to analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm, it signals 'low battery' and then shuts off. You have no other batteries available, and an electrical plug is not available. The patient subsequently dies despite adequate CPR and advanced airway and ventilation during transport. Which of the following could result?

  1. A. Manslaughter charges could be brought against the paramedic in charge of the unit
  2. B. Negligence charges could be brought against the paramedic in charge of the unit
  3. C. Battery charges could be brought against the entire service
  4. D. Defamation charges could be brought against the entire crew on scene
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Negligence charges could be brought against the paramedic in charge of the unit

The correct answer is B: Negligence charges could be brought against the paramedic in charge of the unit. Rationale: 1. Negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have in a similar situation. 2. In this scenario, the paramedic in charge failed to ensure the equipment was adequately charged or had backup batteries, leading to the device shutting off during a critical moment. 3. This failure to provide proper equipment falls below the standard of care expected in the field of emergency medical services. 4. As a result, the patient's death could be attributed to the paramedic's negligence in ensuring equipment readiness. Summary: A: Manslaughter charges require a higher level of intent and causation, not applicable here. C: Battery charges refer to physical harm, not applicable in this context. D: Defamation charges involve false statements damaging a person's reputation, not relevant to the situation described.

Question 4

The charge nurse is preparing to admit a client with acute confusion secondary to UTI. The client has been known to be combative at times and tries frequently to get out of bed. Which of the following beds should the nurse assign to the client?

  1. A. a bed distanced from the nursing station and other client rooms
  2. B. a bed in a shared room with a client recovering from abdominal laparoscopy
  3. C. a bed near the elevators
  4. D. a bed near the nurses’ station
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — a bed near the nurses’ station

The correct answer is D: a bed near the nurses' station. This choice is the safest option for a client with acute confusion and combative behavior. Placing the client near the nurses' station allows for closer monitoring and quicker intervention if the client tries to get out of bed or becomes agitated. The proximity to the nursing staff can help prevent falls, ensure prompt assistance, and maintain a safe environment. Choice A: a bed distanced from the nursing station and other client rooms, is incorrect because it can lead to delayed response time and increased risk of falls or injury for the client. Choice B: a bed in a shared room with a client recovering from abdominal laparoscopy, is incorrect because the other client's condition may not be conducive to a safe environment for a combative client. Choice C: a bed near the elevators, is incorrect as it does not provide the necessary supervision and support for a client with acute confusion and combative behavior.

Question 5

For the following situations, state the type of data collection you would perform (i.e., complete database, focused or problem-centered database, follow-up database, emergency database). c. first visit to a health care provider for a checkup

  1. A. Complete database
  2. B. Focused or problem-centered database
  3. C. Follow-up database
  4. D. Emergency database
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Complete database

The correct answer is A: Complete database. During the first visit for a checkup, a complete database is necessary to gather comprehensive information about the patient's medical history, current health status, family history, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors. This type of data collection allows the healthcare provider to establish a baseline for the patient's health and identify any potential risks or issues. Choice B (Focused or problem-centered database) would not be appropriate for the first visit as it involves gathering information related to a specific health issue or concern, which may not capture all relevant information for a new patient. Choice C (Follow-up database) is used to track changes or progress over time for established patients, so it is not suitable for the initial visit. Choice D (Emergency database) is designed for urgent situations where quick access to critical information is needed, which is not the case for a routine checkup.

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Question 6

What is one guideline for a nursing assistant who is caring for a resident receiving oxygen therapy?

  1. A. The NA should limit smoking to certain areas.
  2. B. The NA should reduce the number of pillows the resident uses.
  3. C. The NA should report changes in the resident's respiratory rate.
  4. D. The NA should use petroleum-based lip balms to help with irritation.
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Question 7

A patient with a head injury has admission vital signs of blood pressure 128/68, pulse 110, and respirations 26. Which of these vital signs, if taken 1 hour after admission, will be of most concern to the nurse?

  1. A. Blood pressure 160/50, pulse 55, respirations 14
  2. B. Blood pressure 110/70, pulse 120, respirations 30
  3. C. Blood pressure 148/78, pulse 112, respirations 28
  4. D. Blood pressure 150/72, pulse 60, respirations 32
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Question 8

Which of the following are examples of breaches of patient confidentiality? Select all that apply.

  1. A. A nurse discusses a patient with a coworker in the elevator.
  2. B. A nurse shares her computer password with a relative of a patient.
  3. C. A nurse checks the medical record of a patient to see who should be called in an emergency.
  4. D. A nurse updates the employer of a patient regarding the patients return to work.
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Question 9

During a physical examination, a 45-year-old woman states that she has had a crusty, itchy rash on her breast for approximately 2 weeks. In trying to find the cause of the rash, which question would be important for the nurse to ask?

  1. A. "Is the rash raised and red?"
  2. B. "Does it appear to be cyclic?"
  3. C. "Where did the rash first appear—on the nipple, the areola, or the surrounding skin?"
  4. D. "What was she doing when she first noticed the rash, and do her actions make it worse?"
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Question 10

During a visit to the clinic, a patient states, 'The doctor just told me he thought I ought to stop smoking. He doesn't understand how hard I've tried. I just don't know the best way to do it. What should I do?' The nurse's most appropriate response in this case would be:

  1. A. I'd quit if I were you. The doctor really knows what he is talking about.'
  2. B. Would you like some information about the different ways a person can quit smoking?'
  3. C. Stopping your dependence on cigarettes can be very difficult. I understand how you feel.'
  4. D. Why are you confused? Didn't the doctor give you the information about the smoking cessation program we offer?'
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Question 11

A 70-year-old patient is being seen in the clinic for severe exacerbation of his heart failure. Which of these findings is the nurse most likely to observe in this patient?

  1. A. Shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and ankle edema.
  2. B. Rasping cough, thick mucoid sputum, wheezing, and bronchitis.
  3. C. Productive cough, dyspnea, weight loss, anorexia, and tuberculosis.
  4. D. Fever, dry nonproductive cough, and diminished breath sounds.
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Question 12

You are obtaining an arterial blood gas in the radial artery on a retired cab driver who has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a stroke. You are concerned about the possibility of arterial insufficiency. You perform the Allen test. This means that you:

  1. A. Checked for patency of the radial artery
  2. B. Checked for patency of the brachial artery
  3. C. Checked for patency of the ulnar artery
  4. D. Checked for patency of the femoral artery
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Question 13

A nurse cares for a patient who tests positive for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The patient asks, “What does this mean?” How would the nurse respond?

  1. A. “Your children will be at high risk for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”
  2. B. “I will contact a genetic counselor to discuss your condition.”
  3. C. “Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, especially if you smoke.”
  4. D. “This is a recessive gene and would have no impact on your health.”
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Question 14

You are treating and transporting a 26-year-old female involved in an MVA. She has multiple injuries, but all associated hemorrhage is controlled. The patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock. During treatment and transport, you infuse one liter of lactated Ringer's solution, and the patient remains hypotensive. Once at the hospital, which of the following is most likely to be administered immediately upon arrival?

  1. A. O-negative whole blood containing plasma
  2. B. O-negative packed red blood cells
  3. C. O-positive packed red blood cells
  4. D. O-positive whole blood without plasma
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Question 15

The nurse notes darker skin pigmentation in the skinfolds of a middle-aged patient who has a body mass index of 40 kg/m2. What is the nurse’s appropriate action?

  1. A. Discuss the use of drying agents to minimize infection risk.
  2. B. Instruct the patient about the use of mild soap to clean skinfolds.
  3. C. Teach the patient about treating fungal infections in the skinfolds.
  4. D. Ask the patient about a personal or family history of type 2 diabetes.
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About these RN exams fundamentals questions

RN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 10 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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