RN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 15

RN exams · fundamentals

RN exams fundamentals practice questions set 15

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

Adam is a very successful 15-year-old student and athlete. His mother brings him in today because he no longer studies, works out, or sees his friends. This has gone on for a month and a half. When you speak with him alone in the room, he states it "would be better if he were not here." What would you do next?

  1. A. Tell him that he has a very promising career in anything he chooses and soon he will feel better.
  2. B. Tell him that he needs an antidepressant and it will take about 4 weeks to work.
  3. C. Speak with his mother about getting him together more with his friends.
  4. D. Assess his suicide risk
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Assess his suicide risk

The correct answer is D: Assess his suicide risk. Given Adam's statement about it being better if he were not here and his recent behavioral changes, there are clear signs of potential suicidal ideation. It is crucial to prioritize assessing his immediate safety. This involves asking direct questions about suicide, assessing the presence of a suicide plan, means, and intent. This step is essential in ensuring Adam's safety and providing appropriate support and intervention if needed. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Offering vague reassurance about his promising future does not address the immediate concerns of potential suicide risk. B: Jumping to prescribing antidepressants without a thorough evaluation and risk assessment is premature and does not address the urgency of the situation. C: Speaking with his mother about getting him together with friends overlooks the seriousness of Adam's statement and the need for immediate intervention.

Question 2

You are preparing to perform synchronized electrical cardioversion with a biphasic defibrillator on your unstable adult patient who is experiencing supraventricular tachycardia at 160 beats per minute on the monitor. Which of the following initial energy settings would be recommended if he was exhibiting a narrow complex, regular supraventricular tachycardia, in which his palpable carotid pulse matches the rhythm on the monitor?

  1. A. Synchronized cardioversion at 50-100 joules
  2. B. Defibrillation at 100 joules
  3. C. Synchronized cardioversion at 360 joules
  4. D. Defibrillation at 360 joules
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Synchronized cardioversion at 50-100 joules

The correct initial energy setting for synchronized electrical cardioversion in a patient with stable supraventricular tachycardia is A: Synchronized cardioversion at 50-100 joules. This is because the patient is hemodynamically stable, with a narrow complex, regular rhythm, and a palpable carotid pulse matching the monitor. The recommended energy range for synchronized cardioversion in such cases is typically between 50-100 joules. This energy level is sufficient to terminate the tachyarrhythmia without causing unnecessary harm to the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because defibrillation energy settings (100-360 joules) are too high for a stable supraventricular tachycardia patient. Using such high energy levels could lead to unnecessary myocardial damage and potentially worsen the patient's condition. Therefore, the correct choice is A, as it aligns with the principles of providing effective treatment while minimizing the risk of

Question 3

The nurse is preparing to measure the vital signs of a 6-month-old infant. Which action by the nurse is correct?

  1. A. Respirations are measured; then pulse and temperature.
  2. B. Vital signs should be measured more frequently than in an adult.
  3. C. Procedures are explained to the parent, and the infant is encouraged to handle the equipment.
  4. D. The nurse should first perform the physical examination to allow the infant to become more familiar with her and then measure the infant's vital signs.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Respirations are measured; then pulse and temperature.

The correct answer is A because in infants, it is recommended to measure respirations first, followed by pulse and temperature. Infants have irregular breathing patterns, so measuring respirations first allows for the most accurate reading. Pulse and temperature can be affected by handling the infant, so they should be measured after respirations. Choice B is incorrect because vital signs in infants are typically measured at the same frequency as in adults, unless there are specific concerns or conditions. Choice C is incorrect because involving the parent in the procedure and encouraging the infant to handle the equipment may not be appropriate or necessary for measuring vital signs accurately. Choice D is incorrect because it is not necessary to perform a physical examination before measuring vital signs in an infant. It is important to follow the standard sequence of measuring respirations, then pulse, and temperature for accurate readings.

Question 4

A 30 year old male is stabbed in the right chest. On arrival in the ED, he is very short of breath. His HR is 120 bpm, BP is 80/50. His neck veins are flat. On auscultation of the chest, there is diminished air entry on the right side, and there is dullness posteriorly on percussion. These findings are most consistent with:

  1. A. Hemothorax
  2. B. Pericardial tamponade
  3. C. Tension pneumothorax
  4. D. Hypovolemia from the liver injury
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Hemothorax

The correct answer is A: Hemothorax. In this scenario, the patient presents with signs of respiratory distress, tachycardia, hypotension, flat neck veins, diminished air entry on the right side, and dullness on percussion, which are indicative of a hemothorax. Hemothorax is characterized by the accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, leading to lung compression and impaired ventilation. The symptoms align with the physical exam findings of decreased breath sounds and dullness due to blood occupying the pleural space. The absence of signs like muffled heart sounds or pulsus paradoxus rules out pericardial tamponade. The lack of tracheal deviation and mediastinal shift discounts tension pneumothorax. Hypovolemia from liver injury may present with similar vital sign abnormalities but would not manifest with specific chest exam findings like dullness on percussion. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and exam findings, hemothorax is the

Question 5

A 30 year old male is stabbed in the right chest. On arrival in the ED, he is very short of breath. His HR is 120 bpm, BP is 80/50. His neck veins are flat. On auscultation of the chest, there is diminished air entry on the right side, and there is dullness posteriorly on percussion. These findings are most consistent with:

  1. A. Hemothorax
  2. B. Pericardial tamponade
  3. C. Tension pneumothorax
  4. D. Hypovolemia from the liver injury
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Hemothorax

The correct answer is A: Hemothorax. In this scenario, the patient presents with signs of respiratory distress, tachycardia, hypotension, flat neck veins, diminished air entry on the right side, and dullness on percussion, which are indicative of a hemothorax. Hemothorax is characterized by the accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, leading to lung compression and impaired ventilation. The symptoms align with the physical exam findings of decreased breath sounds and dullness due to blood occupying the pleural space. The absence of signs like muffled heart sounds or pulsus paradoxus rules out pericardial tamponade. The lack of tracheal deviation and mediastinal shift discounts tension pneumothorax. Hypovolemia from liver injury may present with similar vital sign abnormalities but would not manifest with specific chest exam findings like dullness on percussion. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and exam findings, hemothorax is the

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.

Ten more RN exams fundamentals questions

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 nurse is designing a teaching program for individuals who have recently immigrated to the United States from Iraq. Which of the following considerations is necessary for culturally competent patient teaching?

  1. A. Use materials developed previously for U.S. citizens.
  2. B. Use all visual materials when teaching content.
  3. C. Use a lecture format to teach content with few questions.
  4. D. Develop written materials in the patient's native language.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

The amount that Medicare and Medicaid will pay long-term care facilities for services is based on

  1. A. The resident's background
  2. B. The resident's need upon admission and throughout his stay
  3. C. The size of the facility
  4. D. The financial contributions from the resident's family
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

The second phase in the critical thinking process entails:

  1. A. Exploration of the issue
  2. B. Induction of an event
  3. C. Appraisal of the situation
  4. D. Integration of decision
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

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
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

You are preparing to perform synchronized electrical cardioversion with a biphasic defibrillator on your unstable adult patient who is experiencing supraventricular tachycardia at 160 beats per minute on the monitor. Which of the following initial energy settings would be recommended if he was exhibiting a narrow complex, regular supraventricular tachycardia, in which his palpable carotid pulse matches the rhythm on the monitor?

  1. A. Synchronized cardioversion at 50-100 joules
  2. B. Defibrillation at 100 joules
  3. C. Synchronized cardioversion at 360 joules
  4. D. Defibrillation at 360 joules
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

The nurse is preparing to conduct a mental status examination. Which statement is true regarding the mental status examination?

  1. A. A patient's family is the best resource for information about the patient's coping skills
  2. B. Gathering mental status information during the health history interview is usually sufficient
  3. C. Integrating the mental status examination into the health history interview takes an enormous amount of extra time
  4. D. To get a good idea of the patient's level of functioning, performing a complete mental status examination is usually necessary
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

You are on the scene of a vehicle accident with entrapment. Why is it so important to ensure the battery has been disconnected before attempting to enter the vehicle or extricate the driver?

  1. A. To make sure the vehicle is not capable of moving during the extrication process and injuring anyone involved
  2. B. To ensure any undeployed airbags do not discharge and cause an injury to the patient or anyone involved
  3. C. To make sure that no one in contact with the vehicle gets electrocuted
  4. D. To prevent the possibility of a fire starting in the passenger compartment during the extrication process
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

A 30-year-old woman presents with a complaint of a red, painful, and swollen knee. She has a history of gout. On examination, the knee is warm, erythematous, and tender to touch. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  1. A. Osteoarthritis
  2. B. Rheumatoid arthritis
  3. C. Gout
  4. D. Septic arthritis
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) was passed as a response to

  1. A. Lack of funding for long-term care facilities
  2. B. Reports of abuse and poor care in long-term care facilities
  3. C. Complaints from long-term care facility staff about resident behavior
  4. D. Nursing assistants being unable to pass competency examinations
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

A patient has pitting pedal edema, crackles, and an elevated blood pressure. The nurse concludes that the patient has fluid volume excess. Which type of reasoning did the nurse use?

  1. A. Theoretical
  2. B. Inductive
  3. C. Deductive
  4. D. Conceptual
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams fundamentals questions

RN exams fundamentals practice questions, set 15 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.