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Based on your performance on this “NCLEX Cracker” Practice Test, you’re not yet ready for the NCLEX.
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Based on your performance on this “NCLEX Cracker” Practice Test, you barely missed the “passing” mark.
Keep your head up! Also, don’t focus on your estimated score, they mean essentially nothing at the start. Rarely does anyone start these exams and score well immediately, if that was the case then they wouldn’t even need to practice! These are ‘practice’ tests, meaning you’re practicing to improve your skills. If you continue to work hard and study, read and understand the solutions, practice with “NCLEX Cracker” daily and give it your best effort, we promise your score will improve. Review and learn for now, and the scores will come.
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The nurse is providing teaching to a client that is using crutches to go up the stairs. What action by the client indicates the teaching was effective?
Rationale- The unaffected leg should be brought to the stair first while supporting the injured leg with the crutches. The injured leg should not be moved up without the crutches there to support it. You would use both crutches with the injured leg not just one. The unaffected leg does not need to be supported with crutches.
Subcategory- Assistive Devices
Rationale- The unaffected leg should be brought to the stair first while supporting the injured leg with the crutches. The injured leg should not be moved up without the crutches there to support it. You would use both crutches with the injured leg not just one. The unaffected leg does not need to be supported with crutches.
Subcategory- Assistive Devices
What food should a client with stress incontinence avoid?
Rationale- Alcohol can inhibit the release of antidiuretic hormone thereby causing a diuretic effect. Pretzels should not affect urinary output, though salt can lead to water retention. Asparagus can change the odor of urine.
Subcategory- Elimination
Rationale- Alcohol can inhibit the release of antidiuretic hormone thereby causing a diuretic effect. Pretzels should not affect urinary output, though salt can lead to water retention. Asparagus can change the odor of urine.
Subcategory- Elimination
The nurse is teaching a client with stress incontinence after a vaginal birth. What should be included in the plan of care? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Caffeine can irritate the bladder causing increased urination. Kegel exercises should be performed many times daily in order to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor to support the bladder during micturition.
Subcategory- Elimination
Rationale- Caffeine can irritate the bladder causing increased urination. Kegel exercises should be performed many times daily in order to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor to support the bladder during micturition.
Subcategory- Elimination
What is identified as a priority to include in the plan of care when assisting a client with bowel elimination?
Rationale- Ambulation aids in bowel motility thus preventing constipation. An elevated commode will not promote bowel elimination. A diet high in fiber will promote bowel elimination.Turning and positioning is important for the maintenance of skin integrity.
Subcategory-Elimination
Rationale- Ambulation aids in bowel motility thus preventing constipation. An elevated commode will not promote bowel elimination. A diet high in fiber will promote bowel elimination.Turning and positioning is important for the maintenance of skin integrity.
Subcategory-Elimination
An older adult client is being evaluated for urinary incontinence. What statement by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale – Urinary incontinence is not a normal sign of aging. Urinary tract infections and excessive drying can lead to urinary incontinence. Sometimes clients need help at home and getting to the bathroom, this can also lead to incontinence.
Subcategory- Elimination
Rationale – Urinary incontinence is not a normal sign of aging. Urinary tract infections and excessive drying can lead to urinary incontinence. Sometimes clients need help at home and getting to the bathroom, this can also lead to incontinence.
Subcategory- Elimination
The nurse has provided teaching to a client that requires maximum support when using a cane. What action by the client indicates the teaching was effective?
Rationale- The client that needs to utilize a cane for maximum support should move the cane forward about a foot, then advance the affected leg while keeping the weight on the cane and unaffected leg. The unaffected leg should be moved after the affected leg, while being supported by the cane. The affected leg should not be moved at the same time as the cane, this could lead to balance issues and a fall. The weight should not be put on the affected side to move the unaffected side.
Subcategory- Mobility/Immobility
Rationale- The client that needs to utilize a cane for maximum support should move the cane forward about a foot, then advance the affected leg while keeping the weight on the cane and unaffected leg. The unaffected leg should be moved after the affected leg, while being supported by the cane. The affected leg should not be moved at the same time as the cane, this could lead to balance issues and a fall. The weight should not be put on the affected side to move the unaffected side.
Subcategory- Mobility/Immobility
A client that had surgery to reduce a compound open tibia/fibula fracture of the left leg has progressed to using a walker. What action by the client demonstrates the proper use of the walker?
Rationale-When one leg is weaker than the other, a client should move the weaker leg with the walker. They should not move the walker ahead, that would not provide support for the weaker leg. The legs should never move before the walker. Moving the walker then the strong leg would not adequately support the affected leg.
Subcategory-Mobility/Immobility
Rationale-When one leg is weaker than the other, a client should move the weaker leg with the walker. They should not move the walker ahead, that would not provide support for the weaker leg. The legs should never move before the walker. Moving the walker then the strong leg would not adequately support the affected leg.
Subcategory-Mobility/Immobility
The nurse is caring for several patients that are reporting pain. What client should not receive cutaneous stimulation for pain relief?
Rationale- A client diagnosed with shingles will have skin breakdown which is contra indicated for the use of cutaneous stimulation. Clients with arthritis, breast cancer and lupus would all benefit from cutaneous stimulation.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
Rationale- A client diagnosed with shingles will have skin breakdown which is contra indicated for the use of cutaneous stimulation. Clients with arthritis, breast cancer and lupus would all benefit from cutaneous stimulation.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
What pain relief is indicated for a client who sustained a low back injury three days ago? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Heat is used to treat injuries greater than 48 hours. Cold would not be indicated.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
Rationale- Heat is used to treat injuries greater than 48 hours. Cold would not be indicated.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
The nurse is planning to use distraction to treat pain in a hospitalized 8-year-old boy. What type of distractions is most appropriate?
Rationale- An age appropriate activity for an 8-year-old boy would be video games. Massage, crossword puzzles, and guided imagery are indicted for older clients.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
Rationale- An age appropriate activity for an 8-year-old boy would be video games. Massage, crossword puzzles, and guided imagery are indicted for older clients.
Subcategory- Non-Pharmacological Comfort Interventions
The nurse is providing nutritional counseling for a client with a BMI of 32.5. What foods should be encouraged frequently in the nutritional plan?
Rationale- Fresh vegetables fresh fruits and whole grains are high in vitamins and minerals and offer more fiber which aids in increased bowel elimination and decreased fat absorption.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Rationale- Fresh vegetables fresh fruits and whole grains are high in vitamins and minerals and offer more fiber which aids in increased bowel elimination and decreased fat absorption.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
What vitamin should be included in the teaching for a woman that is planning to conceive in order to reduce the risk for neural tube defects?
Rationale- Food preferences and eating habits are very important to assess. Age the child started solid food is not priority, access to food and body mass index are important but not for the initial nutritional assessment.
Subcategory-Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Rationale- Food preferences and eating habits are very important to assess. Age the child started solid food is not priority, access to food and body mass index are important but not for the initial nutritional assessment.
Subcategory-Nutrition and Oral Hydration
A preschool child is admitted to the hospital. What nutritional assessments are priority? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Food preferences and eating habits are very important to assess. Age of solid food is not priority, access to food and body mass index are important but not for the initial nutritional assessment.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Rationale- Food preferences and eating habits are very important to assess. Age of solid food is not priority, access to food and body mass index are important but not for the initial nutritional assessment.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
The nurse has provided information to a client about dietary guidelines. What statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- It is recommended to eat more vegetables than any other source of food, including dairy. More grains should be eaten than protein. Fruit and protein should be consumed in equal amounts.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
Rationale- It is recommended to eat more vegetables than any other source of food, including dairy. More grains should be eaten than protein. Fruit and protein should be consumed in equal amounts.
Subcategory- Nutrition and Oral Hydration
The nurse is providing personal care to a client diagnosed with dementia. What action by the nurse demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale – The client should have some flexibility when the bath or shower should occur, it may not be a consistent time every day. Singing while bathing may distract the client during the shower or bath. It is recommended that you pat dry rather than rub dry a client with dementia.It is important to ask the client how they prefer to be bathed and allowing them to make decisions.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
Rationale – The client should have some flexibility when the bath or shower should occur, it may not be a consistent time every day. Singing while bathing may distract the client during the shower or bath. It is recommended that you pat dry rather than rub dry a client with dementia.It is important to ask the client how they prefer to be bathed and allowing them to make decisions.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
What action by the nurse providing personal care demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale – Clients should be cleansed from cleanest to dirtiest area. Females should be wiped from front to back. The urinary meatus should be cleansed in acircular motion from center to glansce. While menstruating, a woman should be wiped with separate wipes for each stroke.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
Rationale – Clients should be cleansed from cleanest to dirtiest area. Females should be wiped from front to back. The urinary meatus should be cleansed in acircular motion from center to glansce. While menstruating, a woman should be wiped with separate wipes for each stroke.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
The nurse is performing oral care for an unconscious client. What actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Rationale- It is important to keep the client on their side with a towel under their chin. Water soluble lip moisturizer should be applied to prevent drying. Suction should be used to clear the mouth after oral care. The head of the bed should be lowered, not elevated to facilitate drainage from the mouth.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
Rationale- It is important to keep the client on their side with a towel under their chin. Water soluble lip moisturizer should be applied to prevent drying. Suction should be used to clear the mouth after oral care. The head of the bed should be lowered, not elevated to facilitate drainage from the mouth.
Subcategory-Personal Hygiene
An adult obese man is being evaluated for fatigue and snoring with difficulty sleeping. The nurse should assess the client for what common diagnosis?
Rationale – The client is exhibiting many signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. A client with acute tonsillitis would have signs of infection. The client with depression may have difficulty sleeping and fatigue but would not have associated snoring. A client with COPD would have respiratory issues.
Subcategory- Rest and Sleep
Rationale – The client is exhibiting many signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. A client with acute tonsillitis would have signs of infection. The client with depression may have difficulty sleeping and fatigue but would not have associated snoring. A client with COPD would have respiratory issues.
Subcategory- Rest and Sleep
A school nurse is expected to maintain competency in what areas? Select all that apply.
Rationale- School nurses should be aware of current health practices that would be seen in the schools. They should be aware of state and local health regulations and necessary immunizations. They do not need to know or use reimbursement information or billing codes.
Subcategory- Health Screening
Rationale- School nurses should be aware of current health practices that would be seen in the schools. They should be aware of state and local health regulations and necessary immunizations. They do not need to know or use reimbursement information or billing codes.
Subcategory- Health Screening
The nurse is caring for a client who is on hospice and has a do not resuscitate order in place. The client has appointed a power of attorney who has an advance care directive with them. The client’s family member is questioning the do not resuscitate order and requesting that the client be changed to a full code. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – The power of attorney is the person who has been appointed to make decisions for the client. The family member should be referred to that person. An ethical consult is not indicated at this time. It is not indicated to restrict the family member from visiting. It is not legal to overturn a client’s wishes or a power of attorney to change the code status.
Subcategory- Advance Directives
Rationale – The power of attorney is the person who has been appointed to make decisions for the client. The family member should be referred to that person. An ethical consult is not indicated at this time. It is not indicated to restrict the family member from visiting. It is not legal to overturn a client’s wishes or a power of attorney to change the code status.
Subcategory- Advance Directives
Of the following options, who has the greatest authority to make decisions on behalf of a client who is unable to make their own decisions?
Rationale – A power of attorney is a legally designated agent who can make decisions for a client if they are unable to make the decisions themselves. If a power of attorney for healthcare proxy is not designated the family members would be able to legally make decisions. The healthcare provider does not make decisions for a client nor does the hospital administration.
Subcategory- Advance Directives
Rationale – A power of attorney is a legally designated agent who can make decisions for a client if they are unable to make the decisions themselves. If a power of attorney for healthcare proxy is not designated the family members would be able to legally make decisions. The healthcare provider does not make decisions for a client nor does the hospital administration.
Subcategory- Advance Directives
A client that is 14 weeks pregnant following a rape has made the decision to terminate the pregnancy. The mother of the client is arguing with the client and trying to get her to agree to have the child and place the child up for adoption. What action is appropriate for the nurse to take when advocating for the client?
Rationale – The client has already made their decision; it is not the decision of the client’s mother to make. If the mother is interfering with the client’s decision it is appropriate to ask the mother to leave the room. Informing the mother in front of the client may only intensify the disagreement. Encouraging the mother and client to discuss feelings is not advocating for the client. Consulting psychiatry to speak with the mother and daughter is also not advocating for the client.
Subcategory- Advocacy
Rationale – The client has already made their decision; it is not the decision of the client’s mother to make. If the mother is interfering with the client’s decision it is appropriate to ask the mother to leave the room. Informing the mother in front of the client may only intensify the disagreement. Encouraging the mother and client to discuss feelings is not advocating for the client. Consulting psychiatry to speak with the mother and daughter is also not advocating for the client.
Subcategory- Advocacy
An older adult client has a non-healing wound on their lower extremity. The surgeon has informed the client that they will need to have an amputation or will likely develop a life-threatening infection. After receiving all of the information the client has decided they do not want to have the surgery performed. The surgeon does not agree with the client’s decision and has proceeded to tell the client they’re making the wrong decision. What action is appropriate by the nurse and advocating for the client?
Rationale – It is important for the nurse to encourage the client to share the reason they have made their decision. The nurse should not take the surgeon out of the room to discuss the client situation without the client present. Reporting the surgeon to the medical board is not appropriate. Telling the surgeon in front of the client that is not their place is not the most appropriate action.
Subcategory- Advocacy
Rationale – It is important for the nurse to encourage the client to share the reason they have made their decision. The nurse should not take the surgeon out of the room to discuss the client situation without the client present. Reporting the surgeon to the medical board is not appropriate. Telling the surgeon in front of the client that is not their place is not the most appropriate action.
Subcategory- Advocacy
What client should be assigned to a new graduate registered nurse?
Rationale- The client with COPD is the most stable and most appropriate to delegate to a new registered nurse. The client with a spontaneous pneumothorax, the client post thyroidectomy and a client who has had ventricular tachycardia are all unstable and should be followed by a more seasoned registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- The client with COPD is the most stable and most appropriate to delegate to a new registered nurse. The client with a spontaneous pneumothorax, the client post thyroidectomy and a client who has had ventricular tachycardia are all unstable and should be followed by a more seasoned registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Which client should be assigned to the most experienced registered nurse?
Rationale- The client that now has the 3rd° heart block has not been treated or seen by a care provider. The client with bradycardia is being paced. A client with supraventricular tachycardia has already been cardioverted. The client found in cardiac arrest is being treated with a medically induced hypothermia.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- The client that now has the 3rd° heart block has not been treated or seen by a care provider. The client with bradycardia is being paced. A client with supraventricular tachycardia has already been cardioverted. The client found in cardiac arrest is being treated with a medically induced hypothermia.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Which client should the registered nurse delegate to a license vocational nurse?
Rationale- The client with DKA and HHNS are not stable. The client with a blood sugar of 45 needs immediate intervention with IV D50. This cannot be administered by an LVN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- The client with DKA and HHNS are not stable. The client with a blood sugar of 45 needs immediate intervention with IV D50. This cannot be administered by an LVN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
What intervention should be delegated to the licensed vocational nurse (LVN)?
Rationale –The LVN can be delegated the task of administering subcutaneous insulin to a diabetic client. Assessing a client with hypoglycemia should be done by a registered nurse as assessment is not within the scope of practice of an LVN. Providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed with type two diabetes should be done by the registered nurse, teaching may be reinforced by an LVN. Hanging IV insulin should be done by a registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale –The LVN can be delegated the task of administering subcutaneous insulin to a diabetic client. Assessing a client with hypoglycemia should be done by a registered nurse as assessment is not within the scope of practice of an LVN. Providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed with type two diabetes should be done by the registered nurse, teaching may be reinforced by an LVN. Hanging IV insulin should be done by a registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Which intervention should be assigned to an unlicensed assistive personnel?
Rationale- A client with an assistive device can be walked by unlicensed assistive personnel.A UAP should not irrigate urinary catheter. Intravenous pumps should not be silenced or touched by an unlicensed assistive personnel. A UAP should not administer a soapsuds enema.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- A client with an assistive device can be walked by unlicensed assistive personnel.A UAP should not irrigate urinary catheter. Intravenous pumps should not be silenced or touched by an unlicensed assistive personnel. A UAP should not administer a soapsuds enema.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
What client should the charge nurse assign to the most experienced registered nurse?
Rationale- The client who has a DVT and a history of a CVA is at greater risk for complications of the DVT. The client with COPD has an oxygen saturation that is normal for this diagnosis. The client with CHF has edema which is a normal finding for this diagnosis. The client with infective endocarditis is expected to have an audible murmur and is not priority over a client with a DVT at risk for CVA.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- The client who has a DVT and a history of a CVA is at greater risk for complications of the DVT. The client with COPD has an oxygen saturation that is normal for this diagnosis. The client with CHF has edema which is a normal finding for this diagnosis. The client with infective endocarditis is expected to have an audible murmur and is not priority over a client with a DVT at risk for CVA.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Which of the following four patients should the nurse delegate to the licensed practical nurse?
Rationale- The LPN can care for a one-day postoperative patient that is likely not receiving IV medication for pain. The client that is scheduled for surgery will need IV medications and ongoing assessment that should be done by the registered nurse. The patient receiving IV push morphine should be assigned to the registered nurse. The client that is going to have a procedure done, a paracentesis, should be observed by the registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale- The LPN can care for a one-day postoperative patient that is likely not receiving IV medication for pain. The client that is scheduled for surgery will need IV medications and ongoing assessment that should be done by the registered nurse. The patient receiving IV push morphine should be assigned to the registered nurse. The client that is going to have a procedure done, a paracentesis, should be observed by the registered nurse.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
The nurse delegates care of a client to a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). The LVN incorrectly performs the delegated role that is within their scope of practice. Who is legally responsible for the error that occurred?
Rationale – If an LVN assumes care and performs a delegated task or procedure, they assume legal liability for that outcome. If an LVN does not feel comfortable or confident in the delegated task they must decline to perform it. The registered nurse in an institution are not legally liable for improper practice by the LVN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – If an LVN assumes care and performs a delegated task or procedure, they assume legal liability for that outcome. If an LVN does not feel comfortable or confident in the delegated task they must decline to perform it. The registered nurse in an institution are not legally liable for improper practice by the LVN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
What client is most appropriate to delegate to a licensed vocational nurse?
Rationale – The client receiving oral pain medication is appropriate to delegate to a licensed practical nurse. A client waiting for a paracentesis will need frequent assessment. IV push morphine needs to be administered by a registered nurse. The client with COPD and a pH of 7.29 is not stable.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – The client receiving oral pain medication is appropriate to delegate to a licensed practical nurse. A client waiting for a paracentesis will need frequent assessment. IV push morphine needs to be administered by a registered nurse. The client with COPD and a pH of 7.29 is not stable.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
What client is appropriate for delegation to a licensed vocational nurse?
Rationale – The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is most appropriate for the LVN to care for. The client diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism with an elevated serum calcium level has a great risk for complications. The client with the left side a pneumothorax with tracheal deviation needs to be evaluated immediately. The client with difficulty breathing who is coughing with a pink frothy sputum is likely experiencing flash pulmonary edema and needs to be evaluated by the RN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is most appropriate for the LVN to care for. The client diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism with an elevated serum calcium level has a great risk for complications. The client with the left side a pneumothorax with tracheal deviation needs to be evaluated immediately. The client with difficulty breathing who is coughing with a pink frothy sputum is likely experiencing flash pulmonary edema and needs to be evaluated by the RN.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
The registered nurse and licensed vocational nurse (LVN) are caring for the following group of clients. What task is appropriate to assigned to the LVN?
Rationale – LVNs are able to administer medications through a gastrointestinal tube. They are not able to assess so they cannot be assigned an assessment of the pressure ulcer. Licensed vocational nurses should not work with a central venous catheter or administer IV push medications.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – LVNs are able to administer medications through a gastrointestinal tube. They are not able to assess so they cannot be assigned an assessment of the pressure ulcer. Licensed vocational nurses should not work with a central venous catheter or administer IV push medications.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Which of the following tasks are appropriate to delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel? Select all that apply.
Rationale – An unlicensed assistive personnel can provide postmortem care perform simple dressing changes and participate in CPR. They cannot evaluate response to therapies or complete assessments including pain. UAPs are not able to give advice to clients over the phone.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – An unlicensed assistive personnel can provide postmortem care perform simple dressing changes and participate in CPR. They cannot evaluate response to therapies or complete assessments including pain. UAPs are not able to give advice to clients over the phone.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
What delegation of care from a registered nurse to an unlicensed assistive personnel should be questioned?
Rationale – It is not appropriate to ask a UAP to do a standing weight on a client that you have not assessed yet. The nurse should assess the client to determine if they are able to do a standing weight. A UAP is able to do postmortem care in a recently deceased client. The UAP can walk a client utilizing a walker. A UAP is able to do simple dressing changes on areas such as skin tears.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
Rationale – It is not appropriate to ask a UAP to do a standing weight on a client that you have not assessed yet. The nurse should assess the client to determine if they are able to do a standing weight. A UAP is able to do postmortem care in a recently deceased client. The UAP can walk a client utilizing a walker. A UAP is able to do simple dressing changes on areas such as skin tears.
Subcategory- Assignment, Delegation, and Supervision
A client that has undergone a total knee replacement is scheduled for discharge in the morning. The family members of the clients are concerned that the client is not making adequate progress to go home. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale- The case manager is responsible for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. They should be consulted to determine if a different plan may be better for the client. Physical therapy may need to be contacted to re-evaluate the client, however, it is important to notify the case manager first. Occupational therapy would not be involved in deciding if the client can go home. Documenting the concern of the chart is appropriate however priority should be to notify the case manager.
Subcategory- Case Management
Rationale- The case manager is responsible for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. They should be consulted to determine if a different plan may be better for the client. Physical therapy may need to be contacted to re-evaluate the client, however, it is important to notify the case manager first. Occupational therapy would not be involved in deciding if the client can go home. Documenting the concern of the chart is appropriate however priority should be to notify the case manager.
Subcategory- Case Management
Who has the responsibility of assessing clients and their homes as well as coordinating client care?
Rationale– Case managers are responsible for assessing clients and their homes as well as coordinating client care. The healthcare provider is also involved in the client’s care but not in coordinating it all. Occupational therapy is also involved in the care and delivery of care but is not responsible for coordinating it. Registered nurses are involved in this process however they are not solely responsible.
Subcategory- Case Management
Rationale– Case managers are responsible for assessing clients and their homes as well as coordinating client care. The healthcare provider is also involved in the client’s care but not in coordinating it all. Occupational therapy is also involved in the care and delivery of care but is not responsible for coordinating it. Registered nurses are involved in this process however they are not solely responsible.
Subcategory- Case Management
The nursing case manager is evaluating an older adult client that is four days post hip replacement surgery. The case manager notices the client has not been making progress in physical therapy and has not been weaned off of IV narcotics. What type of treatment plan should a case manager anticipate?
Rationale- Inpatient rehabilitation may be necessary for a client that is not making progress in the hospital. Long-term care is not indicated. Outpatient physical therapy would not be indicated if the client does not make any progress in the hospital. Home health medication administration will not promote mobility in the client.
Subcategory- Case Management
Rationale- Inpatient rehabilitation may be necessary for a client that is not making progress in the hospital. Long-term care is not indicated. Outpatient physical therapy would not be indicated if the client does not make any progress in the hospital. Home health medication administration will not promote mobility in the client.
Subcategory- Case Management
What point in the client’s care would the nursing case manager first become involved?
Rationale – Case management is involved in client care from prior to admission until a client is discharged. Case management is not involved once a client is discharged from the facility.
Subcategory- Case Management
Rationale – Case management is involved in client care from prior to admission until a client is discharged. Case management is not involved once a client is discharged from the facility.
Subcategory- Case Management
After agreeing to be involved in a research study of a new medication, the client has learned that they will need to have blood work and additional studies done every week. This information was not given to the client by a healthcare provider. What client right has been violated?
Rationale – The client has the right to know about all components of the study and what participating would involve. Not informing them of necessary blood work or studies has prevented full disclosure. Right to privacy involves confidentiality. The right not to be harmed would be delayed treatment or treatment that will cause harm to the client. Self-determination would be the client’s ability to agree to participate within the study.
Subcategory- Client Rights
Rationale – The client has the right to know about all components of the study and what participating would involve. Not informing them of necessary blood work or studies has prevented full disclosure. Right to privacy involves confidentiality. The right not to be harmed would be delayed treatment or treatment that will cause harm to the client. Self-determination would be the client’s ability to agree to participate within the study.
Subcategory- Client Rights
The nurse is preparing to administer a subcutaneous heparin injection. The client pulled up their gown to expose the abdomen. What type of consent has the client given the nurse?
Rationale – Consent is implied when the nonverbal behavior indicates agreement between the client and nurse. Express consent may be written or oral. Diagnostic and voluntary consent are not legal forms of consent.
Subcategory- Client Rights
Rationale – Consent is implied when the nonverbal behavior indicates agreement between the client and nurse. Express consent may be written or oral. Diagnostic and voluntary consent are not legal forms of consent.
Subcategory- Client Rights
A pediatric client has been admitted to the emergency department with a foreign body protruding from their abdomen after sustaining a fall. The nurse accompanies the physician to speak to the family of the child while the child is being prepared for the operating room. The mother of the child verbally consents to the surgery. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – Oral consent is a form of express consent and is legally binding in an emergency situation. The physician does not need to fill out a written consent at that time. The nursing supervisor does not need to be notified. The child can be taken to surgery if the paperwork is not complete, the nurse must document that oral consent was received.
Subcategory- Client Rights
Rationale – Oral consent is a form of express consent and is legally binding in an emergency situation. The physician does not need to fill out a written consent at that time. The nursing supervisor does not need to be notified. The child can be taken to surgery if the paperwork is not complete, the nurse must document that oral consent was received.
Subcategory- Client Rights
Collaboration amongst healthcare professionals can lead to what positive outcomes? Select all that apply.
Rationale – When healthcare professionals collaborate they are able to understand each other’s scope of practice, providing optimal health care for their clients and increase the satisfaction of their clients. Even collaboration will not eliminate medication errors completely. Different healthcare workers should not perform each other’s roles.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
Rationale – When healthcare professionals collaborate they are able to understand each other’s scope of practice, providing optimal health care for their clients and increase the satisfaction of their clients. Even collaboration will not eliminate medication errors completely. Different healthcare workers should not perform each other’s roles.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
Which example best demonstrates a collaborative practice model?
Rationale – Collaborative practice promotes shared participation and respect, making rounds together demonstrates this principle. The physician providing standing orders to the nurse is not shared practice the nurse assisting the provider is not shared practice. The nurse making a
referral is not shared practice.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
Rationale – Collaborative practice promotes shared participation and respect, making rounds together demonstrates this principle. The physician providing standing orders to the nurse is not shared practice the nurse assisting the provider is not shared practice. The nurse making a
referral is not shared practice.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
A client who has experienced a spinal cord injury is having difficulty with fine motor skills in their hands. What referral is most appropriate?
Rationale – Occupational therapists will help with fine motor skills and use of the hands to perform activities of daily living. Physical therapy would be used for larger areas. Pain management is not indicated as it does not state the client has pain. Surgery is not the most appropriate option as the client is only demonstrating a deficit in one area.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
Rationale – Occupational therapists will help with fine motor skills and use of the hands to perform activities of daily living. Physical therapy would be used for larger areas. Pain management is not indicated as it does not state the client has pain. Surgery is not the most appropriate option as the client is only demonstrating a deficit in one area.
Subcategory- Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
The nurse manager on a medical surgical floor has allowed staff nurses to create vacation schedule and decide on how vacations will be taken. In addition the nurse manager has allowed them to create their own staffing and staffing policies. Many of the nurses’ report dissatisfaction in their positions. What type of leadership style is this manager demonstrating?
Rationale – A Laissez-faire leader will allow staff to do what they want and make their own decisions. This is often not effective in a hospital environment. This is not a demonstration of autocratic, democratic or bureaucratic leadership.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
Rationale – A Laissez-faire leader will allow staff to do what they want and make their own decisions. This is often not effective in a hospital environment. This is not a demonstration of autocratic, democratic or bureaucratic leadership.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
A weekly staff meeting is held by the nurse manager. At the meeting nurses are asked about their opinions and asked to vote on important decisions regarding the unit. What type of management style is this nurse manager exhibiting?
Rationale – The Democratic leader will lead the unit and allow participation in decision-making. These are not examples of laissez-faire autocratic or bureaucratic leadership styles.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
Rationale – The Democratic leader will lead the unit and allow participation in decision-making. These are not examples of laissez-faire autocratic or bureaucratic leadership styles.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
A nurse manager develops and implements a new system of scheduling. What type of management style does this represent?
Rationale – An autocratic leader uses an authoritarian approach and directs the activities of others. They do not allow input from staff members. A Democratic leader would ask for the input of the group. A Laissez-faire leader gives little direction and does not exhibit control. Shared governance is a style of leadership where stakeholders participate in decision-making.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
Rationale – An autocratic leader uses an authoritarian approach and directs the activities of others. They do not allow input from staff members. A Democratic leader would ask for the input of the group. A Laissez-faire leader gives little direction and does not exhibit control. Shared governance is a style of leadership where stakeholders participate in decision-making.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
What are the most important characteristics a nurse needs in order to be an effective manager?
Rationale – It is important for the nurse to have effective communication and leadership skills. Understanding the nursing care plan development is important but not a priority. The ability to direct people is not the most important skill a manager needs. Respect of all nurses is not likely to ever occur and unrealistic as a manager.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
Rationale – It is important for the nurse to have effective communication and leadership skills. Understanding the nursing care plan development is important but not a priority. The ability to direct people is not the most important skill a manager needs. Respect of all nurses is not likely to ever occur and unrealistic as a manager.
Subcategory- Concepts of Management
A client admitted to the hospital for a hysterectomy following a diagnosis of uterine cancer is being prepared for surgery. While the client is in the bathroom a friend visiting asks the nurse if the client is going to need chemotherapy. What statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – To maintain confidentiality it is not appropriate for the nurse to discuss client care with friends or anyone other than the client. It is not appropriate to say whether the nurse thinks the client will have chemotherapy. It is not appropriate to say they will or they won’t need chemotherapy.
Subcategory- Confidentiality/Information Security
Rationale – To maintain confidentiality it is not appropriate for the nurse to discuss client care with friends or anyone other than the client. It is not appropriate to say whether the nurse thinks the client will have chemotherapy. It is not appropriate to say they will or they won’t need chemotherapy.
Subcategory- Confidentiality/Information Security
A client who does not speak English has been admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. The nurse is unable to communicate with the client. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – Requesting an interpreter is the most appropriate option. If the client can’t speak English, they likely will not be able to write English and a negative outcome could occur. Attempting to communicate may result in a negative outcome. To maintain confidentiality a family member should not be asked to interpret for the client unless there are no other options.
Subcategory- Confidentiality/Information Security
Rationale – Requesting an interpreter is the most appropriate option. If the client can’t speak English, they likely will not be able to write English and a negative outcome could occur. Attempting to communicate may result in a negative outcome. To maintain confidentiality a family member should not be asked to interpret for the client unless there are no other options.
Subcategory- Confidentiality/Information Security
The nurse is caring for a client with a T-tube inserted after cholecystectomy. The T-tube is not draining and the client has developed jaundice. What action by the nurse is appropriate?
Rationale – The nurse should contact the surgeon as the T-tube is not draining. Flushing the T-tube, clamping the T-tube and connecting the T-tube to low wall suction will not promote drainage if there is a blockage.
Subcategory- Establishing Priorities
Rationale – The nurse should contact the surgeon as the T-tube is not draining. Flushing the T-tube, clamping the T-tube and connecting the T-tube to low wall suction will not promote drainage if there is a blockage.
Subcategory- Establishing Priorities
The nurse offers pain medication to a client who has returned from the operating room after a cholecystectomy. What ethical principle is the nurse demonstrating?
Rationale –Beneficence is the ethical principle to promote good. The nurse offering a postoperative patient pain medication is doing well. Veracity is truth telling. Justice is fair and appropriate treatment.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale –Beneficence is the ethical principle to promote good. The nurse offering a postoperative patient pain medication is doing well. Veracity is truth telling. Justice is fair and appropriate treatment.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
The nurse is caring for a client admitted to their unit for observation of chest pain. The client is an inmate at the local prison who is serving a life sentence for murder. The nurse realizes that they need to treat the client the same as any other client. What ethical principle does this demonstrate?
Rationale – Justice is the obligation to be fair and provide equal treatment all clients. Veracity is to tell the truth. Beneficence is to promote good. Non-maleficence is to prevent harm.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – Justice is the obligation to be fair and provide equal treatment all clients. Veracity is to tell the truth. Beneficence is to promote good. Non-maleficence is to prevent harm.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
The nurse receives an order from the healthcare provider for 250 mg of metoprolol IV. The nurse contacts the physician regarding the order. What ethical principle does this demonstrate?
Rationale – Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that is demonstrated because the order for metoprolol is much higher than the recommended dose. The nurse contacting the physician regarding the order demonstrates the nurse preventing harm. Justice is the obligation to be fair and provide equal treatment for all clients. Veracity is telling the truth. Autonomy is the client’s ability to make their own decisions.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that is demonstrated because the order for metoprolol is much higher than the recommended dose. The nurse contacting the physician regarding the order demonstrates the nurse preventing harm. Justice is the obligation to be fair and provide equal treatment for all clients. Veracity is telling the truth. Autonomy is the client’s ability to make their own decisions.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
A client diagnosed with metastatic cancer has made the decision to stop treatment and begin palliative care. What ethical principle does this demonstrate?
Rationale – Autonomy is the freedom to make decisions. Veracity is truth telling. Fidelity is remaining faithful to ethical principles. Parentalism is the opposite of autonomy in that the person will restrict the client’s autonomy and make decisions for them.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – Autonomy is the freedom to make decisions. Veracity is truth telling. Fidelity is remaining faithful to ethical principles. Parentalism is the opposite of autonomy in that the person will restrict the client’s autonomy and make decisions for them.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
A client that is on a liver transplant list offers the nurse money to help them move higher on the list for a liver transplant. The nurse informed the client that they are unable to take money or change the clients place on the recipient list. What ethical principle does this demonstrate?
Rationale – Justice is the fair and appropriate distribution of resources to all. Beneficence promotes good and nonmaleficence prevent harm or evil. Confidentiality is maintaining privacy and does not relate to the situation.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – Justice is the fair and appropriate distribution of resources to all. Beneficence promotes good and nonmaleficence prevent harm or evil. Confidentiality is maintaining privacy and does not relate to the situation.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
A client diagnosed with end stage renal disease has decided not to have dialysis despite the family encouraging the client to fight. What ethical principle does this demonstrate?
Rationale – Autonomy is the freedom to make decisions. Veracity is truth telling. Fidelity is remaining faithful to ethical principles. Parentalism is the opposite of autonomy in that the person will restrict the client’s autonomy and make decisions for them.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – Autonomy is the freedom to make decisions. Veracity is truth telling. Fidelity is remaining faithful to ethical principles. Parentalism is the opposite of autonomy in that the person will restrict the client’s autonomy and make decisions for them.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
A nurse is asked by an unlicensed nursing personnel (UAP) why a patient not in their care was admitted. The nurse informs the UAP that the client had a new diagnosis of breast cancer. What ethical principle has the nurse violated?
Rationale – The UAP not caring for the client should not be given information about the client’s condition. The nurse has violated confidentiality. This does not demonstrate an issue with justice, beneficence or non-maleficence.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
Rationale – The UAP not caring for the client should not be given information about the client’s condition. The nurse has violated confidentiality. This does not demonstrate an issue with justice, beneficence or non-maleficence.
Subcategory- Ethical Practice
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. What is the role of the nurse in obtaining an informed consent?
Rationale – The nurse’s role in obtaining an informed consent is to witness the client’s signature. The nurse does not provide an explanation of surgery the risks or the benefits. They should not be the person providing the information about the surgery.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Rationale – The nurse’s role in obtaining an informed consent is to witness the client’s signature. The nurse does not provide an explanation of surgery the risks or the benefits. They should not be the person providing the information about the surgery.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Which client cannot sign an informed consent?
Rationale – A client that is received a sedative cannot provide informed consent. A mother of a child can provide consent. A lethargic client as long as they are oriented is able to provide informed consent. A client meeting emergency surgery can provide informed consent if they are able to.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Rationale – A client that is received a sedative cannot provide informed consent. A mother of a child can provide consent. A lethargic client as long as they are oriented is able to provide informed consent. A client meeting emergency surgery can provide informed consent if they are able to.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Prior to administering a psychoactive drug to a client having surgery what action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – Prior to administering a psycho active drug the nurse should ensure that the informed consent was signed. It is not indicated for the nurse to check past surgical records. The medication should not be signed for until after it is administered, a second nurse is not needed to verify the dose.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Rationale – Prior to administering a psycho active drug the nurse should ensure that the informed consent was signed. It is not indicated for the nurse to check past surgical records. The medication should not be signed for until after it is administered, a second nurse is not needed to verify the dose.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
What procedures require informed consent? Select all that apply.
Rationale– Biopsies, a paracentesis and a CT scan with contrast should all be done after an informed consent is received. Chest x-ray and an abdominal ultrasound do not require informed consent.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Rationale– Biopsies, a paracentesis and a CT scan with contrast should all be done after an informed consent is received. Chest x-ray and an abdominal ultrasound do not require informed consent.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
A client is brought to the emergency room following a gunshot wound to the abdomen. What statement by the nurse regarding informed consent demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale – A close friend cannot provide consent. Consent by next of kin over the phone is acceptable. Emergency surgery can be performed if it is needed to save a client’s life and there is no one available to sign informed consent. The client can also provide consent.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
Rationale – A close friend cannot provide consent. Consent by next of kin over the phone is acceptable. Emergency surgery can be performed if it is needed to save a client’s life and there is no one available to sign informed consent. The client can also provide consent.
Subcategory- Informed Consent
What advantages do virtual reality VR simulations have? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Virtual-reality simulation provides the nurse the ability to practice before working with a real client. It also allows them an opportunity to identify misconceptions and practice at their own pace. Virtual reality does not involve real patients or mannequins.
Subcategory- Information Technology
Rationale – Virtual-reality simulation provides the nurse the ability to practice before working with a real client. It also allows them an opportunity to identify misconceptions and practice at their own pace. Virtual reality does not involve real patients or mannequins.
Subcategory- Information Technology
What term is the management and processing of information that can be applied to nursing practice, education and research?
Rationale – Informatics is the management and processing of information that can be applied to nursing practice come education and research.
Subcategory- Information Technology
Rationale – Informatics is the management and processing of information that can be applied to nursing practice come education and research.
Subcategory- Information Technology
What benefits does automation have on healthcare documentation? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Automation improves communication, makes information more accessible and reduces errors and abbreviations. It does not eliminate medication errors however it does reduce them. Automation does not present violations of HIPAA.
Subcategory- Information Technology
Rationale – Automation improves communication, makes information more accessible and reduces errors and abbreviations. It does not eliminate medication errors however it does reduce them. Automation does not present violations of HIPAA.
Subcategory- Information Technology
What action by the nurse will protect their license? Select all that apply.
Rationale – They should renew the license on time. The nurse should always practice according to the scope of practice of that state. In order to protect your license a nurse must take steps to obtain a duplicate if their’s is lost. It is not recommended to provide an original license to anyone including the employer. If a copy is made it should say copy across the front of the copy. There is no need to contact the board of nursing yearly.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – They should renew the license on time. The nurse should always practice according to the scope of practice of that state. In order to protect your license a nurse must take steps to obtain a duplicate if their’s is lost. It is not recommended to provide an original license to anyone including the employer. If a copy is made it should say copy across the front of the copy. There is no need to contact the board of nursing yearly.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
What are examples of intentional torts? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Battery, assault, and false imprisonment are all forms of intentional torts. Unintentional tort includes negligence and malpractice.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – Battery, assault, and false imprisonment are all forms of intentional torts. Unintentional tort includes negligence and malpractice.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
What are examples of unintentional tort? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Examples of unintentional torts are negligence and malpractice. Assault, battery and false imprisonment are examples of intentional torts.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – Examples of unintentional torts are negligence and malpractice. Assault, battery and false imprisonment are examples of intentional torts.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
The nurse is caring for a confused client. The nurse tells the client that they will restrain them if they do not sit down and stop getting up. The client is upset and attempts to get up when the nurse pushes them back in the chair and applies a chest restraint. What legal torts has the nurse violated? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The nurse has assaulted the client with a threat, placing the hands on the client is battery and putting the client in a restraint without an order is false imprisonment. Negligence is an unintentional tort. Defamation of character does not apply here.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – The nurse has assaulted the client with a threat, placing the hands on the client is battery and putting the client in a restraint without an order is false imprisonment. Negligence is an unintentional tort. Defamation of character does not apply here.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
The nurse administers intramuscular morphine to an adult client in the dorsogluteal site. The client sustains damage to the sciatic nerve. Despite receiving education on the risks of administering injections in the site, the nurse still chose to give the medication in the dorsogluteal site. What legal action may the nurse face?
Rationale – Malpractice is improper performance of professional duties and failure to meet standards of care that result in harm to a person. Assault would be threatening someone and defamation is saying negative things about someone which does not pertain here. Negligence is failure to act as an ordinary prudent person. By administering the medication via a route that is proven to be unsafe the nursemay face a malpractice case.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – Malpractice is improper performance of professional duties and failure to meet standards of care that result in harm to a person. Assault would be threatening someone and defamation is saying negative things about someone which does not pertain here. Negligence is failure to act as an ordinary prudent person. By administering the medication via a route that is proven to be unsafe the nursemay face a malpractice case.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
A client presents to the emergency department with a severe infection. The physician orders ceftriaxone for a client with a severe penicillin allergy. The nurse questions the physician’s order and is instructed to administer the medication. Shortly after administering the medication the client develops an anaphylactic reaction, goes into cardiac arrest and dies. Who is legally liable?
Rationale – Clients with severe penicillin allergies should not receive ceftriaxone. The nurse is not solely responsible as the physician wrote the order. The physician is not solely responsible because the nurse carried out the order.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Rationale – Clients with severe penicillin allergies should not receive ceftriaxone. The nurse is not solely responsible as the physician wrote the order. The physician is not solely responsible because the nurse carried out the order.
Subcategory- Legal Rights and Responsibilities
A client is admitted to the emergency department after being discharged following abdominal surgery. The client reports being lightheaded, dizzy and extremely tired. What medication should the nurse assess the client for?
Rationale – Hydrocodone can lead to hypotension and bradycardia which are exhibited in the client’s signs and symptoms. Docusate, ibuprofen and Enoxaparin are not going to cause bradycardia and hypotension.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale – Hydrocodone can lead to hypotension and bradycardia which are exhibited in the client’s signs and symptoms. Docusate, ibuprofen and Enoxaparin are not going to cause bradycardia and hypotension.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
An older adult client presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of confusion, nausea and tremors. The client’s vital signs are blood pressure 104/60, heart rate 110, temperature 94.4°F. The nurse should assess the client for history of taking what medication?
Rationale- A client with hypothermia should be assessed for oral hypoglycemics which can lead to hypothermia, an elevated heart rate, confusion, nausea and tremors. Salicylates should not affect the heart rate but will cause hyperthermia not hypothermia. Thyroxine may lead to tachycardia but will also cause hyperthermia not hypothermia. Amphetamines will cause an elevated heart rate but will lead to hyperthermia.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale- A client with hypothermia should be assessed for oral hypoglycemics which can lead to hypothermia, an elevated heart rate, confusion, nausea and tremors. Salicylates should not affect the heart rate but will cause hyperthermia not hypothermia. Thyroxine may lead to tachycardia but will also cause hyperthermia not hypothermia. Amphetamines will cause an elevated heart rate but will lead to hyperthermia.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A client that is prescribed digoxin has an apical pulse of 55 bpm. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – A pulse of 55 bpm is low and digoxin should be held. There is no reason to check a radial pulse. The finding should be documented after the medication is held. Contacting the healthcare provider is not indicated.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale – A pulse of 55 bpm is low and digoxin should be held. There is no reason to check a radial pulse. The finding should be documented after the medication is held. Contacting the healthcare provider is not indicated.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A client that is currently taking digoxin has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L, a magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL and a calcium level 11.0 mg/dL. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – A client with a low potassium and magnesium and an elevated calcium is at increased risk for digoxin toxicity. The nurse should check the levels immediately. The client will not be placed on a calcium restriction. Labs may be repeated later but not immediately. After checking the levels they may want to get an order for potassium magnesium IV.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale – A client with a low potassium and magnesium and an elevated calcium is at increased risk for digoxin toxicity. The nurse should check the levels immediately. The client will not be placed on a calcium restriction. Labs may be repeated later but not immediately. After checking the levels they may want to get an order for potassium magnesium IV.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A client is prescribed clozapine. Which client symptom should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?
Rationale- Agranulocytosis usually occurs early on in treatment, monitor white blood count and signs and symptoms of infection such as a sore throat.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale- Agranulocytosis usually occurs early on in treatment, monitor white blood count and signs and symptoms of infection such as a sore throat.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A nurse has provided teaching to a client taking escitalopram. Which client statement indicates the teaching was effective?
Rationale- The client should avoid caffeinated drinks while taking escitalopram. They do not need to limit fluid intake. Blue cheese does not have to be avoided with this medication. The client will not have increased urination.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale- The client should avoid caffeinated drinks while taking escitalopram. They do not need to limit fluid intake. Blue cheese does not have to be avoided with this medication. The client will not have increased urination.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A client taking lubiprostone for irritable bowel syndrome has received teaching about the medication. What statement by the client demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- Lubiprostone should be taken with food. The medication may cause flatulence and does not cause fatigue. It is used for constipation and should improve it.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale- Lubiprostone should be taken with food. The medication may cause flatulence and does not cause fatigue. It is used for constipation and should improve it.
Subcategory- Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
A client has developed a hemolytic reaction after the initiation of a blood transfusion. What actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Rationale- The nurse should obtain a urine sample to check for blood, send the tubing and the bag to the blood bank and run a new IV line with normal saline. Corticosteroids and diphenhydramine are not indicated.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
Rationale- The nurse should obtain a urine sample to check for blood, send the tubing and the bag to the blood bank and run a new IV line with normal saline. Corticosteroids and diphenhydramine are not indicated.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
A client who has had a previous blood transfusion begins to report chills and muscle stiffness. The client’s vital signs are: BP 138/88, Pulse 98, temperature 101.3. What interventions does the nurse anticipate being ordered? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Acetaminophen and a leukocyte reduction filter are used to treat febrile nonhemolytic reactions. Chelation is not used for blood transfusions, epoetin is not used and methylprednisolone is not used for this type of blood transfusion reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
Rationale- Acetaminophen and a leukocyte reduction filter are used to treat febrile nonhemolytic reactions. Chelation is not used for blood transfusions, epoetin is not used and methylprednisolone is not used for this type of blood transfusion reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
What medications should be questioned in a client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Beta blockers, such as timolol and carvedilol are contraindicated in clients with COPD. Digoxin, captopril and Cardizem are not contraindicated in clients with COPD.
Subcategory-Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
Rationale – Beta blockers, such as timolol and carvedilol are contraindicated in clients with COPD. Digoxin, captopril and Cardizem are not contraindicated in clients with COPD.
Subcategory-Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions
What is the most common cause of acute hemolytic transfusion reactions?
Rationale – The most common cause of an acute hemolytic reaction is improper labeling of blood components. A type and crossmatch would have to be done prior to the blood bank releasing the blood. Clients are not asked their blood type to determine what type of transfusion to administer. Previous blood transfusions do not increase the risk of reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – The most common cause of an acute hemolytic reaction is improper labeling of blood components. A type and crossmatch would have to be done prior to the blood bank releasing the blood. Clients are not asked their blood type to determine what type of transfusion to administer. Previous blood transfusions do not increase the risk of reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
A client has just received the first 40 mLs of a blood transfusion. The client reports low back pain, nausea, chest tightness and dyspnea. The vital signs are blood pressure 92/48 pulse 108, temperature 100.8°F. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The priority in a client demonstrating signs of a hemolytic reaction is to stop the transfusion immediately. Once the transfusion is stopped new tubing with normal saline should be started and then the practitioner should be notified immediately. Administering diphenhydramine is not priority.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – The priority in a client demonstrating signs of a hemolytic reaction is to stop the transfusion immediately. Once the transfusion is stopped new tubing with normal saline should be started and then the practitioner should be notified immediately. Administering diphenhydramine is not priority.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
A client admitted with a lower GI bleed requires a blood transfusion. The client’s blood type is B positive. What type of blood can the client receive?
Rationale – A client that is B positive can receive 0 positive or negative and B positive or negative. They cannot receive type A blood.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – A client that is B positive can receive 0 positive or negative and B positive or negative. They cannot receive type A blood.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
The nurse is caring for a client that is receiving a blood transfusion. The client reports a headache and chills. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The priority intervention when a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion. The client is exhibiting symptoms associated with a febrile transfusion reaction. Once the transfusion is stopped, the vital signs should be assessed. Reducing the rate of the transfusion is not indicated. Acetaminophen may be ordered, but the transfusion should be stopped and vital signs assessed prior to contacting the healthcare provider.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – The priority intervention when a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion. The client is exhibiting symptoms associated with a febrile transfusion reaction. Once the transfusion is stopped, the vital signs should be assessed. Reducing the rate of the transfusion is not indicated. Acetaminophen may be ordered, but the transfusion should be stopped and vital signs assessed prior to contacting the healthcare provider.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
What intervention(s) are priority for a client suspected of having a hemolytic transfusion reaction? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The nurse should draw two blood samples, distal to the IV insertion site. The urine should be tested for hemoglobin and the serum calcium levels should be checked. Diphenhydramine is not indicated for hemolytic reactions. The blood bag and tubing should be sent to the blood bank to be tested. It is important that the nurse not discard it.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – The nurse should draw two blood samples, distal to the IV insertion site. The urine should be tested for hemoglobin and the serum calcium levels should be checked. Diphenhydramine is not indicated for hemolytic reactions. The blood bag and tubing should be sent to the blood bank to be tested. It is important that the nurse not discard it.
Subcategory-Blood and Blood Products
Two hours after the initiation of a blood transfusion the client begins to report shortness of breath. The client’s vital signs are blood pressure 80/48, pulse 98, oxygen saturation 86% on room air. And temperature is 101.8°F. What type of transfusion reaction does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – Sudden onset of respiratory symptoms with hypotension and fever a consistent with transfusion related lung injury. This usually occurs within six hours but most frequently in the first two. The symptoms are not consistent with febrile nonhemolytic, acute hemolytic or allergic reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
Rationale – Sudden onset of respiratory symptoms with hypotension and fever a consistent with transfusion related lung injury. This usually occurs within six hours but most frequently in the first two. The symptoms are not consistent with febrile nonhemolytic, acute hemolytic or allergic reaction.
Subcategory- Blood and Blood Products
A client with a new central venous catheter placed begins to have a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing a pneumothorax. What actions by the nurse are priority? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client suspected of having a pneumothorax secondary to a central venous catheter insertion should have vital signs monitored, be prepared for chest tube insertion and the healthcare provider should be notified immediately. The nurse should not remove the catheter until an order is obtained by the healthcare provider. The client should not be placed in supine position, they should be in Fowlers.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
Rationale – A client suspected of having a pneumothorax secondary to a central venous catheter insertion should have vital signs monitored, be prepared for chest tube insertion and the healthcare provider should be notified immediately. The nurse should not remove the catheter until an order is obtained by the healthcare provider. The client should not be placed in supine position, they should be in Fowlers.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
What action by a nurse caring for a client with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale – Blood draws and blood pressure should be avoided in the arm with the central catheter in it. Flushing prior to administering medications is indicated. The client may go home with a PICC inserted. The blood pressure may be taken on the leg on the side the line is inserted.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
Rationale – Blood draws and blood pressure should be avoided in the arm with the central catheter in it. Flushing prior to administering medications is indicated. The client may go home with a PICC inserted. The blood pressure may be taken on the leg on the side the line is inserted.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
What type of vascular access is recommended for a client who is going to need therapy for several months to several years?
Rationale – A tunneled central catheter can be used for several months and stay in place for several years. A non-tunneled central catheter is only used for less than six weeks. A peripherally inserted central catheter is used for intermediate term of several days to a couple of months. A peripherally inserted venous access device is only used for a few days.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
Rationale – A tunneled central catheter can be used for several months and stay in place for several years. A non-tunneled central catheter is only used for less than six weeks. A peripherally inserted central catheter is used for intermediate term of several days to a couple of months. A peripherally inserted venous access device is only used for a few days.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
What type of central venous access device requires a Huber tip needle to access for medication administration?
Rationale – A central port must be accessed with a Huber tip needle prior to administering medications or utilizing the port. A needle is not used to access any other form of central venous access devices.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
Rationale – A central port must be accessed with a Huber tip needle prior to administering medications or utilizing the port. A needle is not used to access any other form of central venous access devices.
Subcategory- Central Venous Access Devices
The order is to titrate dobutamine 250 mg in 250 mL of D5W at 4 mcg/kg/min. The client weighs 129.8 lbs. How many mL/hr should the nurse set the infusion pump? Round to the nearest tenth.
Rationale- 129.8/2.2= 59kg 4mcg/59 kg/min= 236 236/60= 3.9 mL/hr
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
Rationale- 129.8/2.2= 59kg 4mcg/59 kg/min= 236 236/60= 3.9 mL/hr
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
A client has an order for naloxone 2 mg IV push. The nurse has a vial that reads 0.5 mg/mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
Rationale- 2mg = 0.5 mg
x 1 2×1/0.5= 4 mL’s
Subcategory-Dosage Calculation
Rationale- 2mg = 0.5 mg
x 1 2×1/0.5= 4 mL’s
Subcategory-Dosage Calculation
A client has azithromycin 500 mg PO ordered. The nurse has 250mg tablets. How many tables should the client receive?
Rationale- 500/250= 2 tablets.
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
Rationale- 500/250= 2 tablets.
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
A newborn has just been circumcised. Acetaminophen 15 mg/kg has been ordered to be administered post circumcision. The newborn weighs 3500 grams. How many mg of acetaminophen should the newborn receive? ___________ mg
Rationale 3.500 kg x 15 mg = 52.5 mg
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
Rationale 3.500 kg x 15 mg = 52.5 mg
Subcategory- Dosage Calculation
What medications are anti-hyperlipidemic agents? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Nicotinic acid, atorvastatin and simvastatin are anti-hyperlipidemic agents. Nitroglycerin is an anti-anginal. Acetylsalicylic acid is an antiplatelet drug.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Rationale – Nicotinic acid, atorvastatin and simvastatin are anti-hyperlipidemic agents. Nitroglycerin is an anti-anginal. Acetylsalicylic acid is an antiplatelet drug.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
A client is diagnosed with urge incontinence. What medication does the nurse anticipate administering for this client? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Oxybutynin and Tolterodine are common medications for urge incontinence. Terazosin and Doxazosin are Alpha-adrenergic blockers that lead to urinary incontinence. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause incontinence.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Rationale- Oxybutynin and Tolterodine are common medications for urge incontinence. Terazosin and Doxazosin are Alpha-adrenergic blockers that lead to urinary incontinence. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause incontinence.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Which medications does the nurse anticipate the health care provider to prescribe to a client in alcohol withdrawal? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Benadryl is prescribed for off label use (treat anxiety, help with insomnia),
Librium is used to treat acute alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is used to prevent seizures. Haldol and carbamazepine are not used for alcohol withdrawal.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Rationale- Benadryl is prescribed for off label use (treat anxiety, help with insomnia),
Librium is used to treat acute alcohol withdrawal. Ativan is used to prevent seizures. Haldol and carbamazepine are not used for alcohol withdrawal.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
As the nurse prepares to administer Vitamin K to the newborn, the parents ask why their baby needs a “shot” so soon after birth. What response by the nurse is appropriate?
Rationale- Vitamin K is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the Newborn.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Rationale- Vitamin K is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the Newborn.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
A client diagnosed with end stage liver failure has received teaching about lactulose. What statement by the client indicates the teaching was effective?
Rationale- The taste of the lactulose often bothers clients. They can be instructed to mix the lactulose in fruit juice to mask the taste. The medication is used to decrease the ammonia levels and should decrease confusion. Watery diarrhea should be reported as it is a sign of toxicity. Clients on the medication will have more than one bowel movement a day, the ammonia is being excreted through the stool.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
Rationale- The taste of the lactulose often bothers clients. They can be instructed to mix the lactulose in fruit juice to mask the taste. The medication is used to decrease the ammonia levels and should decrease confusion. Watery diarrhea should be reported as it is a sign of toxicity. Clients on the medication will have more than one bowel movement a day, the ammonia is being excreted through the stool.
Subcategory- Expected Actions/Outcomes
What medications are bronchodilators that are used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Rationale- Tiotropium bromide, Ipratropium and Salmeterol are bronchodilators used for COPD. Ipratropium is a short acting bronchodilator. Salmeterol and Tiotropium bromide are both long-acting bronchodilators. Methylprednisolone is a steroid. Imipenem is an anti-infective.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
Rationale- Tiotropium bromide, Ipratropium and Salmeterol are bronchodilators used for COPD. Ipratropium is a short acting bronchodilator. Salmeterol and Tiotropium bromide are both long-acting bronchodilators. Methylprednisolone is a steroid. Imipenem is an anti-infective.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
A client with pruritus from cirrhosis can be provided what PRN medication?
Rationale- Diphenhydramine may be administered to relieve pruritus in clients with cirrhosis. Lactulose removes ammonia, it is not used for symptomatic treatment of pruritus. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and not used for pruritus. Topical cortisone will not help this itching.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
Rationale- Diphenhydramine may be administered to relieve pruritus in clients with cirrhosis. Lactulose removes ammonia, it is not used for symptomatic treatment of pruritus. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and not used for pruritus. Topical cortisone will not help this itching.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
A client has an order for enoxaparin 70 mg subcutaneously. What site is appropriate for administration?
Rationale- The client receiving a subcutaneous injection can receive it in the abdomen. The deltoid and ventrogluteal sites are for intramuscular injections. The forearm is used for some intradermal injections.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
Rationale- The client receiving a subcutaneous injection can receive it in the abdomen. The deltoid and ventrogluteal sites are for intramuscular injections. The forearm is used for some intradermal injections.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
A client with low back pain has a new order for a transdermal fentanyl patch. After providing education, what action by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- Applying heat over a transdermal patch will increase the absorption and can lead to respiratory depression. The client should clean an area before placing the patch. Removing an old patch is important before applying a new one. The first application may take 12-18 hours to work.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
Rationale- Applying heat over a transdermal patch will increase the absorption and can lead to respiratory depression. The client should clean an area before placing the patch. Removing an old patch is important before applying a new one. The first application may take 12-18 hours to work.
Subcategory- Medication Administration
A client with esophageal cancer is now receiving medications via a gastrointestinal tube. The client has an order for sublingual nitroglycerin PRN for chest pain. How would the nurse administer this medication?
Rationale – A client who is receiving medications via a gastrointestinal tube may still receive sublingual medications. Nitroglycerin IV is not substituted for sublingual nitroglycerin. The healthcare provider does not need to be contacted. The medication should not be crushed and administered through the tube.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
Rationale – A client who is receiving medications via a gastrointestinal tube may still receive sublingual medications. Nitroglycerin IV is not substituted for sublingual nitroglycerin. The healthcare provider does not need to be contacted. The medication should not be crushed and administered through the tube.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
A nurse is preparing to administer medications through a gastrointestinal tube. What actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The head of the bed should be above 30°. Flushing with 30 mL’s of water is recommended prior to administering medications. Medications should not be held if the residual is greater than 50. Medications should not be dissolved together; they should be dissolved individually. 60 mL of water should not be given between medications, 30 mL’s is indicated. Unless there is some very significant residual medications should not be held.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
Rationale – The head of the bed should be above 30°. Flushing with 30 mL’s of water is recommended prior to administering medications. Medications should not be held if the residual is greater than 50. Medications should not be dissolved together; they should be dissolved individually. 60 mL of water should not be given between medications, 30 mL’s is indicated. Unless there is some very significant residual medications should not be held.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
The nurse is caring for a client with a gastrointestinal tube that enters the small intestine through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. The nurse should document what type of tube?
Rationale- A Jejunostomy tube enters the jejunum or small intestine through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. An Orogastric tube is inserted through the mouth. A gastrostomy tube enters the stomach. A nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
Rationale- A Jejunostomy tube enters the jejunum or small intestine through a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall. An Orogastric tube is inserted through the mouth. A gastrostomy tube enters the stomach. A nasogastric tube is inserted through the nose.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
A client who has begun enteral tube feedings has developed diarrhea. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – The nurse should assess the fluid balance and electrolyte levels and then contact the provider. Changing the tube feeding formula requires an order. Decreasing the rate of the feeding is indicated after talking to the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider needs to be notified, however, electrolyte and fluid status need to be assessed first. Administering via bolus will only increase the risk of diarrhea. This also requires an order change.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
Rationale – The nurse should assess the fluid balance and electrolyte levels and then contact the provider. Changing the tube feeding formula requires an order. Decreasing the rate of the feeding is indicated after talking to the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider needs to be notified, however, electrolyte and fluid status need to be assessed first. Administering via bolus will only increase the risk of diarrhea. This also requires an order change.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
A client who has been receiving enteral feeding begins coughing and has a drop in their oxygen saturation. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The feeding should be stopped prior to any other interventions. Checking placement is not the priority intervention. The client has signs and symptoms of aspiration. The client would have to have the feeding stop before they were turned on their side however elevating the head would be priority with this client. Tube placement should be verified after the feeding has been stopped. Performing a respiratory assessment should be done after the feeding has stopped.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
Rationale – The feeding should be stopped prior to any other interventions. Checking placement is not the priority intervention. The client has signs and symptoms of aspiration. The client would have to have the feeding stop before they were turned on their side however elevating the head would be priority with this client. Tube placement should be verified after the feeding has been stopped. Performing a respiratory assessment should be done after the feeding has stopped.
Subcategory- Parenteral/Intravenous Therapies
A client diagnosed with nephrolithiasis is administered toradol IV. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- It is important to reassess the client for pain. Toradol should not cause significant effects requiring the client to be placed on fall precautions. There is not a reason to ask a family member to stay with the client. There is no need to assess for bleeding every 15 minutes.
Subcategory- Pharmacological Pain Management
Rationale- It is important to reassess the client for pain. Toradol should not cause significant effects requiring the client to be placed on fall precautions. There is not a reason to ask a family member to stay with the client. There is no need to assess for bleeding every 15 minutes.
Subcategory- Pharmacological Pain Management
A client admitted for a fractured vertebra that reports pain of 9/10 should receive what pain medication?
Rationale- The client reporting pain of 9/10 should receive medication IV that will treat severe pain. Ibuprofen is ordered for mild pain and will not likely help the client. Toradol and hydrocodone will not like help severe pain.
Subcategory- Pharmacological Pain Management
Rationale- The client reporting pain of 9/10 should receive medication IV that will treat severe pain. Ibuprofen is ordered for mild pain and will not likely help the client. Toradol and hydrocodone will not like help severe pain.
Subcategory- Pharmacological Pain Management
What action by the nurse is priority before administering parenteral nutrition?
Rationale – It is important for the parenteral nutrition for precipitate or separation prior to administering it. The parenteral nutrition does not have to be verified with another nurse. The nurse does not need to report the intake to the prescriber or assess the client’s ability to eat.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
Rationale – It is important for the parenteral nutrition for precipitate or separation prior to administering it. The parenteral nutrition does not have to be verified with another nurse. The nurse does not need to report the intake to the prescriber or assess the client’s ability to eat.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
What action by the nurse demonstrates a need for further teaching when administering parenteral nutrition?
Rationale – The nurse should not administer parenteral nutrition with a dextrose concentration greater than 10% through a peripheral line. It is important to use a filter when administering parenteral nutrition. The nurse should check the parenteral solution against the original order. The tubing should be changed every time the parenteral nutrition is hung.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
Rationale – The nurse should not administer parenteral nutrition with a dextrose concentration greater than 10% through a peripheral line. It is important to use a filter when administering parenteral nutrition. The nurse should check the parenteral solution against the original order. The tubing should be changed every time the parenteral nutrition is hung.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
What action by the nurse is priority when caring for a client that is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central venous access device?
Rationale – A client receiving TPN is at increased risk for elevated blood glucose levels. Daily blood cultures are not indicated. Assessing a client peripheral IV site is not priority as the TPN is administered through the central venous access device. Maintaining the client on an ECG is not necessary for TPN administration.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
Rationale – A client receiving TPN is at increased risk for elevated blood glucose levels. Daily blood cultures are not indicated. Assessing a client peripheral IV site is not priority as the TPN is administered through the central venous access device. Maintaining the client on an ECG is not necessary for TPN administration.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
The nurse is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. What finding indicates the client may need changes made to the TPN order?
Rationale – The blood glucose level of 450 indicates the client may need a lower level of Dextrose or insulin added to the TPN. The potassium, sodium and calcium levels are all normal.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
Rationale – The blood glucose level of 450 indicates the client may need a lower level of Dextrose or insulin added to the TPN. The potassium, sodium and calcium levels are all normal.
Subcategory- Total Parenteral Nutrition
A pregnant woman exhibited an elevated blood pressure reading of 145/94 at her 30-week prenatal visit. She was sent to the antepartum unit for further evaluation and was found to have continued blood pressure readings of 150/92 and 148/96 over the next several hours. She does not have a history of hypertension, and a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and urinalysis are normal. Which diagnosis does the nurse suspect?
Rationale- Gestational hypertension is the term used for hypertension diagnoses after 20 weeks gestation when BP > 140/90 on 2 occasions (4 hours apart) without proteinuria or lab evidence of organ damage.
Subcategory- Alterations in Body System
Rationale- Gestational hypertension is the term used for hypertension diagnoses after 20 weeks gestation when BP > 140/90 on 2 occasions (4 hours apart) without proteinuria or lab evidence of organ damage.
Subcategory- Alterations in Body System
A client is being evaluated for hypoxia. What diagnostic test is most appropriate?
Rationale- Arterial blood gases are the best indicator of gas exchange in the lungs. A chest x-ray does not show gas exchange. A hemoglobin level and red blood cell count help evaluate respiratory problems but are not the most appropriate in evaluating hypoxia.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale- Arterial blood gases are the best indicator of gas exchange in the lungs. A chest x-ray does not show gas exchange. A hemoglobin level and red blood cell count help evaluate respiratory problems but are not the most appropriate in evaluating hypoxia.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What’s components of an arterial blood gas should be evaluated by a nurse in determining an acid base balance? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The components of an arterial blood gas are the pH, PaCO2 and HCO3. Potassium chloride and sodium are important electrolytes, however they are not part of an arterial blood gas.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – The components of an arterial blood gas are the pH, PaCO2 and HCO3. Potassium chloride and sodium are important electrolytes, however they are not part of an arterial blood gas.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A client admitted being evaluated for an acute asthma exacerbation has a respiratory rate of 40, heart rate of 112 and a blood pressure of 158/92. ABGs indicate the pH is 7.49. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – Breathing into a paper bag will increase CO2, the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis and subsequently would have a low CO2. High flow oxygen will not increase the CO2. Planning for intubation would be done if the respiratory alkalosis is not corrected. HCO3 is not indicated as it would further cause the pH to elevate.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – Breathing into a paper bag will increase CO2, the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis and subsequently would have a low CO2. High flow oxygen will not increase the CO2. Planning for intubation would be done if the respiratory alkalosis is not corrected. HCO3 is not indicated as it would further cause the pH to elevate.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What finding is consistent with a client diagnosed with respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client with respiratory acidosis would have a low pH and a high PaCO2. The bicarb is not used to diagnose respiratory acidosis. They end up as normal. The PaO2 is within normal range.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – A client with respiratory acidosis would have a low pH and a high PaCO2. The bicarb is not used to diagnose respiratory acidosis. They end up as normal. The PaO2 is within normal range.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome that has developed increased difficulty breathing. The clients ABGs demonstrate a pH of 7.23 and a PaCO2 of 58. The client oxygen saturation is 85% on a face mask. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The client is having increased difficulty in breathing with extremely low pH and high CO2. Increasing oxygen is not going to improve the ABGs fast enough or increase the client’s respiratory drive. The client is in respiratory acidosis and needs immediate intervention. The client with this diagnosis is likely to need respiratory support of a ventilator. Switching the client to a nasal cannula will not improve the client’s condition. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the respiratory drive.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – The client is having increased difficulty in breathing with extremely low pH and high CO2. Increasing oxygen is not going to improve the ABGs fast enough or increase the client’s respiratory drive. The client is in respiratory acidosis and needs immediate intervention. The client with this diagnosis is likely to need respiratory support of a ventilator. Switching the client to a nasal cannula will not improve the client’s condition. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the respiratory drive.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What order should be questioned for a client diagnosed with congestive heart failure or that has a sodium concentration of 132 mEq/L, potassium of 3.6 mEq/L, in a magnesium of 1.2 mg/dL?
Rationale – 0.45% sodium chloride would further decrease the sodium concentration, a rate of 150 ML’s in an hour is also too high for a client with congestive heart failure. Administering D5 normal saline is acceptable. The potassium oral supplement is normal as a client’s potassium level is on the low side of normal. The magnesium sulfate 2gm is indicated as the client has a low magnesium level.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – 0.45% sodium chloride would further decrease the sodium concentration, a rate of 150 ML’s in an hour is also too high for a client with congestive heart failure. Administering D5 normal saline is acceptable. The potassium oral supplement is normal as a client’s potassium level is on the low side of normal. The magnesium sulfate 2gm is indicated as the client has a low magnesium level.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A client admitted being evaluated for an acute asthma exacerbation has a respiratory rate of 40, heart rate of 112 and a blood pressure of 158/92. ABGs indicate the pH is 7.49. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – Breathing into a paper bag will increase CO2, the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis and subsequently would have a low CO2. High flow oxygen will not increase the CO2. Planning for intubation would be done if the respiratory alkalosis is not corrected. HCO3 is not indicated as it would further cost the pH to elevate.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – Breathing into a paper bag will increase CO2, the client is experiencing respiratory alkalosis and subsequently would have a low CO2. High flow oxygen will not increase the CO2. Planning for intubation would be done if the respiratory alkalosis is not corrected. HCO3 is not indicated as it would further cost the pH to elevate.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What finding is consistent with a client diagnosed with metabolic alkalosis?
Rationale – A client with metabolic alkalosis the pH is elevated above 7.45 and their bicarbonate, HCO3 would be elevated above 26. The PaCO2 is not used to diagnose metabolic alkalosis. An anion gap of 12 is normal.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – A client with metabolic alkalosis the pH is elevated above 7.45 and their bicarbonate, HCO3 would be elevated above 26. The PaCO2 is not used to diagnose metabolic alkalosis. An anion gap of 12 is normal.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome that has developed increased difficulty breathing. The clients ABGs demonstrate a pH of 7.23 and a PaCO2 of 58. The client oxygen saturation is 85% on a face mask. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The client is having increased difficulty in breathing with extremely low pH and high CO2. The client is in respiratory acidosis and needs immediate intervention. The client with this diagnosis is likely to need respiratory support of a ventilator. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the respiratory drive. Increasing oxygen is not going to improve the ABGs fast enough or increase the client’s respiratory drive. Switching the client to a nasal cannula will worsen the respiratory status. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the client.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – The client is having increased difficulty in breathing with extremely low pH and high CO2. The client is in respiratory acidosis and needs immediate intervention. The client with this diagnosis is likely to need respiratory support of a ventilator. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the respiratory drive. Increasing oxygen is not going to improve the ABGs fast enough or increase the client’s respiratory drive. Switching the client to a nasal cannula will worsen the respiratory status. Encouraging the client to slow their breathing will not help the client.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A client is being evaluated for hypoxia. What diagnostic test is most appropriate?
Rationale- Arterial blood gas is the best indicator of gas exchange in the lungs. A chest x-ray will not give us an indication of gas exchange. Hemoglobin level and red blood cell count help evaluate respiratory problems but are not the most appropriate in evaluating hypoxia.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale- Arterial blood gas is the best indicator of gas exchange in the lungs. A chest x-ray will not give us an indication of gas exchange. Hemoglobin level and red blood cell count help evaluate respiratory problems but are not the most appropriate in evaluating hypoxia.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A client that is admitted for a small bowel obstruction has had nasogastric suction for several days. The client has the following lab values: PH 7.50, PaCO2 35, HCO 31. K+ 3.0 mEq/L. Na + 149 mEq/L. What imbalances does the nurse recognize? Select all that apply.
Rationale- The potassium is low indicating hypokalemia and the ABGs indicate an elevated pH and elevated bicarb that are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. The labs do not indicate hypoxia. The sodium level is elevated not low and the client is not experiencing respiratory acidosis.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale- The potassium is low indicating hypokalemia and the ABGs indicate an elevated pH and elevated bicarb that are indicative of metabolic alkalosis. The labs do not indicate hypoxia. The sodium level is elevated not low and the client is not experiencing respiratory acidosis.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
When evaluating a client diagnosed with metabolic acidosis which findings does the nurse anticipate?
Rationale – With metabolic acidosis the client would have a low pH and a low HCO3. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 is 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – With metabolic acidosis the client would have a low pH and a low HCO3. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 is 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
When evaluating a client diagnosed with metabolic alkalosis which findings does the nurse anticipate?
Rationale – Metabolic alkalosis the pH is elevated and the HCO3 is also elevated. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 was 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – Metabolic alkalosis the pH is elevated and the HCO3 is also elevated. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 was 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
When evaluating a client diagnosed with respiratory acidosis which findings does the nurse anticipate?
Rationale – Respiratory acidosis the pH is below normal in the PaCO2 is elevated. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 was 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale – Respiratory acidosis the pH is below normal in the PaCO2 is elevated. Normal pH is 7.35 to 7.45, normal HCO3 is 22 to 26. Normal PaCO2 was 35 to 45.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A client has been vomiting for several hours. ABG results indicate the client is in metabolic alkalosis. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- Vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Administering an antiemetic can reduce the vomiting and subsequent metabolic alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate would make the alkalosis worse. Inserting a nasogastric tube would also increase the metabolic alkalosis by continuing to remove stomach contents. Placing the client on oxygen will not correct the metabolic alkalosis.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale- Vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Administering an antiemetic can reduce the vomiting and subsequent metabolic alkalosis. Sodium bicarbonate would make the alkalosis worse. Inserting a nasogastric tube would also increase the metabolic alkalosis by continuing to remove stomach contents. Placing the client on oxygen will not correct the metabolic alkalosis.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What finding should be reported immediately in a client taking potassium sparing diuretics?
Rationale– The calcium level is significantly elevated and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The sodium level is slightly low but not critical and would not need to be reported immediately. The potassium level is within normal limits. The magnesium level is within normal limits.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Rationale– The calcium level is significantly elevated and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. The sodium level is slightly low but not critical and would not need to be reported immediately. The potassium level is within normal limits. The magnesium level is within normal limits.
Subcategory- Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
What methods should the nurse use to monitor cardiovascular function in a client that has just undergone surgery? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The arterial blood gas will show blood oxygen concentration, evaluating the blood pressure is a good indication of cardiovascular function and measuring output gives an indication of renal function. The complete blood count will not have information that indicates cardiovascular function. The musculoskeletal system will not show deficits in the cardiovascular system.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – The arterial blood gas will show blood oxygen concentration, evaluating the blood pressure is a good indication of cardiovascular function and measuring output gives an indication of renal function. The complete blood count will not have information that indicates cardiovascular function. The musculoskeletal system will not show deficits in the cardiovascular system.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What finding related to cardiac hemodynamics should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
Rationale – A CVP should be 2-6 millimeters of mercury. A CVP reading of one is significantly low and should be reported immediately. The resting stroke volume, cardiac output and pulse are all normal.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – A CVP should be 2-6 millimeters of mercury. A CVP reading of one is significantly low and should be reported immediately. The resting stroke volume, cardiac output and pulse are all normal.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What is the amount of resistance to rejection of blood from the ventricle?
Rationale – Afterload is the amount of resistance to rejection of blood from the ventricle. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one ventricle per heartbeat. Ejection fraction is the percentage of and diastolic blood volume it is released from the ventricle with each heartbeat.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – Afterload is the amount of resistance to rejection of blood from the ventricle. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one ventricle per heartbeat. Ejection fraction is the percentage of and diastolic blood volume it is released from the ventricle with each heartbeat.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Which of the following is the percentage of diastolic blood volume injected from the ventricle during each heartbeat?
Rationale – The Ejection fraction is the percentage of diastolic blood volume ejected from the ventricle each time the heartbeats. The stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one of the ventricles during the heartbeat. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Afterload is the amount of resistance to ejection of blood from the ventricle.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – The Ejection fraction is the percentage of diastolic blood volume ejected from the ventricle each time the heartbeats. The stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one of the ventricles during the heartbeat. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Afterload is the amount of resistance to ejection of blood from the ventricle.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Which of the following is the amount of blood ejected from one of the ventricles with each heartbeat?
Rationale – The stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one of the ventricles during the heartbeat. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Afterload is the amount of resistance to ejection of blood from the ventricle. The Ejection fraction as a percentage of a diastolic blood volume is ejected from the ventricle each time a heartbeat.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – The stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected from one of the ventricles during the heartbeat. Preload is the degree of stretch of the cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Afterload is the amount of resistance to ejection of blood from the ventricle. The Ejection fraction as a percentage of a diastolic blood volume is ejected from the ventricle each time a heartbeat.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What findings are consistent with changes to the cardiac system in aging? Select all that apply.
Rationale –Thickening and rigidity of the AV valves, decrease in number of sinoatrial node cells and decreased elasticity of the aorta are findings consistent with aging related to the cardiac system. The heart chambers increase in size, not decrease. There will be decreased response to beta-adrenergic stimulation, not increased.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale –Thickening and rigidity of the AV valves, decrease in number of sinoatrial node cells and decreased elasticity of the aorta are findings consistent with aging related to the cardiac system. The heart chambers increase in size, not decrease. There will be decreased response to beta-adrenergic stimulation, not increased.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What finding is consistent with an abnormal increase in central venous pressure?
Rationale – Distention of the jugular veins indicates an increased central venous pressure. The jugular veins are often visible when the client is supine. Inability to see the jugular veins would indicate decreased central venous pressure if the client is at 90°. The pulses should be palpable.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – Distention of the jugular veins indicates an increased central venous pressure. The jugular veins are often visible when the client is supine. Inability to see the jugular veins would indicate decreased central venous pressure if the client is at 90°. The pulses should be palpable.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What type of blood pressure monitoring is most appropriate for a client who is undergoing a carotid endarterectomy?
Rationale – Arterial line pressure monitoring will allow for continuous monitoring of the client’s blood pressure. Pulmonary artery pressures would be used as a client with heart failure. Manual blood pressure monitoring does not provide continuous visualization. Central venous pressure monitoring is used to detect volumes.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
Rationale – Arterial line pressure monitoring will allow for continuous monitoring of the client’s blood pressure. Pulmonary artery pressures would be used as a client with heart failure. Manual blood pressure monitoring does not provide continuous visualization. Central venous pressure monitoring is used to detect volumes.
Subcategory- Hemodynamics
What client is at increased risk for development of calculus cholecystitis?
Rationale- Impaired gallbladder motility can lead to development of calculus cholecystitis. Sepsis, hypovolemia, and multisystem organ failure are not causes of a calculus cholecystitis.
Subcategory- Illness Management
Rationale- Impaired gallbladder motility can lead to development of calculus cholecystitis. Sepsis, hypovolemia, and multisystem organ failure are not causes of a calculus cholecystitis.
Subcategory- Illness Management
What finding is consistent with a diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Jaundice, icterus, and flatulence are findings consistent with a diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis. Halitosis is not a symptom of chronic cholecystitis. There will likely be a positive, not negative Murphy’s sign.
Subcategory- Illness Management
Rationale- Jaundice, icterus, and flatulence are findings consistent with a diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis. Halitosis is not a symptom of chronic cholecystitis. There will likely be a positive, not negative Murphy’s sign.
Subcategory- Illness Management
A client diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency is placed on a low-potassium diet. What selections by the client indicate a need for further teaching? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Raisins and apricots are high in potassium and should be avoided. Apples, cabbage and green beans are low in potassium.
Subcategory- Illness Management
Rationale- Raisins and apricots are high in potassium and should be avoided. Apples, cabbage and green beans are low in potassium.
Subcategory- Illness Management
A client is admitted to the emergency department with an umbilical hernia, abdominal distention, vomiting, and pain. The client’s vital signs are: blood pressure 150/82, pulse 106, temperature 99.8°F. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- The nurse should place the client on NPO status because they will likely need emergency surgery. The nurse should never attempt to push a hernia back in, especially not one that is painful. Oral hydrocodone and acetaminophen should not be given, the client should be NPO.
Subcategory- Medical Emergencies
Rationale- The nurse should place the client on NPO status because they will likely need emergency surgery. The nurse should never attempt to push a hernia back in, especially not one that is painful. Oral hydrocodone and acetaminophen should not be given, the client should be NPO.
Subcategory- Medical Emergencies
What signs and symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of Raynaud’s disease? Select all that apply.
Rationale– A client with Raynaud’s disease will often have pain, brittle nails and cyanosis of the fingers. Intermittent claudication and weak pulse are often seen with Buerger’s disease
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale– A client with Raynaud’s disease will often have pain, brittle nails and cyanosis of the fingers. Intermittent claudication and weak pulse are often seen with Buerger’s disease
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A 34-year-old Asian man with a history of smoking presents to the emergency department with pain in the legs at rest with intermittent claudication. The client’s feet are cold with decreased pulses. What diagnosis does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – Buerger’s disease occurs more in Asian males under the age of 40 with a history of smoking. All of the signs and symptoms are consistent with this diagnosis. The signs and symptoms and client demographics are not consistent with peripheral vascular disease or thrombophlebitis. Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in women and the clients develop a cyanosis in cold temperature with pain more frequently in their hands.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Buerger’s disease occurs more in Asian males under the age of 40 with a history of smoking. All of the signs and symptoms are consistent with this diagnosis. The signs and symptoms and client demographics are not consistent with peripheral vascular disease or thrombophlebitis. Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in women and the clients develop a cyanosis in cold temperature with pain more frequently in their hands.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Nursing care for a client diagnosed with heart failure should focus on what priority interventions?
Rationale – A client diagnosed with heart failure will need to have improvement in their cardiac output. Maintaining oxygen levels is a good selection however you would want to increase their oxygen levels. Decreasing the risk for falls is important but not priority.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – A client diagnosed with heart failure will need to have improvement in their cardiac output. Maintaining oxygen levels is a good selection however you would want to increase their oxygen levels. Decreasing the risk for falls is important but not priority.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client diagnosed with angina pectoris asks the nurse, “What causes this disorder?” What statement by the nurse is appropriate?
Rationale – Angina pectoris is a result of reduced blood flow to the heart. If it is occurring for prolonged periods of time cell death can occur, this would be a myocardial infarction. Scar tissue is replacing muscle in a myocardial infarction. The result of pumping against high afterload is the diastolic dysfunction seen in heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Angina pectoris is a result of reduced blood flow to the heart. If it is occurring for prolonged periods of time cell death can occur, this would be a myocardial infarction. Scar tissue is replacing muscle in a myocardial infarction. The result of pumping against high afterload is the diastolic dysfunction seen in heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client that has had a myocardial infarction has an increased pulmonary artery pressure due to impaired ventricular filling. What type of heart failure does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – Left sided heart failure has impaired left ventricular filling and result in congestion and increased pulmonary artery pressures. This does not demonstrate flash pulmonary edema. Right-sided failure is often caused by pulmonary hypertension.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Left sided heart failure has impaired left ventricular filling and result in congestion and increased pulmonary artery pressures. This does not demonstrate flash pulmonary edema. Right-sided failure is often caused by pulmonary hypertension.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
What signs and symptoms are consistent with left sided heart failure? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client with left-sided heart failure will have respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath and crackles on auscultation. Nausea and peripheral edema are common signs and symptoms seen with right sided heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – A client with left-sided heart failure will have respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath and crackles on auscultation. Nausea and peripheral edema are common signs and symptoms seen with right sided heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
What signs and symptoms are consistent with right sided heart failure? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Clients with right-sided heart failure are often demonstrate symptoms such as nausea, jugular vein distention and sacral edema. Shortness of breath and cough are common findings in left sided heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Clients with right-sided heart failure are often demonstrate symptoms such as nausea, jugular vein distention and sacral edema. Shortness of breath and cough are common findings in left sided heart failure.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client undergoing cardiac monitoring has a regular sinus rhythm with a rate of 104 bpm. The nurse correctly documents what cardiac rhythm?
Rationale – Sinus tachycardia is a normal sinus rhythm and with a rate greater than 100. A sinus arrhythmia would not be regular. Atrial fibrillation would have no discernible P waves and is not regular. Supraventricular tachycardia would not be distinguishable as a regular sinus rhythm.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Sinus tachycardia is a normal sinus rhythm and with a rate greater than 100. A sinus arrhythmia would not be regular. Atrial fibrillation would have no discernible P waves and is not regular. Supraventricular tachycardia would not be distinguishable as a regular sinus rhythm.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client with a history of angina presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of chest pain. The nurse recognizes significant Q waves on the client’s electrocardiogram. What condition does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – The presence of a significant Q wave is indicative of a myocardial infarction. Angina puts the client at risk for an infarction, a Q wave is indicative of an infarction not angina. Ischemia would be represented with the T-wave. Infection is not visible on an electrocardiogram.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – The presence of a significant Q wave is indicative of a myocardial infarction. Angina puts the client at risk for an infarction, a Q wave is indicative of an infarction not angina. Ischemia would be represented with the T-wave. Infection is not visible on an electrocardiogram.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
What findings are consistent with a diagnosis of a pneumothorax? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client with a pneumothorax will often have sharp chest pain on inspiration. They will also experience anxiety and subcutaneous emphysema. They will also have tachypnea not bradypnea.The client will often have decreased breath sounds not increased on the affected side.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – A client with a pneumothorax will often have sharp chest pain on inspiration. They will also experience anxiety and subcutaneous emphysema. They will also have tachypnea not bradypnea.The client will often have decreased breath sounds not increased on the affected side.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
The nurse is caring for a client that presented to the emergency department with tachypnea, tachycardia, petechiae and a sudden onset of dyspnea. Despite ventilatory effort the client’s oxygen saturation is 85% on 2 L of oxygen via nasal cannula. The client reports that they have recently had a cast removed for a fractured tibia. What diagnosis does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – A client who has recently had a fracture is at risk for a pulmonary embolism. The client is demonstrating all of the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and has a recent history of a fracture. The signs and symptoms are not consistent with pleurisy, hemothorax or pleural effusion.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – A client who has recently had a fracture is at risk for a pulmonary embolism. The client is demonstrating all of the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and has a recent history of a fracture. The signs and symptoms are not consistent with pleurisy, hemothorax or pleural effusion.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolus has been started on warfarin therapy. What lab value should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
Rationale – An INR of 1 indicates that the Warfarin is not working. The platelet count and hemoglobin levels are both normal. The white blood cell count is also normal.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – An INR of 1 indicates that the Warfarin is not working. The platelet count and hemoglobin levels are both normal. The white blood cell count is also normal.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client that is diagnosed with COPD has been given teaching regarding the use of pursed lip breathing. What is the purpose of this type of breathing?
Rationale – The use of pursed lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the lungs. Abdominal breathing will expand the lungs. This breathing is not used to encourage the client to focus on their breathing. Purse lipped breathing will not reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is inhaled.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – The use of pursed lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the lungs. Abdominal breathing will expand the lungs. This breathing is not used to encourage the client to focus on their breathing. Purse lipped breathing will not reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is inhaled.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
What diagnosis is the result of an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to excessive production of mucus with chronic obstructive lung disease in early childhood?
Rationale – Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in excessive production of mucus with chronic obstructive lung disease in early childhood. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder. Bronchiectasis is permanent enlargement often associated with infections. COPD occurs over time and is not related to genetics.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in excessive production of mucus with chronic obstructive lung disease in early childhood. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder. Bronchiectasis is permanent enlargement often associated with infections. COPD occurs over time and is not related to genetics.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
A client is admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L per minute. The client’s oxygen saturation is 89%. The daughter of the client asks why her father is not given more oxygen. What statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – Clients with COPD tend to have better drive with lower oxygen levels. High oxygen levels can actually increase the effort and lead to respiratory failure. It is important to know if the client has oxygen at home and what it is set at but that is not the priority statement. The nurse should not change the oxygen setting without an order. Asking the doctor for another treatment is not indicated. Turning the oxygen up is not indicated as many times clients with COPD have oxygen saturations in the high 80s.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
Rationale – Clients with COPD tend to have better drive with lower oxygen levels. High oxygen levels can actually increase the effort and lead to respiratory failure. It is important to know if the client has oxygen at home and what it is set at but that is not the priority statement. The nurse should not change the oxygen setting without an order. Asking the doctor for another treatment is not indicated. Turning the oxygen up is not indicated as many times clients with COPD have oxygen saturations in the high 80s.
Subcategory- Pathophysiology
What complication of parenteral nutrition administration are clients with pancreatitis at increased risk for?
Rationale – Clients with pancreatitis cannot tolerate high glucose levels. They are not at increased risk over other clients for embolism, fluid overload or pneumothorax.
Subcategory- Unexpected Response to Therapies
Rationale – Clients with pancreatitis cannot tolerate high glucose levels. They are not at increased risk over other clients for embolism, fluid overload or pneumothorax.
Subcategory- Unexpected Response to Therapies
The nurse is caring for a toddler that presented to the emergency department with a femur fracture. The child has multiple fractures at various stages of healing on an x-ray. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – Multiple fractures with various degrees of healing are indicative of child abuse and need to be reported. It is important to notify the healthcare provider but priority is to report it to the necessary officials. It is not appropriate to ask the toddler about the fractures. Providing information about safety interventions is not priority as multiple healing fractures does not indicate accidental injury.
Subcategory- Abuse/Neglect
Rationale – Multiple fractures with various degrees of healing are indicative of child abuse and need to be reported. It is important to notify the healthcare provider but priority is to report it to the necessary officials. It is not appropriate to ask the toddler about the fractures. Providing information about safety interventions is not priority as multiple healing fractures does not indicate accidental injury.
Subcategory- Abuse/Neglect
What medication should a nurse anticipate administering to a client who is being weaned off of opiates after long-term use?
Rationale – Methadone is used to wean clients off of opiates. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen will not provide enough relief for pain in a client who has been on long term opiates. Hydrocodone is an opiate and should not be administered to a client who is weaning off of opiates.
Subcategory- Chemical and Other Dependencies/Substance Use Disorder
Rationale – Methadone is used to wean clients off of opiates. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen will not provide enough relief for pain in a client who has been on long term opiates. Hydrocodone is an opiate and should not be administered to a client who is weaning off of opiates.
Subcategory- Chemical and Other Dependencies/Substance Use Disorder
What physiologic findings are consistent with stress? Select all that apply.
Rationale – The body’s response to stress includes dilated pupils, increased urinary frequency and flatulence. Tachycardia not bradycardia is commonly seen. Increases not decreases in blood glucose are also commonly seen.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
Rationale – The body’s response to stress includes dilated pupils, increased urinary frequency and flatulence. Tachycardia not bradycardia is commonly seen. Increases not decreases in blood glucose are also commonly seen.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
The client is being evaluated for increased stress. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – It is important to determine the client’s coping mechanisms before any other interventions. Determining future stress is not a priority at this time. Discussing medications should be done after they see the healthcare provider. Encouraging spiritual meditation is not indicated until the client’s coping mechanisms are determined.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
Rationale – It is important to determine the client’s coping mechanisms before any other interventions. Determining future stress is not a priority at this time. Discussing medications should be done after they see the healthcare provider. Encouraging spiritual meditation is not indicated until the client’s coping mechanisms are determined.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
A client’s home was destroyed by massive flooding. The nurse reports the client is experiencing debilitating anxiety and frequent panic attacks. Which type of crisis is the client experiencing?
Rationale- Crisis caused by unexpected external stresses where the individual has no control are traumatic stress crisis. This is not an example of dispositional, psychiatric emergency or maturational crisis.
Subcategory- Crisis Intervention
Rationale- Crisis caused by unexpected external stresses where the individual has no control are traumatic stress crisis. This is not an example of dispositional, psychiatric emergency or maturational crisis.
Subcategory- Crisis Intervention
The nurse is caring for a client that is admitted to the hospital after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The nurse places her hand on the client’s shoulder and the client pulls away. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale – If a client is noticeably uncomfortable with touch it is important for the nurse to step back and provide space for the client. There is no indication that clergy would need to be consulted. Sitting down next to the client would likely cause them more anxiety. Asking the client why they are not comfortable with touch is not appropriate.
Subcategory- Cultural Awareness/Cultural Influences on Health
Rationale – If a client is noticeably uncomfortable with touch it is important for the nurse to step back and provide space for the client. There is no indication that clergy would need to be consulted. Sitting down next to the client would likely cause them more anxiety. Asking the client why they are not comfortable with touch is not appropriate.
Subcategory- Cultural Awareness/Cultural Influences on Health
What findings are consistent with Asian culture? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Coining and cupping are types of massage used in Asian culture and Asian culture tends to use herbal remedies. Wrapping someone with a high fever and blankets is custom. Asian culture uses a lot of hot liquids and tends to avoid ice or cold liquids. They do not avoid dairy products.
Subcategory- Cultural Awareness/Cultural Influences on Health
Rationale – Coining and cupping are types of massage used in Asian culture and Asian culture tends to use herbal remedies. Wrapping someone with a high fever and blankets is custom. Asian culture uses a lot of hot liquids and tends to avoid ice or cold liquids. They do not avoid dairy products.
Subcategory- Cultural Awareness/Cultural Influences on Health
What intervention by the nurse is appropriate when caring for a Buddhist client that is near death?
Rationale –If possible the nurse should provide the client and their family with a private room. Buddhist clients will have family members present praying and partaking in rituals to aid the deceased person to a better after life. The nurse needs to be in the room to evaluate the client. It is not indicated to have the family provide all care. A client that is dying does not need to have their pulls a blood pressure monitored every four hours.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
Rationale –If possible the nurse should provide the client and their family with a private room. Buddhist clients will have family members present praying and partaking in rituals to aid the deceased person to a better after life. The nurse needs to be in the room to evaluate the client. It is not indicated to have the family provide all care. A client that is dying does not need to have their pulls a blood pressure monitored every four hours.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
What are clinical manifestations of impending death? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Signs of impending death include hypotension, bowel incontinence and mottling of the extremities. Bradycardia, not tachycardia occurs. Clients have diminished smell and taste not increased.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
Rationale – Signs of impending death include hypotension, bowel incontinence and mottling of the extremities. Bradycardia, not tachycardia occurs. Clients have diminished smell and taste not increased.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
What type of family consists of a mother and children living in a home?
Rationale – A single parent family consists of one parent and children. An extended family consists of parents, children and grandparents sometimes also aunts and uncles. A nuclear family consists of parents and children and includes first marriage families or step parent families. Bi-nuclear families are post-divorce families where children are part of two nuclear families.
Subcategory- Family Dynamics
Rationale – A single parent family consists of one parent and children. An extended family consists of parents, children and grandparents sometimes also aunts and uncles. A nuclear family consists of parents and children and includes first marriage families or step parent families. Bi-nuclear families are post-divorce families where children are part of two nuclear families.
Subcategory- Family Dynamics
The wife of an older adult male client is upset and crying after being given information that her spouse is terminal. She’s been reflecting on their life and sobbing through the day. What type of grief is she experiencing?
Rationale- The client has advance notice that her husband is going to die and is grieving prior to the loss. Unresolved grief is a chronic form of grief. Complicated grief is maladaptive grieving strategies. Disenfranchise grief is a situation where a person is unable to acknowledge the loss of other people.
Subcategory- Grief and Loss
Rationale- The client has advance notice that her husband is going to die and is grieving prior to the loss. Unresolved grief is a chronic form of grief. Complicated grief is maladaptive grieving strategies. Disenfranchise grief is a situation where a person is unable to acknowledge the loss of other people.
Subcategory- Grief and Loss
A client is refusing their morning dose of quetiapine (Seroquel) due to weight gain. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Rationale- Focus should be on normalizing weight, teaching portion control, balanced diet and exercise. Asking why they refused will not give them education about nutrition and weight. Weight gain is a side effect. It is important to encourage the client to take the medication, simply documenting refusal will not encourage adherence.
Subcategory- Mental Health Concepts
Rationale- Focus should be on normalizing weight, teaching portion control, balanced diet and exercise. Asking why they refused will not give them education about nutrition and weight. Weight gain is a side effect. It is important to encourage the client to take the medication, simply documenting refusal will not encourage adherence.
Subcategory- Mental Health Concepts
Which action by the nurse suggests a violation of client boundaries? Select all that apply.
Rationale- A nurse violates boundaries by agreeing to keep information secret, discussing personal life and requesting to work with certain clients. It is important that the nurse informs the client of unit rules. The nurse should not purchase snacks for the client.
Subcategory- Mental Health Concepts
Rationale- A nurse violates boundaries by agreeing to keep information secret, discussing personal life and requesting to work with certain clients. It is important that the nurse informs the client of unit rules. The nurse should not purchase snacks for the client.
Subcategory- Mental Health Concepts
What food tray should be returned if brought to a Muslim client?
Rationale – Muslim clients do not eat pork. Steak, vegetarian lasagna, and hamburger dietary trays would be acceptable for a Muslim client to eat.
Subcategory- Religious and Spiritual Influences on Health
Rationale – Muslim clients do not eat pork. Steak, vegetarian lasagna, and hamburger dietary trays would be acceptable for a Muslim client to eat.
Subcategory- Religious and Spiritual Influences on Health
A client tells the nurse that they are fearful of telling their spouse about a previous abortion. What statement by the nurse demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of reflecting?
Rationale – Reflecting on what the client says is asking them about what they’ve already told you. The nurse is directing the feelings back at the client by asking why they are afraid to tell their spouse. Offering self would be letting the client know that she is there to talk. Letting her know that a lot of people have abortions is not indicated. Summarizing would be restating that the client is afraid to tell their spouse.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
Rationale – Reflecting on what the client says is asking them about what they’ve already told you. The nurse is directing the feelings back at the client by asking why they are afraid to tell their spouse. Offering self would be letting the client know that she is there to talk. Letting her know that a lot of people have abortions is not indicated. Summarizing would be restating that the client is afraid to tell their spouse.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
A client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure. The client informs the nurse that she has recently lost her husband and begins to share her grief with the nurse. What actions by the nurse demonstrate she is visibly tuning in to the client? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Ways to show you were tuned into a client include maintaining eye contact, facing the client and leaning towards them. Leasing hands on their hips does not show a relaxed or natural stance. Standing up in front of the client is not indicated.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
Rationale – Ways to show you were tuned into a client include maintaining eye contact, facing the client and leaning towards them. Leasing hands on their hips does not show a relaxed or natural stance. Standing up in front of the client is not indicated.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
While reviewing stress and coping, the nursing student correctly identifies which of the following as components of the general adaptation syndrome?
Rationale- The alarm reaction, resistance stage and exhaustion stage are all components of general adaption syndrome. Crisis stage and fight-or-flight stages are not components of general adaptation syndrome.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
Rationale- The alarm reaction, resistance stage and exhaustion stage are all components of general adaption syndrome. Crisis stage and fight-or-flight stages are not components of general adaptation syndrome.
Subcategory- Coping Mechanisms
A client asks the nurse what a living will is. What statement by the nurse is accurate?
Rationale- A living will is a statement of wishes that express what a patient does and does not want if they are unable to make decisions for themselves. It does not have to do with property or estates and is not applicable after a person has passed away. A health care proxy is the person designated to make medical decisions. It does not have orders created by the healthcare provider, it serves as set of wishes to guide the orders that the healthcare provider utilizes.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
Rationale- A living will is a statement of wishes that express what a patient does and does not want if they are unable to make decisions for themselves. It does not have to do with property or estates and is not applicable after a person has passed away. A health care proxy is the person designated to make medical decisions. It does not have orders created by the healthcare provider, it serves as set of wishes to guide the orders that the healthcare provider utilizes.
Subcategory- End of Life Care
While caring for a client that has undergone a mastectomy, the nurse identifies the client is experiencing what type of loss?
Rationale- A client that has undergone a mastectomy has experienced an actual loss. Perceived loss is felt by a person but is not seen or felt by others, an example would be growing up, loss of youth. Anticipatory loss is when a person experiences feelings of loss prior to the loss occurring. Maturational loss is the result of normal development.
Subcategory- Grief and Loss
Rationale- A client that has undergone a mastectomy has experienced an actual loss. Perceived loss is felt by a person but is not seen or felt by others, an example would be growing up, loss of youth. Anticipatory loss is when a person experiences feelings of loss prior to the loss occurring. Maturational loss is the result of normal development.
Subcategory- Grief and Loss
What interactions occur during the termination phase of the nurse-client helping relationship? Select all that apply
Rationale- During the termination phase of the helping relationship, the client and nurse should reminisce about the relationship and the nurse should either turn over care to another healthcare provider or relinquish care. Identifying goals is part of the working phase, reviewing medical and nursing documentation is part of the pre-interaction phase and encouraging the client to discuss feelings about their health is part of the working phase.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
Rationale- During the termination phase of the helping relationship, the client and nurse should reminisce about the relationship and the nurse should either turn over care to another healthcare provider or relinquish care. Identifying goals is part of the working phase, reviewing medical and nursing documentation is part of the pre-interaction phase and encouraging the client to discuss feelings about their health is part of the working phase.
Subcategory- Therapeutic Communication
The claim is being admitted to the hospital for surgery. The client has nail polish on all of their fingers. What intervention is most appropriate to obtain an accurate oxygen saturation?
Rationale – It is recommended to remove the nail polish from one finger to be able to get adequate pulse oximetry readings. ABGs are invasive and do not provide constant oximetry readings. Requesting an earlobe sensor is not indicated. Using the toe nail for pulse oximetry may interfere with the surgery.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – It is recommended to remove the nail polish from one finger to be able to get adequate pulse oximetry readings. ABGs are invasive and do not provide constant oximetry readings. Requesting an earlobe sensor is not indicated. Using the toe nail for pulse oximetry may interfere with the surgery.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
What is the most appropriate method to evaluate oxygen for a client with carbon monoxide poisoning?
Rationale – Arterial blood gases are the most accurate way of determining oxygenation. A pulse oximeter cannot differentiate between hemoglobin and carbon monoxide. The color of the skin is not an adequate measurement of oxygenation. The peripheral blood sample will not give the most accurate depiction of oxygenation.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Arterial blood gases are the most accurate way of determining oxygenation. A pulse oximeter cannot differentiate between hemoglobin and carbon monoxide. The color of the skin is not an adequate measurement of oxygenation. The peripheral blood sample will not give the most accurate depiction of oxygenation.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
An unlicensed assistive personnel is attempting to get a pulse oximetry reading on an older adult client. They are unable to get a reading on the fingers or toes. What intervention should the registered nurse perform?
Rationale – Using an earlobe sensor is recommended on older adult clients with a decreased circulation or thickened nails. An arterial blood gas is invasive and not necessary. Massage of the hands is not going to improve the circulation to get an adequate reading. Encouraging the older adult client to move their hands will not improve circulation enough to obtain an accurate reading.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Using an earlobe sensor is recommended on older adult clients with a decreased circulation or thickened nails. An arterial blood gas is invasive and not necessary. Massage of the hands is not going to improve the circulation to get an adequate reading. Encouraging the older adult client to move their hands will not improve circulation enough to obtain an accurate reading.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
A client is being evaluated for orthostatic hypotension. After assessing the client’s blood pressure in the supine position what action should the nurse take?
Rationale –After assessing the client’s blood pressure in the supine position the nurse should assist the client to a sitting position. The findings are not compared to previous findings they will be compared to the client’s blood pressure in a sitting position. The client does not need to lie supine for 10 minutes after checking the blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is not determined by subtracting the diastolic from systolic blood pressure.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale –After assessing the client’s blood pressure in the supine position the nurse should assist the client to a sitting position. The findings are not compared to previous findings they will be compared to the client’s blood pressure in a sitting position. The client does not need to lie supine for 10 minutes after checking the blood pressure. Orthostatic hypotension is not determined by subtracting the diastolic from systolic blood pressure.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
The nurse is caring for a client with orthostatic hypotension. The client’s blood pressure while supine is 120/80. After assisting the client to a sitting position the blood pressure is 112/74. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – The findings are not indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension would be a drop of systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mmHg or diastolic drop of greater than 10 mmHg. The healthcare provider does not need to be notified as these are normal results. The client does not need to be placed on fall precautions. The client does not need to be instructed to change positions slowly.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – The findings are not indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension would be a drop of systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mmHg or diastolic drop of greater than 10 mmHg. The healthcare provider does not need to be notified as these are normal results. The client does not need to be placed on fall precautions. The client does not need to be instructed to change positions slowly.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
What finding related to vital signs is consistent with aging?
Rationale – Older adult clients tend to have lower body temperatures. They tend to have an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Older adults often have lower average pulses. The depth of respiration does not increase with age.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Older adult clients tend to have lower body temperatures. They tend to have an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Older adults often have lower average pulses. The depth of respiration does not increase with age.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
A client diagnosed with influenza has a wide range of temperature fluctuations over 24 hours. All temperature readings are over 99.5°F. What type of fever is the client experiencing?
Rationale – A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza and has temperatures that fluctuate 2° or more over 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F. A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. Relapsing fever is a short fever over a few days and can have periods of normal temperature between. Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza and has temperatures that fluctuate 2° or more over 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F. A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. Relapsing fever is a short fever over a few days and can have periods of normal temperature between. Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
The nurse is caring for a client who is having periods of fever followed by intervals of normal temperature. At times the client’s temperature is below normal. What type of fever is the client experiencing?
Rationale – Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures. A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza and is when temperatures fluctuate 2° or more over a 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F. Relapsing fever is a short febrile period for a few days and can have periods of normal temperature between.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures. A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza and is when temperatures fluctuate 2° or more over a 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F. Relapsing fever is a short febrile period for a few days and can have periods of normal temperature between.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
The nurse is caring for a client who has had short periods of fever with periods of normal temperature in between. What type of fever is this client experiencing?
Rationale – Relapsing fevers are periods of fever followed by periods of normal temperature. . A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza with temperatures that fluctuate 2° or more over 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Relapsing fevers are periods of fever followed by periods of normal temperature. . A constant fever is a fever that does not go away over a period of time. A remittent fever occurs with colds or influenza with temperatures that fluctuate 2° or more over 24 hour period of time but are all over 99.5°F Intermittent fever is when the body temperature alternates at regular intervals between fever and normal temperatures.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
An unlicensed assistive personnel UAP reports vital signs on a postoperative client. The vital signs are blood pressure 108/100, pulse 100 and temperature 98.6° F. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- The blood pressure reading needs to be rechecked as a pulse pressure of eight is not accurate. The nurse should not only reassess the blood pressure but assess the UAP’s ability to check the blood pressure. The finding should not be documented as this does not demonstrate an accurate blood pressure reading. The healthcare practitioner does not need to be notified. An apical pulse does not need to be taken.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale- The blood pressure reading needs to be rechecked as a pulse pressure of eight is not accurate. The nurse should not only reassess the blood pressure but assess the UAP’s ability to check the blood pressure. The finding should not be documented as this does not demonstrate an accurate blood pressure reading. The healthcare practitioner does not need to be notified. An apical pulse does not need to be taken.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
What factors cause increases in body temperature? Select all that apply
Rationale – Stress, exercise and hormones all cause increases in body temperature. Aging and hypoglycemic medications tend to cause decreases in body temperature.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Stress, exercise and hormones all cause increases in body temperature. Aging and hypoglycemic medications tend to cause decreases in body temperature.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
What findings are consistent with a client diagnosed with hypothermia? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client with hypothermia will experience shivering and hypotension. The client with hypothermia will not have tachycardia and tachypnea they will have bradycardia and bradypnea. The client will have a decreased not increased urinary output.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – A client with hypothermia will experience shivering and hypotension. The client with hypothermia will not have tachycardia and tachypnea they will have bradycardia and bradypnea. The client will have a decreased not increased urinary output.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
What intervention is appropriate for a client who presents with mild hypothermia?
Rationale – Clients with mild hypothermia will need warm blankets. Sedation is not indicated. They do not need a hyperthermia blanket nor will they need warm IV fluid.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Clients with mild hypothermia will need warm blankets. Sedation is not indicated. They do not need a hyperthermia blanket nor will they need warm IV fluid.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
A newborn baby is being assessed. What vital sign should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
Rationale – The normal pulse for a newborn is 80 to 180. A pulse of 70 should be reported to the health care provider immediately. Normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30 to 60. Normal temperature for a newborn is 98 to 100°F. Normal blood pressure for a newborn is anywhere from 75/50 to 100/75.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – The normal pulse for a newborn is 80 to 180. A pulse of 70 should be reported to the health care provider immediately. Normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30 to 60. Normal temperature for a newborn is 98 to 100°F. Normal blood pressure for a newborn is anywhere from 75/50 to 100/75.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
The nurse is assessing an apical – radial pulse. The apical pulse is 101 and the radial pulse is 85. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – A pulse deficit of 16 is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Documenting the finding should be done after the healthcare provider is notified. There is no reason to request the client remain sitting above 45°. Assessing the difference in the femoral popliteal pulses is not indicated.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – A pulse deficit of 16 is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Documenting the finding should be done after the healthcare provider is notified. There is no reason to request the client remain sitting above 45°. Assessing the difference in the femoral popliteal pulses is not indicated.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
The client is admitted to the emergency department with paleness dizziness and vomiting. The client was at a family function and had a syncopal episode. The client’s pulse is 104 and their temperature is 102°F. The family reports the client had not been drinking very much and had been out in the heat all day. What condition does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – Heat exhaustion generally occurs when a client is in the heat and dehydrated. They often have signs and symptoms demonstrated above. Heat stroke patients tend to be unconscious delirious and potentially have seizures. Clients with heatstroke tend to have been exercising and also usually have a temperature greater than 105F. A fever spike is when the temperature rises and usually is an indication of bacterial infection. An intermittent fever has alterations between fever and periods of normal temperature.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Heat exhaustion generally occurs when a client is in the heat and dehydrated. They often have signs and symptoms demonstrated above. Heat stroke patients tend to be unconscious delirious and potentially have seizures. Clients with heatstroke tend to have been exercising and also usually have a temperature greater than 105F. A fever spike is when the temperature rises and usually is an indication of bacterial infection. An intermittent fever has alterations between fever and periods of normal temperature.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
A client has a temperature of 102.9°F. What interventions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Providing antipyretics will also help bring down the clients fever. Reducing physical activity will limit heat production. A client with a fever should have excess blankets removed, but not become cold. Providing antipyretics will also help bring down the clients fever. Cold baths are not indicated warm tepid baths are. Fluid intake should be encouraged not decreased.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
Rationale – Providing antipyretics will also help bring down the clients fever. Reducing physical activity will limit heat production. A client with a fever should have excess blankets removed, but not become cold. Providing antipyretics will also help bring down the clients fever. Cold baths are not indicated warm tepid baths are. Fluid intake should be encouraged not decreased.
Subcategory- Abnormalities in Vital Signs
A client diagnosed with an abdominal ascites is scheduled for an abdominal paracentesis. What actions by the primary care provider are done to avoid hypovolemic shock? Select all that apply.
Rationale – Draining the fluid slowly and withdrawing less than 1500 ML’s will help prevent hypovolemic shock in a client that is undergoing abdominal paracentesis. Obtaining a culture, withdrawing the trocar and using a sterile bandage after the procedure will not decrease the risk for hypovolemic shock.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – Draining the fluid slowly and withdrawing less than 1500 ML’s will help prevent hypovolemic shock in a client that is undergoing abdominal paracentesis. Obtaining a culture, withdrawing the trocar and using a sterile bandage after the procedure will not decrease the risk for hypovolemic shock.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
What positions are indicated for a client that is scheduled for thoracentesis? Select all that apply.
Rationale – A client should either be sitting leaning to the side with the arm up to the front of them or the client can be sitting leaning forward over a pillow. The client should not be placed in prone position with arms at their side. They should not be supine with the arms over their head or in low Fowlers with knees bent.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – A client should either be sitting leaning to the side with the arm up to the front of them or the client can be sitting leaning forward over a pillow. The client should not be placed in prone position with arms at their side. They should not be supine with the arms over their head or in low Fowlers with knees bent.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
The nurse is preparing a client for a bone marrow biopsy. What bone is most frequently used for this procedure?
Rationale – The posterior superior iliac crest is the most commonly used bone for a bone marrow biopsy. The tibia, skull and humorous are not common areas used for bone marrow biopsies.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – The posterior superior iliac crest is the most commonly used bone for a bone marrow biopsy. The tibia, skull and humorous are not common areas used for bone marrow biopsies.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
How much bone marrow needs to be aspirated in order to assess it for malignancy?
Rationale – Approximately 1 mL of marrow needs to be obtained in order to test the bone marrow. It is placed on either a glass slide or in a test tube.5, 10 and 20 ML’s are more than what is needed.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – Approximately 1 mL of marrow needs to be obtained in order to test the bone marrow. It is placed on either a glass slide or in a test tube.5, 10 and 20 ML’s are more than what is needed.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
A child is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What actions are appropriate?
Rationale – It is important to explain in terms a child will understand. Demonstrating on a stuffed animal or a doll will help them understand. The child’s parent should never hold a child during a procedure. The nurse should not stay quiet and avoid conversation they should talk to the child and reassure them. The child should be told prior to the procedure what they will be undergoing.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – It is important to explain in terms a child will understand. Demonstrating on a stuffed animal or a doll will help them understand. The child’s parent should never hold a child during a procedure. The nurse should not stay quiet and avoid conversation they should talk to the child and reassure them. The child should be told prior to the procedure what they will be undergoing.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
The client is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. What position should the nurse place the client when preparing for the procedure?
Rationale – The client should be place in a lateral position with their knees flexed up to their chest or abdomen and their head bent forward. They should not be lying prone. Their legs should not be straight with mine on their side. They should not be sitting up.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – The client should be place in a lateral position with their knees flexed up to their chest or abdomen and their head bent forward. They should not be lying prone. Their legs should not be straight with mine on their side. They should not be sitting up.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
A client suspected of having diverticulitis should be prepared for what diagnostic test?
Rationale – A barium enema will allow visualization of the entire large intestine. It is used to identify structural changes. An abdominal x-ray will not provide adequate visualization to diagnose diverticulitis. An upper endoscopy is used to visualize is the upper digestive system. An abdominal ultrasound will not give an adequate visualization of the large intestine.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale – A barium enema will allow visualization of the entire large intestine. It is used to identify structural changes. An abdominal x-ray will not provide adequate visualization to diagnose diverticulitis. An upper endoscopy is used to visualize is the upper digestive system. An abdominal ultrasound will not give an adequate visualization of the large intestine.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
What diagnostic tests are used when evaluating a client for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Endoscopy and esophageal pH monitoring are used in a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The colonoscopy and barium enema will not show the upper G.I. tract. An abdominal x-ray will not show damage to the esophagus.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
Rationale- Endoscopy and esophageal pH monitoring are used in a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The colonoscopy and barium enema will not show the upper G.I. tract. An abdominal x-ray will not show damage to the esophagus.
Subcategory- Diagnostic Tests
The client has a urinary output of 520 mL’s in 24 hours. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale – Urine output of less than 30 mLs an hour may indicate decreased blood flow to the kidneys, the kidney function should be evaluated immediately. Straining the urine is not indicated nor is checking the urine for Ketone bodies. It is important to check the input against the output however the priority would be to evaluate the renal function.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale – Urine output of less than 30 mLs an hour may indicate decreased blood flow to the kidneys, the kidney function should be evaluated immediately. Straining the urine is not indicated nor is checking the urine for Ketone bodies. It is important to check the input against the output however the priority would be to evaluate the renal function.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
A client with diabetes has an elevated blood sugar and positive ketone bodies in their urine. What diagnosis does the nurse expect?
Rationale – Positive Ketone bodies with an elevated blood sugar is an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis. Infection is not indicated by any of these findings. Hypoglycemia would not have an elevated blood glucose level. Ketones would not be present in HHNS.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale – Positive Ketone bodies with an elevated blood sugar is an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis. Infection is not indicated by any of these findings. Hypoglycemia would not have an elevated blood glucose level. Ketones would not be present in HHNS.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
What test is used in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis?
Rationale- The chloride sweat test is used in a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Chest x-ray and pulmonary function test and the ploidy analysis are not used in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale- The chloride sweat test is used in a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Chest x-ray and pulmonary function test and the ploidy analysis are not used in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
A client with an elevated blood urea nitrogen BUN should be evaluated for what type of diet?
Rationale – High-protein diets can lead to elevated BUN levels. If causes of the elevated BUN are unknown diet should be evaluated specifically high-protein intake. High calorie, low fat and low carbohydrate diet do not increase the BUN.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale – High-protein diets can lead to elevated BUN levels. If causes of the elevated BUN are unknown diet should be evaluated specifically high-protein intake. High calorie, low fat and low carbohydrate diet do not increase the BUN.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
What lab tests evaluate kidney function? Select all that apply.
Rationale – BUN and creatinine are elevated when the client has altered kidney function. ALT, aspartate and amylase are not altered due to kidney function.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale – BUN and creatinine are elevated when the client has altered kidney function. ALT, aspartate and amylase are not altered due to kidney function.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
A woman presents to the prenatal clinic for a pregnancy test. The nurse asks the woman to collect a urine sample for testing. What hormone is detected by a urine pregnancy test?
Rationale- HCG is the “pregnancy” hormone. Estrogen, Progesterone and thyroid stimulating hormone are not diagnostic for pregnancy.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale- HCG is the “pregnancy” hormone. Estrogen, Progesterone and thyroid stimulating hormone are not diagnostic for pregnancy.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Which newborn is most at risk for hypoglycemia?
Rationale- The newborn that is most at risk is the newborn that is 36 + 4 gestational age. The newborn is most at risk for hypoglycemia due to gestational age and for being small for gestational age with a gram weight < than 2500 grams. The newborn that is 38 +5 would be at risk for hypoglycemia if the newborn weighed > 4000 grams. The newborn that is 37 +4 weeks would be at risk if the newborn was less than 2500 grams. The newborn that is 36+ 5 is at risk due to gestational age.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
Rationale- The newborn that is most at risk is the newborn that is 36 + 4 gestational age. The newborn is most at risk for hypoglycemia due to gestational age and for being small for gestational age with a gram weight < than 2500 grams. The newborn that is 38 +5 would be at risk for hypoglycemia if the newborn weighed > 4000 grams. The newborn that is 37 +4 weeks would be at risk if the newborn was less than 2500 grams. The newborn that is 36+ 5 is at risk due to gestational age.
Subcategory- Laboratory Values
A nurse is caring for a client post procedure electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which is the most important intervention by the nurse?
Rationale- Assessing the return of the gag reflex will help to prevent client aspiration.
Subcategory- Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures
Rationale- Assessing the return of the gag reflex will help to prevent client aspiration.
Subcategory- Potential for Complications of Diagnostic Tests/Treatments/Procedures
An infant born at 35 weeks gestation has an abundant, thick, white, cheesy substance on the skin. The nurse should document what finding?
Rationale- Vernix is a thick, white, cheesy substance on the skin. Nevi, lanugo and mongolian spots are not consistent with the assessment findings.
Subcategory- System Specific Assessments
Rationale- Vernix is a thick, white, cheesy substance on the skin. Nevi, lanugo and mongolian spots are not consistent with the assessment findings.
Subcategory- System Specific Assessments
When creating a care plan for a client diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, what expected outcome is the most important?
Rationale- The outcome with the highest priority is the client remaining free from injury. Discussing medications, demonstrating self-monitoring and listing complications are important, however, remaining free from injury is most important. A client with diabetic neuropathy is at increased risk for falls and injury.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- The outcome with the highest priority is the client remaining free from injury. Discussing medications, demonstrating self-monitoring and listing complications are important, however, remaining free from injury is most important. A client with diabetic neuropathy is at increased risk for falls and injury.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
As part of an injury prevention assessment, an older adult client should be evaluated for what cognitive changes related to aging? Select all that apply.
Rationale- Increased reaction time and decreased short term memory are cognitive changes related to aging. Decreased visual acuity, increased glare sensitivity and decreased hearing of high frequency sounds are all related to changes in sensory in older adults.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- Increased reaction time and decreased short term memory are cognitive changes related to aging. Decreased visual acuity, increased glare sensitivity and decreased hearing of high frequency sounds are all related to changes in sensory in older adults.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
A hospitalized client at risk for falls is being evaluated by the nurse. The client is unable to stand from a sitting position without using their arms for support and has noticeable unsteadiness when ambulating. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- The priority intervention for this client is to place them on fall precautions and ensure other staff are aware of the client’s condition. The healthcare provider should be notified, but this is not priority over placing the client on fall precautions. A referral to physical therapy should be made, they would decide on the incorporation of assistive equipment.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- The priority intervention for this client is to place them on fall precautions and ensure other staff are aware of the client’s condition. The healthcare provider should be notified, but this is not priority over placing the client on fall precautions. A referral to physical therapy should be made, they would decide on the incorporation of assistive equipment.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a slightly confused older adult female client who is diagnosed with urosepsis. The client’s daughter informs the nurse that her mother got very confused, agitated and combative with staff during her last hospital admission. What actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Rationale- It is important to keep the client in a room close to the nursing station to respond quickly if needed. Asking a family member to stay may keep her oriented and have someone else close by to notify staff. Discussing the concern with the client is not indicated, the client is already confused. Reorienting the client to the call bell every hour if they are confused is not appropriate or effective. An order for restraints is not indicated, the client is not combative at this time.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- It is important to keep the client in a room close to the nursing station to respond quickly if needed. Asking a family member to stay may keep her oriented and have someone else close by to notify staff. Discussing the concern with the client is not indicated, the client is already confused. Reorienting the client to the call bell every hour if they are confused is not appropriate or effective. An order for restraints is not indicated, the client is not combative at this time.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Which client has the highest risk for falls?
Rationale- A client that has an indwelling catheter that is also receiving an IV opioid has two conditions in addition to being older that increase the risk for falls. The client with an ostomy, the client receiving IV Lasix and the client with renal failure are not as high risk as the client with the catheter, and IV morphine for pain.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- A client that has an indwelling catheter that is also receiving an IV opioid has two conditions in addition to being older that increase the risk for falls. The client with an ostomy, the client receiving IV Lasix and the client with renal failure are not as high risk as the client with the catheter, and IV morphine for pain.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
A client at risk for falls is sitting in a chair. What item should the nurse utilize to prevent the client from falling out of the chair?
Rationale- A client should be supported with a wedge cushion to ensure proper posture as well as prevent the client from falling on the floor. A bedside table and vest restraint are both forms of restraint and should not be used to keep a client in a chair or bed. Pillows and blankets will not maintain posture and may not prevent falls.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- A client should be supported with a wedge cushion to ensure proper posture as well as prevent the client from falling on the floor. A bedside table and vest restraint are both forms of restraint and should not be used to keep a client in a chair or bed. Pillows and blankets will not maintain posture and may not prevent falls.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
During the initial home screening for an older adult client, the home health nurse provides teaching about injury prevention. What action by the client indicates the teaching was effective?
Rationale- Electrical wires should not be out or exposed, they should be behind furniture or along the wall to prevent falls. Throw rugs increase the risk of falls and are not recommended. Using matches to light a propane heater is not safe. People should not smoke in the house when a client is on oxygen.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- Electrical wires should not be out or exposed, they should be behind furniture or along the wall to prevent falls. Throw rugs increase the risk of falls and are not recommended. Using matches to light a propane heater is not safe. People should not smoke in the house when a client is on oxygen.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
After a client receives teaching about home fire prevention, what statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- Batteries should be changed every 6 months, not 12. Candles should be out when leaving the house. If a fire starts in an oven, the door should be kept shut and power off. A gas grill should have the hoses tight and gas off every time it is used.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- Batteries should be changed every 6 months, not 12. Candles should be out when leaving the house. If a fire starts in an oven, the door should be kept shut and power off. A gas grill should have the hoses tight and gas off every time it is used.
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
A nurse is caring for a suicidal client. Which nursing action identifies the assessment phase of the nursing process?
Rationale- During the assessment phase the nurse obtains client data, such as risk for suicide. .
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
Rationale- During the assessment phase the nurse obtains client data, such as risk for suicide. .
Subcategory- Accident/Injury Prevention
The nurse is responding to an emergency that requires Level A protection. What personal protective equipment should be worn to shield the health care worker?
Rationale- Level A requires the highest level of protection for skin and respiratory tract. The client should have a self-contained breathing apparatus, vapor-tight chemical resistant suit, gloves and boots. A typical work uniform, coverall and suit that is not vapor tight will not protect the client against exposure.
Subcategory- Emergency Response Plan
Rationale- Level A requires the highest level of protection for skin and respiratory tract. The client should have a self-contained breathing apparatus, vapor-tight chemical resistant suit, gloves and boots. A typical work uniform, coverall and suit that is not vapor tight will not protect the client against exposure.
Subcategory- Emergency Response Plan
When moving a client up in bed that can assist the nurse with moving, what instructions should be provided to the client?
Rationale- When the nurse is ready to move the client up, the client should be instructed to push off the heels of their feet. The neck should be slightly bent, not straight. The arms should be placed over the chest. Elevating the lower back and buttocks will hinder the client moving up and work against the nurse’s effort.
Subcategory- Ergonomic Principles
Rationale- When the nurse is ready to move the client up, the client should be instructed to push off the heels of their feet. The neck should be slightly bent, not straight. The arms should be placed over the chest. Elevating the lower back and buttocks will hinder the client moving up and work against the nurse’s effort.
Subcategory- Ergonomic Principles
The nurse is assisting an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to lie a client in bed. What action by the UAP indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- The client’s arms should be folded over their chest or out of the way. Trying to move the client with their arms at their sides will risk injury to the nurse and UAP as well as to the client. The bed should be raised to waist level, the head of the bed should be flat and the UAP should keep their legs 12 inches apart when lifting.
Subcategory- Ergonomic Principles
Rationale- The client’s arms should be folded over their chest or out of the way. Trying to move the client with their arms at their sides will risk injury to the nurse and UAP as well as to the client. The bed should be raised to waist level, the head of the bed should be flat and the UAP should keep their legs 12 inches apart when lifting.
Subcategory- Ergonomic Principles
The nurse is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to a client. What statement by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- The filter should be changed every 24 hours. Vented tubing is not needed. TPN should be given through a central line. The filter should always be primed with the tubing prior to hanging the TPN.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
Rationale- The filter should be changed every 24 hours. Vented tubing is not needed. TPN should be given through a central line. The filter should always be primed with the tubing prior to hanging the TPN.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
The nurse is preparing to hang acetaminophen IV, which comes in a glass bottle. What equipment is necessary to administer this medication?
Rationale- Vented tubing is needed to hang medications that come in a glass bottle. An IV pump is not necessary, an inline filter is not used and the tubing does not have to be 15 drops per mL.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
Rationale- Vented tubing is needed to hang medications that come in a glass bottle. An IV pump is not necessary, an inline filter is not used and the tubing does not have to be 15 drops per mL.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
When caring for a client with a triple lumen central venous catheter, which lumen is recommended for drawing blood?
Rationale- The proximal lumen is recommended when using a triple lumen catheter to draw blood. It is acceptable practice to utilize a triple lumen to draw blood. The middle and distal lumens can be used if the proximal is not free or working.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
Rationale- The proximal lumen is recommended when using a triple lumen catheter to draw blood. It is acceptable practice to utilize a triple lumen to draw blood. The middle and distal lumens can be used if the proximal is not free or working.
Subcategory- Safe Use of Equipment
The nurse has administered an incorrect dose of a medication. What action by the nurse indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- The incident report should not be placed in the client’s chart. Listing witnesses to the error is appropriate. The date and time of the medication error and the client’s name and identification should be included in the report.
Subcategory- Reporting of Incident/Event/Irregular Occurrence/Variance
Rationale- The incident report should not be placed in the client’s chart. Listing witnesses to the error is appropriate. The date and time of the medication error and the client’s name and identification should be included in the report.
Subcategory- Reporting of Incident/Event/Irregular Occurrence/Variance
A new nurse is preparing a sterile field to perform a sterile wet-to-dry dressing change on a client who is 2 days postoperative. What action indicates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- The outer flap should be opened away from the body, not towards it. The nurse can touch the outer 1 inch of the field. The pouring container must not touch any part of the sterile field. Keeping the objects on the field above the waist is appropriate.
Subcategory-Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Rationale- The outer flap should be opened away from the body, not towards it. The nurse can touch the outer 1 inch of the field. The pouring container must not touch any part of the sterile field. Keeping the objects on the field above the waist is appropriate.
Subcategory-Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
The nurse is preparing to pack a wound using a sterile wet-to-dry dressing. What action demonstrates correct procedure has been followed?
Rationale- The outer flap should be opened away from the body, not towards it. The nurse can touch the outer 1 inch of the field. The pouring container must not touch any part of the sterile field. Keeping the objects on the field above the waist is appropriate.
Subcategory-Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Rationale- The outer flap should be opened away from the body, not towards it. The nurse can touch the outer 1 inch of the field. The pouring container must not touch any part of the sterile field. Keeping the objects on the field above the waist is appropriate.
Subcategory-Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
When emptying a suction canister, what type of precautions should be used?
Rationale- Standard precautions should be used unless otherwise indicated. Droplet, contact and airborne would not be necessary.
Subcategory- Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials
Rationale- Standard precautions should be used unless otherwise indicated. Droplet, contact and airborne would not be necessary.
Subcategory- Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials
When disposing of a needle and syringe used to collect a blood specimen, where should they be discarded?
Rationale- The needle and syringe should be discarded in the sharps container. A used needle and syringe should not be discarded in the garbage, biohazard waste or dirty utility room.
Subcategory- Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials
Rationale- The needle and syringe should be discarded in the sharps container. A used needle and syringe should not be discarded in the garbage, biohazard waste or dirty utility room.
Subcategory- Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials
The nurse receives a report from the laboratory that a client is positive for Clostridium difficile. What type of precaution should the client be placed?
Rationale- A client that has clostridium difficile should be placed on contact precautions. Droplet and airborne precautions are not necessary. Standard precautions would not adequately safeguard the health care professional from exposure.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Rationale- A client that has clostridium difficile should be placed on contact precautions. Droplet and airborne precautions are not necessary. Standard precautions would not adequately safeguard the health care professional from exposure.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Place the following personal protective equipment in the order that they should be removed after caring for a client.
Rationale- The nurse should remove the gloves, then goggles followed by the gown then mask.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Rationale- The nurse should remove the gloves, then goggles followed by the gown then mask.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
A college student is being admitted to the emergency department with suspicion of neisseria meningitis. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- A client suspected of having neisseria meningitis should be placed on droplet precautions right away. Notification of the health department is not indicated without confirmation of diagnosis. Performing a neurological assessment should be done after the client has been placed on isolation. Exposure should be determined after the client is on isolation.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
Rationale- A client suspected of having neisseria meningitis should be placed on droplet precautions right away. Notification of the health department is not indicated without confirmation of diagnosis. Performing a neurological assessment should be done after the client has been placed on isolation. Exposure should be determined after the client is on isolation.
Subcategory- Standard Precautions/Transmission-based precautions/Surgical Asepsis
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who had surgery to repair a femur fracture. The client is confused and combative and attempting to climb out of bed. The client received prescribed lorazepam and had an unlicensed assistive personnel with her. There has been no improvement in the client’s behavior. What action should the nurse take next?
Rationale- The nurse should request an order for restraints to ensure the client and staff’s safety. The nurse has already had someone sitting with the client with no improvement in behavior. Placing the client in the hallway will increase stimulus and not decrease the risk for injury. The family may be contacted, but the safety of the client and family must be maintained until someone arrives, if they have opted to come to the hospital.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- The nurse should request an order for restraints to ensure the client and staff’s safety. The nurse has already had someone sitting with the client with no improvement in behavior. Placing the client in the hallway will increase stimulus and not decrease the risk for injury. The family may be contacted, but the safety of the client and family must be maintained until someone arrives, if they have opted to come to the hospital.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Which client would be appropriate for placement of restraints?
Rationale- The client that is intubated attempting to pull out their endotracheal tube is a danger to their self and would be a candidate for restraints. The client that has removed their catheter does not necessarily need restraints. A client that is being monitored for suicidal ideations does not need to be restrained. A client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease that is wandering does not need to be restrained, a one-to-one staff member may be indicated.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- The client that is intubated attempting to pull out their endotracheal tube is a danger to their self and would be a candidate for restraints. The client that has removed their catheter does not necessarily need restraints. A client that is being monitored for suicidal ideations does not need to be restrained. A client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease that is wandering does not need to be restrained, a one-to-one staff member may be indicated.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
The nurse is caring for the following four clients. Which situation demonstrates a need for further teaching?
Rationale- Placing a tray in front of an older adult client climbing out of bed is considered a form of a restraint and unethical. Using two rails to transport, holding an arm when putting in an IV or applying wrist restraints to a client that is at risk of losing an airway is proper use of restraints.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- Placing a tray in front of an older adult client climbing out of bed is considered a form of a restraint and unethical. Using two rails to transport, holding an arm when putting in an IV or applying wrist restraints to a client that is at risk of losing an airway is proper use of restraints.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
An older adult client with hepatic encephalopathy exhibits confusion and despite reorientation, continues to try to get out of bed without assistance. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- When the client has periods of confusion the nurse should reorient the client and ensure the bed alarm is on. Requesting an order for restraints is excessive, the client is not injuring themselves or others. Sitting with the client during periods of confusion will not allow the nurse to complete their work or see other clients. Asking the family to bring pictures is good, music may help, but these are not a priority interventions.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- When the client has periods of confusion the nurse should reorient the client and ensure the bed alarm is on. Requesting an order for restraints is excessive, the client is not injuring themselves or others. Sitting with the client during periods of confusion will not allow the nurse to complete their work or see other clients. Asking the family to bring pictures is good, music may help, but these are not a priority interventions.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
An intoxicated client is brought to the emergency department by police after an altercation. The client has multiple wounds and is combative with officers and staff. An order was obtained to place the client in restraints. What action by the nurse is priority?
Rationale- It is important to assess the skin integrity around the restraints. The nurse should not avoid eye contact or speaking to the client. Until the client is calmed down, family should not be brought in the room. Threatening with further restraint will likely cause further negative behaviors by the client and is not appropriate.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- It is important to assess the skin integrity around the restraints. The nurse should not avoid eye contact or speaking to the client. Until the client is calmed down, family should not be brought in the room. Threatening with further restraint will likely cause further negative behaviors by the client and is not appropriate.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
What intervention is not considered a restraint?
Rationale- Padding the side rails is done to ensure safety of the client. This is not considered a restraint. Holding a client down is a form of restraint. Securing a client into a wheelchair with a vest restraint is a form of restraint. Placing a tray table in front of a confused client is a form of restraint unless they are eating.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
Rationale- Padding the side rails is done to ensure safety of the client. This is not considered a restraint. Holding a client down is a form of restraint. Securing a client into a wheelchair with a vest restraint is a form of restraint. Placing a tray table in front of a confused client is a form of restraint unless they are eating.
Subcategory- Use of Restraints/Safety Devices
The nurse receives a call from a client that believes she is in labor. The client reports contractions for the past two hours that have progressed to every four minutes. The client has not had her membranes rupture. What action should the nurse instruct the client to take?
Rationale- A client that has contractions that are regular and under 5 minutes apart should be instructed to come to the labor and delivery unit. Administering a cleansing enema is not care of a client in labor. The client should not wait until their membranes rupture if they are having contractions that close together. The client should not wait until the contractions are less than 2 minutes to call back.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Rationale- A client that has contractions that are regular and under 5 minutes apart should be instructed to come to the labor and delivery unit. Administering a cleansing enema is not care of a client in labor. The client should not wait until their membranes rupture if they are having contractions that close together. The client should not wait until the contractions are less than 2 minutes to call back.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
What interventions are priority to include in the care of a 4-year-old child diagnosed with leukemia?
Rationale- The nurse should provide time for the child to play. Play and social activities are important to include in the care of the child. Explaining what is being done ahead of time will evoke fear in the child. Parents should not hold the child and interventions should be done in an area outside of the child’s hospital room.
Subcategory- Developmental Stages and Transitions
Rationale- The nurse should provide time for the child to play. Play and social activities are important to include in the care of the child. Explaining what is being done ahead of time will evoke fear in the child. Parents should not hold the child and interventions should be done in an area outside of the child’s hospital room.
Subcategory- Developmental Stages and Transitions
The nurse caring for a client who is postoperative cesarean section has a history of gastric bypass surgery. Which medication order should questioned?
Rationale- After a patient has gastric bypass they are not to take NSAIDS such as ibuprofen due to NSAIDS increasing the patient’s risk of developing an ulcer. There is no contraindication of the patient taking docusate, ferrous sulfate or acetaminophen.
Subcategory- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
Rationale- After a patient has gastric bypass they are not to take NSAIDS such as ibuprofen due to NSAIDS increasing the patient’s risk of developing an ulcer. There is no contraindication of the patient taking docusate, ferrous sulfate or acetaminophen.
Subcategory- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
A client is being seen in the emergency department for sutures after removal of a piece of wood. What immunization is priority for the nurse update?
Rationale- Tetanus should be updated at least every 10 years, 5 with an injury. The client with a break in the skin by a foreign object (wood) should have an updated tetanus shot if it is not current. Pertussis, Hepatitis B and Meningococcal are not priority for a client that has an injury.
Subcategory- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
Rationale- Tetanus should be updated at least every 10 years, 5 with an injury. The client with a break in the skin by a foreign object (wood) should have an updated tetanus shot if it is not current. Pertussis, Hepatitis B and Meningococcal are not priority for a client that has an injury.
Subcategory- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
A 45-year-old male client asks the nurse what type of screening they should have yearly. What statement by the nurse is accurate?
Rationale- Prostate exams should be done yearly. Colonoscopies are done every 2-3 years. Visual glaucoma screening is done every 2-3 years. Testicular self-examination should be done every month.
Subcategory- Health Screening
Rationale- Prostate exams should be done yearly. Colonoscopies are done every 2-3 years. Visual glaucoma screening is done every 2-3 years. Testicular self-examination should be done every month.
Subcategory- Health Screening
What is the most appropriate action when auscultating lung sounds in an adult client?
Rationale- The appropriate way to auscultate lung sounds is to place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the appropriate thoracic landmarks while the client is taking slow deep breaths. The bell of the stethoscope is used to auscultate low pitched sounds in the cardiac assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale- The appropriate way to auscultate lung sounds is to place the diaphragm of the stethoscope over the appropriate thoracic landmarks while the client is taking slow deep breaths. The bell of the stethoscope is used to auscultate low pitched sounds in the cardiac assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
When providing teaching to an older adult client about a new prescribed medication, what action by the nurse is most appropriate to ensure adherence?
Rationale- It is important to determine if the older adult client understands the teaching provided. Providing directions in writing does not mean the client will read or adhere to the directions. Determining past adherence is not priority. The client should be provided information and the nurse should assess whether the client understands.Requesting a home health nurse to administer medications is not the best option to determine adherence.
Subcategory- Aging Process
Rationale- It is important to determine if the older adult client understands the teaching provided. Providing directions in writing does not mean the client will read or adhere to the directions. Determining past adherence is not priority. The client should be provided information and the nurse should assess whether the client understands.Requesting a home health nurse to administer medications is not the best option to determine adherence.
Subcategory- Aging Process
A newborn was delivered four hours ago to an HIV-positive mother. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to do at this time?
Rationale- The most important intervention is to administer the Zidovudine as soon as possible to the newborn. It would be important for the nurse to assist the mom with formula feeding but it is not the priority. Encouraging bonding is important, but that is not the most important intervention. Educating the mom on newborn care is important but it is not a priority intervention.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Rationale- The most important intervention is to administer the Zidovudine as soon as possible to the newborn. It would be important for the nurse to assist the mom with formula feeding but it is not the priority. Encouraging bonding is important, but that is not the most important intervention. Educating the mom on newborn care is important but it is not a priority intervention.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
A nurse is performing a postpartum assessment. The nurse notices that the patient continues to have trickling despite the uterus being firm. What would the nurse suspect at this time?
Rationale- The nurse should suspect that there is a laceration since the trickling is continuous and continues to trickle despite fundal massage. A hematoma would not be suspected since the bleeding would be concealed. If the fundus was deviated to the left or right, then it would be suspected that the patient has to void. If the patient had retained placental fragments the uterus would not be able to contract completely and would be boggy.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Rationale- The nurse should suspect that there is a laceration since the trickling is continuous and continues to trickle despite fundal massage. A hematoma would not be suspected since the bleeding would be concealed. If the fundus was deviated to the left or right, then it would be suspected that the patient has to void. If the patient had retained placental fragments the uterus would not be able to contract completely and would be boggy.
Subcategory- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
The nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a newborn baby. The parents expressed concern about the irregular shape of the baby’s head. What statement by the nurse is appropriate?
Rationale- The head of a newborn should regain normal shape within a week. The nurse should let the parents know this to ease their concern. Telling the parents they won’t notice when the child has hair is not appropriate. The pediatrician will evaluate the child at the first visit, however, this is not an appropriate response as it does not address the concern of the parents. The posterior fontanel closes two to three months after birth, the head shape will change before that time.
Subcategory- Developmental Stages and Transitions
Rationale- The head of a newborn should regain normal shape within a week. The nurse should let the parents know this to ease their concern. Telling the parents they won’t notice when the child has hair is not appropriate. The pediatrician will evaluate the child at the first visit, however, this is not an appropriate response as it does not address the concern of the parents. The posterior fontanel closes two to three months after birth, the head shape will change before that time.
Subcategory- Developmental Stages and Transitions
A nurse working in occupational health should place priority on which role?
Rationale- The occupational health nurse should place priority on prevention of injury. Health education and exercise promotion are important, but not priority. Equipment inspection is not the role of the occupational health nurse.
Subcategory- Health Screening
Rationale- The occupational health nurse should place priority on prevention of injury. Health education and exercise promotion are important, but not priority. Equipment inspection is not the role of the occupational health nurse.
Subcategory- Health Screening
What method of teaching safe sex is most appropriate when providing education for a group of teenagers?
Rationale- It is important to demonstrate application of the condom and have the students do a return demonstration using a banana or fake penis if possible. Giving pamphlets out will not keep them engaged or ensure they reviewed the information they received. Including parents may be a barrier to learning for many students. Promoting abstinence will not encourage or ensure safe sex practices.
Subcategory- High Risk Behaviors
Rationale- It is important to demonstrate application of the condom and have the students do a return demonstration using a banana or fake penis if possible. Giving pamphlets out will not keep them engaged or ensure they reviewed the information they received. Including parents may be a barrier to learning for many students. Promoting abstinence will not encourage or ensure safe sex practices.
Subcategory- High Risk Behaviors
The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client suspected of having appendicitis. What position should the client be placed?
Rationale- To accurately assess the abdomen, the client should be lying flat, supine. In a prone position the client would be lying on their abdomen, which would not allow the abdomen to be assessed. Low Fowlers and Trendelenburg are not indicated for abdominal assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale- To accurately assess the abdomen, the client should be lying flat, supine. In a prone position the client would be lying on their abdomen, which would not allow the abdomen to be assessed. Low Fowlers and Trendelenburg are not indicated for abdominal assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
When performing a physical assessment and auscultating lung sounds it is noted that inspiratory and expiratory wheezing is present. What is the most appropriate action to take next?
Rationale- Finishing the respiratory assessment is the most appropriate action to take next. CPR should be administered in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest.Medication should be administered as prescribed by the provider after the physical assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale- Finishing the respiratory assessment is the most appropriate action to take next. CPR should be administered in the event of cardiopulmonary arrest.Medication should be administered as prescribed by the provider after the physical assessment.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
The nurse is performing a Weber test on a client that is suspected of having a sensorineural disturbance. Where should the nurse place the tuning fork?
Rationale- The Weber test should be performed by placing the tuning fork on the top of the head. Behind the ear is the Rinne test. Hearing is not tested on the forehead or in front of the tragus.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale- The Weber test should be performed by placing the tuning fork on the top of the head. Behind the ear is the Rinne test. Hearing is not tested on the forehead or in front of the tragus.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
What finding would indicate conductive hearing loss?
Rationale- A positive Rinne test would be bone conduction (behind the ear) greater than air conduction (in front of the ear). Vibration heard in front of the ear greater than behind the ear (bone conduction) is a normal finding. Sound equally in both ears is a normal finding with a Weber test. Hearing more in one ear than the other is a positive finding in a Weber test.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale- A positive Rinne test would be bone conduction (behind the ear) greater than air conduction (in front of the ear). Vibration heard in front of the ear greater than behind the ear (bone conduction) is a normal finding. Sound equally in both ears is a normal finding with a Weber test. Hearing more in one ear than the other is a positive finding in a Weber test.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
The nurse is assessing a client’s heart sounds. The nurse notices a “whooshing” sound at the second intercostal space at the sternal border on the client’s right side. What does the nurse suspect?
Rationale – An aortic valve murmur is best heard at the second intercostal space on the right side. A mitral valve prolapse, could result in a murmur. It would be heard at the 4th to 5th intercostal space on the left side of at the midclavicular line. The sound is not indicative of a snap or friction rub.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale – An aortic valve murmur is best heard at the second intercostal space on the right side. A mitral valve prolapse, could result in a murmur. It would be heard at the 4th to 5th intercostal space on the left side of at the midclavicular line. The sound is not indicative of a snap or friction rub.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
While auscultating a client’s heart sounds the nurse notices a grating sound. That is the most appropriate documentation for this finding?
Rationale – A friction rub is consistent with a grating sound. A gallop and split would not sound like a grating sound.A murmur is a swishing sound.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale – A friction rub is consistent with a grating sound. A gallop and split would not sound like a grating sound.A murmur is a swishing sound.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
What heart valve is best heard at the 4th to 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest?
Rationale – The mitral valve is best heard at the fourth the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the client. The aortic valve is best heard at the second intercostal space on the sternal border on the right side. The pulmonic valve is best heard at the sternal border at the second intercostal space on the left side. The tricuspid valve is best heard at the sternal border at the fifth intercostal space.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment
Rationale – The mitral valve is best heard at the fourth the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the client. The aortic valve is best heard at the second intercostal space on the sternal border on the right side. The pulmonic valve is best heard at the sternal border at the second intercostal space on the left side. The tricuspid valve is best heard at the sternal border at the fifth intercostal space.
Subcategory- Techniques for physical assessment