1. Which information is most concerning to the nurse when caring for an older client with bilateral cataracts?
a. States having difficulty with color
... [Show More] perception
b. Presents with opacity of the lens upon assessment
c. Complains of seeing a cobweb-type structure in the visual field
d. Reports the need to use a magnifying glass to see small print
Rationale:
Visualization of a cobweb- or hairnet-type structure is a sign of a retinal detachment, which constitutes a medical emergency. Clients with cataracts are at increased risk for retinal detachment. Distorted color perception, opacity of the lens, and gradual vision loss are expected signs and symptoms of cataracts but do not need immediate attention.
2. When caring for a client hospitalized with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which information is most important for the nurse to report to the primary health care provider?
a. Decrease in cognitive status of the client
Rationale:
A decline in cognitive status in a client is indicative of symptoms of hypoxia and a possible need to assist the client with mechanical ventilation. A primary health care provider will need to be contacted immediately. Options A, C, and D are findings associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome that should also be reported but are not as critical as the client's hypoxic status.
3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of leukemia. This condition is manifested by which of the following?
a. Hyperplasia of the gums, elevated white blood count, weakness
Rationale:
Hyperplastic gums, weakness, and elevated white blood count are classic signs of leukemia. Options A, B, and D state incorrect information for symptoms of leukemia.
4. The nurse enters the examination room of a client who has been told by her health care provider that she has advanced ovarian cancer. Which response by the nurse is likely to be most supportive for the client?
a. "Tell me about what you are feeling right now."
Rationale:
The most therapeutic action for the nurse is to be an active listener and to encourage the client to explore her feelings. Giving false reassurance or personal suggestions are not therapeutic communication for the client.
5. A nurse working in the emergency department admits a client with full thickness burns to 50% of the body. Assessment findings indicate high-pitched wheezing, heart rate of 120 beats/min, and disorientation. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Prepare to assist with maintaining the airway.
Rationale:
High-pitched wheezing indicates laryngeal stridor, a sign of laryngeal edema associated with lung injury. Airway management is the first priority of care. Options A, C, and D are all appropriate interventions in managing the client with a burn but are not as critical as establishing an airway.
6. The nurse walks into the room and observes the client experiencing a tonic- clonic seizure. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
a. Turn the client on the side to aid ventilation.
Rationale:
Maintaining the airway during a seizure is the priority for safety. Options A, B, and C are contraindicated during a seizure and may cause further injury to the client.
7. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care for a client admitted to the hospital with ulcerative colitis?
a. Provide a low-residue diet.
Rationale:
A low-residue diet will help decrease symptoms of diarrhea, which are clinical manifestations of ulcerative colitis.
8. A nurse implements an education program to reduce hospital readmissions for clients with heart failure. Which statement by the client indicates that teaching has been effective?
a. "I will not take my digoxin if my heart rate is higher than 100 beats/min."
b. "I should weigh myself once a week and report any increases."
c. "It is important to increase my fluid intake whenever possible."
d. "I should report an increase of swelling in my feet or ankles."
Rationale:
An increase in edema indicates worsening right-sided heart failure and should be reported to the primary health care provider. Digitalis should be held when the heart rate is lower than 60 beats/min. The client with heart failure should weigh himself or herself daily and report a gain of 2 to 3 lb. An increase in fluid can worsen heart failure.
9. After assessing a 26-year-old client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, which data may indicate that the client is experiencing chronic complications of diabetes?
a. Blood pressure, 159/98 mm Hg
Rationale:
A blood pressure of 159/98 mm Hg is hypertensive and increases the client's risk for acute coronary syndrome and/or stroke.
10. When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, which intervention should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
a. Take the vital signs and obtain an O2 saturation level.
Rationale:
The nurse may delegate obtaining vital signs and O2 saturation; however, the nurse is responsible for following up on any reported data.
11. The charge nurse is making assignments for the upcoming shift. Which client is most appropriate to assign to the practical nurse (PN)?
a. A client with nausea who needs a nasogastric tube inserted
b. A client in hypertensive crisis who needs titration of IV nitroglycerin
c. A newly admitted client who needs to have a plan of care established
d. A client who is ready for discharge who needs discharge teaching
Rationale:
The client mentioned in option A has a need for a skill that is within the scope of practice for the PN. Titration of an IV drip, establishing care plans, and discharge teaching are within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN) and are not delegated.
12. A nurse performs an initial admission assessment of a 56-year-old client. Which factor(s) would indicate that the client is at risk for metabolic syndrome? (Select all that apply.)
a. Abdominal obesity
b. Sedentary lifestyle
c. Hispanic or Asian ethnicity
d. Increased triglycerides
Rationale:
Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that increase the risk for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke (A, B, D, and E).
13. Which clinical manifestation in the client with hyperthyroidism is most The apical heart rate of 130 beats/min is a critical finding that could lead to heart failure or other cardiac disorders. Options A, B, and D are all expected findings that should also be reported but are not as critical.
a. Apical heart rate of 130 beats/min
Rationale:
The apical heart rate of 130 beats/min is a critical finding that could lead to heart failure or other cardiac disorders.
14. The nurse administers atropine sulfate ophthalmic drops preoperatively to the right eye of a client scheduled for cataract surgery. Which response by the client indicates that the drug was effective?
a. The right pupil dilates after drop instillation.
Rationale:
Atropine is a mydriatic drug which causes pupil dilation and paralysis in preparation for surgery or examination.
15. A client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) develops a painful blistering skin rash on the right lateral abdominal area. Which drug should the nurse expect to administer to treat this condition?
a. Levofloxacin
b. Acyclovir sodium
c. Fluconazole
d. Esomeprazole
Rationale:
The clinical manifestations listed are consistent with herpes zoster (shingles). Acyclovir sodium is an antiviral used to treat herpes zoster or shingles. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic and may be used to treat pneumonia or other infections in the HIV client. Fluconazole is an antifungal and is used to treat candidiasis in the HIV client. Esomeprazole is a protein pump inhibitor used for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
16. When assessing a 38-year-old client with tuberculosis who is taking rifampin, which finding would be most important to report to the primary health care provider immediately?
a. Orange-colored urine
b. Potassium level, 4.9 mEq/L
c. Elevated liver enzyme levels
d. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, 12 mg/dL.
Rationale:
Rifampin can cause hepatotoxicity, so elevated liver enzyme levels need to be closely monitored and reported to the health care provider. Orange discoloration of the urine is an expected side effect of this medication. The potassium level is normal. A BUN level of 12 mg/dL is within defined parameters.
17. A client with non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been prescribed cyclophosphamide IV for therapy. Which assessment finding would need to be reported immediately to the oncologist?
a. Chills, fever, and sore throat
Rationale:
Cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat lymphoma and puts the client at risk for infection. Signs and symptoms of an infection should be reported to the oncologist immediately.
18. A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure who has been prescribed digoxin for therapy. Which finding indicates an issue with the medication management?
a. Serum potassium level, 2.9 mEq/L
Rationale:
A serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is low, and side effects of digoxin toxicity are exacerbated when the potassium level is low.
19. Which statement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an example of a black box or black label warning for the drug clopidogrel?
a. This drug could cause heart attack or stroke when taken by clients with certain genetic conditions.
Rationale:
A black box warning is a notice required by the FDA on a prescription drug that warns of potentially dangerous side effects.
20. The nurse is caring for a client with an ischemic stroke who has a prescription for tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) IV. Which actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply.)
a. Complete the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
b. Assess the client for signs of bleeding during and after the infusion.
c. Start t-PA within 6 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms.
Rationale:
Neurologic assessment, including the NIHSS, is indicated for the client receiving t- PA. This includes close monitoring for bleeding during and after the infusion; if bleeding or other signs of neurologic impairment occur, the infusion should be stopped
21. Which action by the nurse is consistent with culturally competent care?
a. Treating each client the same regardless of race or religion
b. Ensuring that all Native American clients have access to a shaman
c. Understanding one's own world view in addition to the client’s
d. Including the family in the plan of care for older clients
Rationale:
The nurse should understand his or her own values and views to prevent those values from being imparted to others, in addition to understanding the client's cultural views. Treating every client the same or assuming that all clients share the same values does not exhibit cultural competence or sensitivity.
22. The charge nurse reviews the charting of a graduate nurse. Which indicates a need for further education on documentation?
a. Charts some actions in advance of performing them.
Rationale:
Charting actions prior to implementing them is an example of fraudulent charting, and the graduate nurse should receive further education.
23. Which data obtained during a respiratory assessment for a 78-year-old client is most important to report to the primary health care provider?
a. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
Rationale:
An oxygen saturation lower than 90% indicates hypoxia.
24. The nurse hears a series of long-duration, discontinuous, low-pitched sounds on auscultation of a client's lower lung fields. Which documentation of this finding is correct?
a. Fine crackles
b. Wheezes
c. Coarse crackles
d. Stridor
Rationale:
Coarse crackles are caused by air passing through airways that are intermittently occluded by mucus. Fine crackles are a series of short-duration, discontinuous, high-pitched sounds. Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched, musical or squeaking- type sounds. Stridor is a continuous croupy sound of constant pitch and indicates partial obstruction of the airway.
25. The nurse empties a client's urinary drainage from an indwelling Foley catheter. Which finding should be reported to the primary health care provider?
a. 240 mL of urinary output is produced in 12 hours.
Rationale:
An expected finding is between 400 and 750 mL in 12 hours = average of 30 mL/hr. Ammonia odor is an expected finding. Size 14- to 18-French catheters are common sizes used in the adult female. Below the level of the bladder is the correct position for the drainage bag.
26. When blood or blood products are administered, which task can be assigned to the licensed practical nurse (PN)?
a. Obtaining vital signs after infusion has begun
Rationale:
Blood and blood products must be initiated by the registered nurse (RN); however, obtaining vital signs may be delegated as long as the results are evaluated by the RN.
27. The charge nurse observes a student nurse enter the room of a client who is prescribed airborne precautions. The application of which personal protective equipment by the student indicates a correct understanding of this precaution?
a. Properly fitted N95 respirator or mask
Rationale:
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for airborne precautions includes a properly pre- fitted N95 respirator or mask. A surgical mask is used for preventing transmission of droplet precautions.
28. The nurse reviews the comprehensive metabolic panel for a client with an electrolyte imbalance. Which data requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
a. Sodium level, 125 mEq/L
Rationale:
The normal serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L. This value indicates hyponatremia. Symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, and seizures, which can be severe and need immediate attention.
29. A client is admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of hypokalemia. Which clinical manifestation is most significant?
a. Heart palpitations
Rationale:
Hypokalemia can cause heart palpitations, which are indicative of a dysrhythmia that could progress to a medical emergency.
30. The nurse prepares to administer 3 units of regular insulin and 20 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously to a client with an elevated blood glucose level. Which procedure is correct?
a. Using one syringe, add the regular insulin into the syringe and then add the NPH insulin.
Rationale:
The regular or "clear" insulin should be withdrawn into the syringe first, followed by the NPH. Air should first be injected into the NPH vial and then air should be inserted into the regular vial. NPH and regular insulin are compatible, and combining will reduce the number of injections.
The insulin is ordered subcutaneously and NPH cannot be given IV.
31. The nurse is caring for a client in the medical unit. Which task can be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
a. Obtain a fingerstick blood glucose level.
Rationale:
Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose level is a simple treatment and is an appropriate skill for UAP to perform. Options A, C, and D are skills that cannot be delegated to UAP.
32. Which disaster management intervention by the nurse is an example of primary prevention?
a. Education of rescue workers in first aid
Rationale:
Primary prevention is aimed at preventing disease or injury. Training rescue workers prior to a disaster is an example of minimizing or preventing injury.
33. The nurse teaches a class on bioterrorism. Which methods of transmission are possible with the biologic agent Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)? (Select all that apply.)
a. Inhalation of powder form
b. Handling of infected animals
c. Eating undercooked meat from infected animals
d. Direct cutaneous contact with the powder
Rationale:
Anthrax can be transmitted by the inhalation, cutaneous, and digestive routes (A, B, D, and E)
34. The nurse assesses a pressure ulcer on a client's heel and notes full-thickness tissue loss, with some visible subcutaneous fat. How should the nurse stage this pressure ulcer?
a. Stage III
Rationale:
The statement above describes a stage III ulcer, which is defined as full-thickness tissue loss in which subcutaneous fat may be exposed but without exposure of bone, tendon, or muscle. A stage I ulcer includes intact skin with non-blanchable redness of a localized area. A stage II ulcer is described by partial-thickness loss of dermis, including a shallow open ulcer with a pinkish red wound bed. Full- thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle and slough or eschar is indicative of a stage IV ulcer.
35. The nurse prepares to administer ophthalmic drops to a client prior to cataract surgery. List the steps in the order that they should be implemented from first step to final step.
1. Drop prescribed number of drops into conjunctival sac.
2. Wash hands and apply clean gloves.
3. Place the dominant hand on the client’s forehead.
4. Ask the client to close the eye gently.
B. 2, 3, 1, 4
Rationale:
Washing hands and applying gloves prior to procedure initiation prevents the spread of infection (2). Placing the dominant hand on the client’s forehead (3) stabilizes the hand so the nurse can hold the dropper 1 to 2 cm above the conjunctival sac and drop the prescribed number of drops (1); asking the client to close the eye gently helps distribute the medication (4).
36. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing severe pain. The expected outcome the nurse writes for the client reads, "The client will state my pain is <2 within 45 minutes after pain medication has been administered." Formulating the expected outcome is an example of which step in the nursing process?
a. Planning
Rationale:
Planning allows the nurse to set goals for care and elicit the expected outcome by identifying appropriate nursing actions. Assessment, implementation, and evaluation are part of the care for the client but are not the appropriate actions for formulating the expected outcome.
37. When assessing safety for the older adult, which of the following is of highest priority to the nurse?
a. The client reports a history of repeated falls.
Rationale:
Risk assessment for falls is a critical element in caring for the older adult. Options A, B, and C are important components in assessing client risk, but a history of prior falls puts the older client at very high risk for falling again.
38. While assessing a client with recurring chest pain, the unit secretary notifies the nurse that the client's health care provider is on the telephone. What action should the nurse instruct the unit secretary to implement?
a. Ask another nurse to take the phone call.
Rationale:
Another nurse should be asked to take the phone call, which allows the nurse to stay at the bedside to complete the assessment of the client's chest pain.
39. The family of a male adult with schizophrenia does not want the client to be involved in decisions regarding his treatment. The nurse should inform the family that the client has a right to be involved in his treatment planning based on which law?
a. American with Disabilities Act of 1990
Rationale:
The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees the client the right to participate in treatment planning.
40. An adult female who presents at the mental clinic trembling and crying becomes distressed when the nurse attempts to conduct an assessment. She complains about the number of questions that are being asked, which she is convinced are going to cause her to have a heart attack. What action should the nurse take?
a. Empower the client to share her story of why she is here at the mental health clinic.
Rationale:
The client is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety, which include voice tremors, shakiness, somatic complaints, and selective inattention. Option D is the best method for addressing this client's level of anxiety by creating a shared understanding of the client's concerns. Although assessment of her blood pressure might be a worthwhile intervention, reassuring her that questioning will not cause a heart attack is argumentative. Option B suggests that treatment cannot be provided without the information, which is manipulative. Asking the client to relax is likely to increase her anxiety.
41. A client in an acute psychiatric setting asks the nurse if their conversations will remain confidential. How should the nurse respond?
a. "The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prevents me from repeating what you say."
b. "You can be assured that I will keep all of our conversations confidential because it is important that you can trust me."
c. "For your safety and well-being, it may be necessary to share some of our conversations with the health care team."
d. "I am legally required to document all of our conversations in the electronic medical record."
Rationale:
Some information, such as a suicide plan, must be shared with other team members for the client's safety and optimal therapy. HIPAA does not prevent a member of the health care team from repeating all conversations, particularly if safety is an issue. Ensuring a client that a conversation will remain confidential puts the nurse at risk, particularly if safety is an issue. Although pertinent information should be documented, the nurse is not legally required to document all conversations with a client.
42. Which intervention is most important when caring for a client immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
a. Reorient the client to surroundings.
b. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes.
c. Determine if muscle soreness is present.
d. Maintain a patent airway.
Rationale:
The client is typically unconscious immediately following ECT, and nausea is a common side effect. The nurse should take measures to prevent aspiration and maintain a patent airway.
Clients may be confused after ECT, but reorientation is not as high a priority as the airway. Although vital signs should be assessed, the airway is a higher priority. Muscle soreness is an expected finding after ECT [Show Less]