NCLEX-RN V12.35 National Council Licensure Examination Latest Updated

NCLEX-RN V12.35 National Council Licensure Examination Latest Updated . A violent client remains in restraints for several hours. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate while he is in restraints? A. Give fluids if the client requests them. B. Assess skin integrity and circulation of extremities before applying restraints and as they are removed. C. Measure vital signs at least every 4 hours. D. Release restraints every 2 hours for client to exercise. Answer: D Explanation: (A) Fluids (nourishment) should be offered at regular intervals whether the client requests (or refuses) them or not. (B) Skin integrity and circulation of the extremities should be checked regularly while the client is restrained, not only before restraints are applied and after they are removed. (C) Vital signs should be checked at least every 2 hours. If the client remains agitated in restraints, vital signs should be monitored even more closely, perhaps every 1-2 hours. (D) Restraints should be released every 2 hours for exercise, one extremity at a time, to maintain muscle tone, skin and joint integrity, and circulation. NO.6 The pediatrician has diagnosed tinea capitis in an 8- year-old girl and has placed her on oral griseofulvin. The nurse should emphasize which of these instructions to the mother and/or child? A. Administer oral griseofulvin on an empty stomach for best results. B. Discontinue drug therapy if food tastes funny. C. May discontinue medication when the child experiences symptomatic relief. D. Observe for headaches, dizziness, and anorexia. Answer: D Explanation: (A) Giving the drug with or after meals may allay gastrointestinal discomfort. Giving the drug with a fatty meal (ice cream or milk) increases absorption rate. (B) Griseofulvin may alter taste sensations 3 and thereby decrease the appetite. Monitoring of food intake is important, and inadequate nutrient intake should be reported to the physician. (C) The child may experience symptomatic relief after 48- 96 hours of therapy. It is important to stress continuing the drug therapy to prevent relapse (usually about 6 weeks). (D) The incidence of side effects is low; however, headaches are common. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia may occur. Dizziness, although uncommon, should be reported to the physician. NO.7 A client with cirrhosis of the liver becomes comatose and is started on neomycin 300 mg q6h via nasogastric tube. The rationale for this therapy is to: A. Prevent systemic infection B. Promote diuresis C. Decrease ammonia formation D. Acidify the small bowel Answer: C Explanation: (A) Neomycin is an antibiotic, but this is not the Rationale for administering it to a client in hepatic coma. (B) Diuretics and salt-free albumin are used to promote diuresis in clients with cirrhosis of the liver. (C) Neomycin destroys the bacteria in the intestines. It is the bacteria in the bowel that break down protein into ammonia. (D) Lactulose is administered to create an acid environment in the bowel. Ammonia leaves the blood and migrates to this acidic environment where it is trapped and excreted. NO.8 A 5-year-old has just had a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which of these nursing measures should be included in the postoperative care? A. Encourage the child to cough up blood if present. B. Give warm clear liquids when fully alert. C. Have child gargle and do toothbrushing to remove old blood. D. Observe for evidence of bleeding. Answer: D Explanation: (A) The nurse should discourage the child from coughing, clearing the throat, or putting objects in his mouth. These may induce bleeding. (B) Cool, clear liquids may be given when child is fully alert. Warm liquids may dislodge a blood clot. The nurse should avoid red- or brown-colored liquids to distinguish fresh or old blood from ingested liquid should the child vomit. (C) Gargles and vigorous toothbrushing could initiate bleeding. (D) Postoperative hemorrhage, though unusual, may occur. The nurse should observe for bleeding by looking directly into the throat and for vomiting of bright red blood, continuous swallowing, and changes in vital signs. NO.9 An 80-year-old male client with a history of arteriosclerosis is experiencing severe pain in his left leg that started approximately 20 minutes ago. When performing the admission assessment, the nurse would expect to observe which of the following: A. Both lower extremities warm to touch with 2_pedal pulses B. Both lower extremities cyanotic when placed in a dependent position 4 C. Decreased or absent pedal pulse in the left leg D. The left leg warmer to touch than the right leg Answer: C Explanation: (A) This statement describes a normal assessment finding of the lower extremities. (B) This assessment finding reflects problems caused by venous insufficiency. (C) Decreased or absentpedal pulses reflect a problem caused by arterial insufficiency. (D) The leg that is experiencing arterial insufficiency would be cool to touch due to the decreased circulation. NO.10 A 16-month-old infant is being prepared for tetralogy of Fallot repair. In the nursing assessment, which lab value should elicit further assessment and requires notification of physician? A. pH 7.39 B. White blood cell (WBC) count 10,000 WBCs/mm3 C. Hematocrit 60% D. Bleeding time of 4 minutes Answer: C Explanation: (A) Normal pH of arterial blood gases for an infant is 7.35-7.45. (B) Normal white blood cell count in an infant is 6,000-17,500 WBCs/mm3. (C) Normal hematocrit in infant is 28%-42%. A 60% hematocrit may indicate polycythemia, a common complication of cyanotic heart disease. (D) Normal bleeding time is 2-7 minutes. NO.11 A male client is experiencing extreme distress. He begins to pace up and down the corridor. What nursing intervention is appropriate when communicating with the pacing client? A. Ask him to sit down. Speak slowly and use short, simple sentences. B. Help him to recognize his anxiety. C. Walk with him as he paces. D. Increase the level of his supervision. Answer: C Explanation: (A) The nurse should not ask him to sit down. Pacing is the activity he has chosen to deal with his anxiety. The nurse dealing with this client should speak slowly and with short, simplesentences. (B) The client may already recognize the anxiety and is attempting to deal with it. (C) Walk with the client as he paces. This gives support while he uses anxiety-generated energy. (D) Increasing the level of supervision may be appropriate after he stops pacing. It would minimize self-injury and/or loss of control. NO.12 Prior to an amniocentesis, a fetal ultrasound is done in order to: A. Evaluate fetal lung maturity B. Evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid C. Locate the position of the placenta and fetus D. Ensure that the fetus is mature enough to perform the amniocentesis Answer: C 5 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Explanation: (A) Amniocentesis can be performed to assess for lung maturity. Fetal ultrasound can be used for gestational dating, although it does not separately determine lung maturity. (B) Ultrasound can evaluate amniotic fluid volume, which may be used to determine congenital anomalies. (C) Amniocentesis involves removal of amniotic fluid for evaluation. The needle, inserted through the abdomen, is guided by ultrasound to avoid needle injuries, and the test evaluates the position of the placenta and the fetus. (D) Amniocentesis can be performed as early as the 15th-17th week of pregnancy. NO.13 A 25-year-old client believes she may be pregnant with her first child. She schedules an obstetric examination with the nurse practitioner to determine the status of her possible pregnancy. Her last menstrual period began May 20, and her estimated date of confinement using Nagele's rule is: A. March 27 B. February 1 C. February 27 D. January 3 Answer: C Explanation: (A)March 27 is a miscalculation. (B) February 1 is a miscalculation. (C) February 27 is the correct answer. To calculate the estimated date of confinement using Nagele's rule, subtract 3 months from the date that the last menstrual cycle began and then add 7 days to the result. (D) January 3 is a miscalculation. NO.14 A client is now pregnant for the second time. Her first child weighed 4536 g at delivery. The client's glucose tolerance test shows elevated blood sugar levels. Because she only shows signs of diabetes when she is pregnant, she is classified as having: A. Insulin-dependent diabetes B. Type II diabetes mellitus C. Type I diabetes mellitus D. Gestational diabetes mellitus Answer: D Explanation: (A) Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, also known as type I diabetes, usually appears before the age of 30 years with an abrupt onset of symptoms requiring insulin for management. It is not related to onset during pregnancy. (B) Non-insulin-dependent diabetes (type II diabetes) usually appears in older adults. It has a slow onset and progression of symptoms. (C) This type of diabetes is the same as insulin-dependent diabetes. (D) Gestational diabetes mellitus has its onset of symptoms during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery. These symptoms are usually mild and not life threatening, although they are associated with increased fetal morbidity and other fetal complications. NO.15 A 44-year-old female client is receiving external radiation to her scapula for metastasis of IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 6 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material breast cancer. Teaching related to skin care for the client would include which of the following? A. Teach her to completely clean the skin to remove all ointments and markings after each treatment . B. Teach her to cover broken skin in the treated area with a medicated ointment. C. Encourage her to wear a tight-fitting vest to support her scapula. D. Encourage her to avoid direct sunlight on the area being treated. Answer: D Explanation: (A) The skin in a treatment area should be rinsed with water and patted dry. Markings should be left intact, and the skin should not be scrubbed. (B) Clients should avoid putting any creams or lotions on the treated area. This could interfere with treatment. (C) Radiation therapy clients should wear loosefitting clothes and avoid tight, irritating fabrics. (D) The area of skin being treated is sensitive to sunlight, and the client should take care to prevent sun damage by avoiding direct sunlight and covering the area when she is in the sun. NO.16 The nurse is assisting a 4th-day postoperative cholecystectomy client in planning her meals for tomorrow's menu. Which vitamin is the most essential in promoting tissue healing? A. Vitamin C B. Vitamin B1 C. Vitamin D D. Vitamin A Answer: A Explanation: (A) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential in promoting wound healing and collagen formation. (B) Vitamin B1 (thiamine) maintains normal gastrointestinal (GI) functioning, oxidizes carbohydrates, and is essential for normal functioning of nervous tissue. (C) Vitamin D regulates absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the GI tract and helps prevent rickets. (D) Vitamin A is necessary for the formation and maintenance of skin and mucous membranes. It is also essential for normal growth and development of bones and teeth. NO.17 A 10-year-old client with a pin in the right femur is immobilized in traction. He is exhibiting behavioral changes including restlessness, difficulty with problem solving, inability to concentrate on activities, and monotony. Which of the following nursing implementations would be most effective in helping him cope with immobility? A. Providing him with books, challenging puzzles, and games as diversionary activities B. Allowing him to do as much for himself as he is able, including learning to do pin-site care under supervision C. Having a volunteer come in to sit with the client and to read him stories D. Stimulating rest and relaxation by gentle rubbing with lotion and changing the client's position frequently Answer: B IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 7 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Explanation: (A) These activities could be frustrating for the client if he is having difficulty with problem solving and concentration. (B) Selfcare is usually well received by the child, and it is one of the most useful interventions to help the child cope with immobility. (C) This may be helpful to the client if he has no visitors, but it does little to help him develop coping skills. (D) This will helpto prevent skin irritation or breakdown related to immobility but will not help to prevent behavioral changes related to immobility. NO.18 In client teaching, the nurse should emphasize that fetal damage occurs more frequently with ingestion of drugs during: A. First trimester B. Second trimester C. Third trimester D. Every trimester Answer: A Explanation: (A) Organogenesis occurs in the first trimester. Fetus is most susceptible to malformation during this period. (B) Organogenesis has occurred by the second trimester. (C) Fetal development is complete by this time. (D) The dangerous period for fetal damage is the first trimester, not the entire pregnancy. NO.19 On admission, the client has signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema. The nurse places the client in the most appropriate position for a client in pulmonary edema, which is: A. High Fowler B. Lying on the left side C. Sitting in a chair D. Supine with feet elevated Answer: A Explanation: (A) High Fowler position decreases venous return to the heart and permits greater lung expansion so that oxygenation is maximized. (B) Lying on the left side may improve perfusion to the left lung but does not promote lung expansion. (C) Sitting in a chair will decrease venous return and promote maximal lung expansion. However, clients with pulmonary edema can deteriorate quickly and require intubation and mechanical ventilation. If a client is sitting in achair when this deterioration happens, it will be difficult to intervene quickly. (D) The supine with feet elevated position increases venous return and will worsen pulmonary edema. NO.20 A client has returned to the unit from the recovery room after having a thyroidectomy. The nurse knows that a major complication after a thyroidectomy is: A. Respiratory obstruction B. Hypercalcemia C. Fistula formation D. Myxedema IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 8 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Answer: A Explanation: (A) Respiratory obstruction due to edema of the glottis, bilateral laryngeal nerve damage, or tracheal compression from hemorrhage is a major complication after a thyroidectomy. (B) Hypocalcemia accompanied by tetany from accidental removal of one or more parathyroid glands is a major complication, not hypercalcemia. (C) Fistula formation is not a major complication associated with a thyroidectomy. It is a major complication with a laryngectomy.(D) Myxedema is hypothyroidism that occurs in adults and is not a complication of a thyroidectomy. A thyroidectomy client tends to develop thyroid storm, which is excess production of thyroid hormone. NO.21 The nurse should facilitate bonding during the postpartum period. What should the nurse expect to observe in the taking-hold phase? A. Mother is concerned about her recovery. B. Mother calls infant by name. C. Mother lightly touches infant. D. Mother is concerned about her weight gain. Answer: B Explanation: (A) This observation can be made during the taking-in phase when the mother's needs are more important. (B) This observation can be made during the taking-hold phase when the mother is actively involved with herself and the infant. (C, D) This observation can be made during the taking-in phase. NO.22 A female client has just died. Her family is requesting that all nursing staff leave the room. The family's religious leader has arrived and is ready to conduct a ceremony for the deceased in the room, requesting that only family members be present. The nurse assigned to the client should perform the appropriate nursing action, which might include: A. Inform the family that it is the hospital's policy not to conduct religious ceremonies in client rooms . B. Refuse to leave the room because the client's body is entrusted in the nurse's care until it can be brought to the morgue. C. Tell the family that they may conduct their ceremony in the client's room; however, the nurse must attend. D. Respect the client's family's wishes. Answer: D Explanation: (A) It is rare that a hospital has a specific policy addressing this particular issue. If the statement is true, the nurse should show evidence of the policy to the family and suggest alternatives, such as the hospital chapel. (B) Refusal to leave the room demonstrates a lack of understanding related to the family's need to grieve in their own manner. (C) The nurse should leave the room and allow the IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 9 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material family privacy in their grief. (D) The family's wish to conduct a religious ceremony in the client's room is part of the grief process. The request is based on specific cultural and religious differences dictating social customs. NO.23 A woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is disturbed with diplopia. The nurse will teach her to: A. Limit activities which require focusing (close vision) B. Take more frequent naps C. Use artificial tears D. Wear a patch over one eye Answer: D Explanation: (A) Limiting activities requiring close vision will not alleviate the discomfort of double vision. (B) Frequent naps may be comforting, but they will not prevent double vision. (C) Artificial tears are necessary in the absence of a corneal reflex, but they have no effect on diplopia. (D) An eye patch over either eye will eliminate the effects of double vision during the time the eye patch is worn. An eye patch is safe for a person with an intact corneal reflex. NO.24 One of the most reliable assessment tools for adequacy of fluid resuscitation in burned children is: A. Blood pressure B. Level of consciousness C. Skin turgor D. Fluid intake Answer: B Explanation: (A) Blood pressure can remain normotensive in a state of hypovolemia. (B) Capillary refill, alterations in sensorium, and urine output are the most reliable indicators for assessing hydration. (C) Skin turgor is not a reliable indicator for assessing hydration in a burn client. (D) Fluid intake does not indicate adequacy of fluid resuscitation in a burn client. NO.25 Which one of the following is considered a reliable indicator for assessing the adequacy of fluid resuscitation in a 3-year-old child who suffered partial- and fullthickness burns to 25% of her body? A. Urine output B. Edema C. Hypertension D. Bulging fontanelle IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 10 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Answer: A Explanation: (A) Urinary output is a reliable indicator of renal perfusion, which in turn indicates that fluid resuscitation is adequate. IV fluids are adjusted based on the urinary output of the child during fluid resuscitation. (B) Edema is an indication of increased capillary permeability following a burn injury. (C) Hypertension is an indicator of fluid volume excess. (D) Fontanelles close by 18 months of age. NO.26 A client with a diagnosis of C-4 injury has been stabilized and is ready for discharge. Because this client is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia, he and his family should be instructed to assess for and report: A. Dizziness and tachypnea B. Circumoral pallor and lightheadedness C. Headache and facial flushing D. Pallor and itching of the face and neck Answer: C Explanation: (A) Tachypnea is not a symptom. (B) Circumoral pallor is not a symptom. (C) Autonomic dysreflexia is an uninhibited and exaggerated reflex of the autonomic nervous system to stimulation, which results in vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure. (D) Pallor and itching are not symptoms. NO.27 A client states to his nurse that "I was told by the doctor not to take one of my drugs because it seems to have caused decreasing blood cells." Based on this information, which drug might the nurse expect to be discontinued? A. Prednisone B. Timolol maleate (Blocadren) C. Garamycin (Gentamicin) D. Phenytoin (Dilantin) Answer: D Explanation: (A) Prednisone is not linked with hematological side effects. (B) Timolol, a -adrenergic blocker is metabolized by the liver. It has not been linked to blood dyscrasia. (C) Gentamicin is ototoxic and nephrotoxic. (D) Phenytoin usage has been linked to blood dyscrasias such as aplastic anemia. The drug most commonly linked to aplastic anemia is chloramphenicol (Chlormycetin). NO.28 A client has been taking lithium 300 mg po bid for the past two weeks. This morning her lithium level was 1 mEq/L. The nurse should: A. Notify the physician immediately B. Hold the morning lithium dose and continue to observe the client C. Administer the morning lithium dose as scheduled D. Obtain an order for benztropine (Cogentin) Answer: C Explanation: (A) There is no need to phone the physician because the lithium level is within therapeutic range and IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 11 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material because there are no indications of toxicity present. (B) There is no reason to withhold the lithium because the blood level is within therapeutic range. Also, it is necessary to give the medication as scheduled to maintain adequate blood levels. (C) The lab results indicate that the client's lithium level is within therapeutic range (0.2-1.4 mEq/L), so the medication should be given as ordered. (D) Benztropine is an antiparkinsonism drug frequently given to counteractextrapyramidal symptoms associated with the administration of antipsychotic drugs (not lithium). NO.29 The primary focus of nursing interventions for the child experiencing sickle cell crisis is aimed toward: A. Maintaining an adequate level of hydration B. Providing pain relief C. Preventing infection D. O2 therapy Answer: A Explanation: (A) Maintaining the hydration level is the focus for nursing intervention because dehydration enhances the sickling process. Both oral and parenteral fluids are used. (B) The pain is a result of the sickling process. Analgesics or narcotics will be used for symptom relief, but the underlying cause of the pain will be resolved with hydration. (C) Serious bacterial infections may result owing to splenic dysfunction. This is true at all times, not just during the acute period of a crisis. (D) O2 therapy is used for symptomatic relief of the hypoxia resulting from the sickling process. Hydration is the primary intervention to alleviate the dehydration that enhances the sickling process. NO.30 Three weeks following discharge, a male client is readmitted to the psychiatric unit for depression. His wife stated that he had threatened to kill himself with a handgun. As the nurse admits him to the unit, he says, "I wish I were dead because I am worthless to everyone; I guess I am just no good." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate at this time? A. "I don't think you are worthless. I'm glad to see you, and we will help you." B. "Don't you think this is a sign of your illness?" C. "I know with your wife and new baby that you do have a lot to live for." D. "You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now?" Answer: D Explanation: (A) This response does not acknowledge the client's feelings. (B) This is a closed question and does not encourage communication. (C) This response negates the client's feelings and does not require a response from the client. (D) This acknowledges the client's implied thoughts and feelings and encourages a response. NO.31 A 52-year-old client is scheduled for a small-bowel resection in the morning. In conjunction with other preoperative preparation, the nurse is teaching her diaphragmatic breathing exercises. IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 12 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material She will teach the client to: A. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose until the lungs are fully expanded, hold the breath a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat 2-3 more times to complete the series every 1-2 hours while awake B. Purse the lips and take quick, short breaths approximately 18-20 times/min C. Take a large gulp of air into the mouth, hold it for 10-15 seconds, and then expel it through the nose. Repeat 4-5 times to complete the series D. Inhale as deeply as possible and then immediately exhale as deeply as possible at a rate of approximately 20-24 times/min Answer: A Explanation: (A) This is the correct method of teaching diaphragmatic breathing, which allows full lung expansion to increase oxygenation, prevent atelectasis, and move secretions up and out of the lungs to decrease risk of pneumonia. (B) Quick, short breaths do not allow for full lung expansion and movement of secretions up and out of the lungs. Quick, short breaths may lead to O2 depletion, hyperventilation, and hypoxia. (C) Expelling breaths through the nose does not allow for full lung expansion and the use of diaphragmatic muscles to assist in moving secretions up and out of the lungs. (D) Inhaling and exhaling at a rate of 20-24 times/min does not allow time for full lung expansion to increase oxygenation. This would most likely lead to O2 depletion and hypoxia. NO.32 The nurse enters the playroom and finds an 8-year-old child having a grand mal seizure. Which one of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Place a tongue blade in the child's mouth. B. Restrain the child so he will not injure himself. C. Go to the nurses station and call the physician. D. Move furniture out of the way and place a blanket under his head. Answer: D Explanation: (A) The nurse should not put anything in the child's mouth during a seizure; this action could obstruct the airway. (B) Restraining the child's movements could cause constrictive injury. (C) Staying with the child during a seizure provides protection and allows the nurse to observe the seizure activity. (D) The nurse should provide safety for the child by moving objects and protecting the head. NO.33 An 11-year-old boy has received a partial-thickness burn to both legs. He presents to the emergency room approximately 15 minutes after the accident in excruciating pain with charred clothing to both legs. What is the first nursing action? A. Apply ice packs to both legs. B. Begin debridement by removing all charred clothing from wound. C. Apply Silvadene cream (silver sulfadiazine). D. Immerse both legs in cool water. Answer: D Explanation: IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 13 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material (A) Ice creates a dramatic temperature change in the tissue, which can cause further thermal injury. (B) Charred clothing should not be removed from wound first. This creates further tissue damage. Debridement is not the first nursing action. (C) Applying silver sulfadiazine cream first insulates heat in injured tissue and increases potential for infection. (D) Emergency care of a thermal burn is immersing both legs in cool water. Cool water permits gradual temperature change and prevents further thermal damage. NO.34 The nurse notes scattered crackles in both lungs and 1+ pitting edema when assessing a cardiac client. The physician is notified and orders furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg IV push stat. Which of the following diagnostic studies is monitored to assess for a major complication of this therapy? A. Serum electrolytes B. Arterial blood gases C. Complete blood count D. 12-Lead ECG Answer: A Explanation: (A) Furosemide, a potassium-depleting diuretic, inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride from the loop of Henle and the distal renal tubules. Serum electrolytes are monitored for hypokalemia. (B) Severe acid-base imbalances influence the movement of potassium into and out of the cells, but arterial blood gases to not measure the serum potassium level. (C) Furosemide is a potassium-depleting diuretic. A complete blood count does not reflect potassium levels. (D) Abnormalities in potassium (both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia) are reflected in ECG changes, but these changes do not occur until the abnormality is severe. NO.35 A psychiatric client has been stabilized and is to be discharged. The nurse will recognize client insight and behavioral change by which of the following client statements? A. "When I get home, I will need to take my medicines and call my therapist if I have any side effects or begin to hear voices." B. "If I have any side effects from my medicines, I will take an extra dose of Cogentin." C. "When I get home, I should be able to taper myself off the Haldol because the voices are gone now." D. "As soon as I leave here, I'm throwing away my medicines. I never thought I needed them anyway." Answer: A Explanation: (A) The client verbalizes that he is responsible for compliance and keeping the treatment team member informed of progress. This behavior puts him at the lowest risk for relapse. (B) Noncompliance is a major cause of relapse. This statement reflects lack of responsibility for his own IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 14 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material health maintenance. (C) This statement reflects lack of insight into the importance of compliance. (D) This statement reflects no insight into his illness or his responsibility in health maintenance. NO.36 A mother brings a 6-month-old infant and a 4-year-old child to the nursing clinic for routine examination and screening. Which of these plans by the nurse would be most successful? A. Examine the 4 year old first. B. Provide time for play and becoming acquainted. C. Have the mother leave the room with one child, and examine the other child privately. D. Examine painful areas first to get them "over with." Answer: B Explanation: (A) The 6 month old should be examined first. If several children will be examined, begin with the most cooperative and less anxious child to provide modeling. (B) Providing time for play and getting acquainted minimizes stress and anxiety associated with assessment of body parts. (C) Children generally cooperate best when their mother remains with them. (D) Painful areas are best examined last and will permit maximum accuracy of assessment. NO.37 Diagnostic assessment findings for an infant with possible coarctation of the aorta would include: A. A third heart sound B. A diastolic murmur C. Pulse pressure difference between the upper extremities D. Diminished or absent femoral pulses Answer: D Explanation: (A) S1 and S2 in an infant with coarctation of the aorta are usually normal. S3 and S4 do not exist with this diagnosis. (B) Either no murmur will be heard or a systolic murmur from an associated cardiac defect will be heard along the left upper sternal border. A diastolic murmur is not associated with coarctation of the aorta. (C) Pulse pressure differences of>20 mm Hg exist between the upper extremities and the lower extremities. It is important to evaluate the upper and lower extremities with the appropriate- sized cuffs. (D) Femoral and pedal pulses will be diminished or absent in infants with coarctation of the aorta. NO.38 During a client's first postpartum day, the nurse assessed that the fundus was located laterally to the umbilicus. This may be due to: A. Endometritis B. Fibroid tumor on the uterus C. Displacement due to bowel distention D. Urine retention or a distended bladder Answer: D IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 15 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Explanation: (A, B) Endometritis, urine retention, or bladder distention provide good distractors because they may delay involution but do not usually cause the uterus to be lateral. (C) Bowel distention and constipation are common in the postpartum period but do not displace the uterus laterally. (D) Urine retention or bladder distention commonly displaces the uterus to the right and may delay involution. NO.39 An 80-year-old widow is living with her son and daughter- in-law. The home health nurse has been making weekly visits to draw blood for a prothrombin time test. The client is taking 5 mg of coumadin per day. She appears more debilitated, and bruises are noted on her face. Elder abuse is suspected. Which of the following are signs of persons who are at risk for abusing an elderly person? A. A family member who is having marital problems and is regularly abusing alcohol B. A person with adequate communication and coping skills who is employed by the family C. A friend of the family who wants to help but is minimally competent D. A lifelong friend of the client who is often confused Answer: A Explanation: (A) This answer is correct. Two risk factors are identified in this answer. (B) This answer is incorrect. Persons at risk tend to lack communication skills and effective coping patterns. (C) This answer is incorrect. Persons at risk are usually family members or those reluctant to provide care. (D) This answer is incorrect. This individual has a vested interest in providing care. NO.40 A 32-year-old female client is being treated for Guillain- Barre syndrome. She complains of gradually increasing muscle weakness over the past several days. She has noticed an increased difficulty in ambulating and fell yesterday. When conducting a nursing assessment, which finding would indicate a need for immediate further evaluation? A. Complaints of a headache B. Loss of superficial and deep tendon reflexes C. Complaints of shortness of breath D. Facial paralysis Answer: C Explanation: (A) Headaches are not associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. (B) Loss of superficial and deep tendon reflexes is expected with this diagnosis. (C) Complaints of shortness of breath must be further evaluated. Forty percent of all clients have some detectable respiratory weakness and should be prepared for a possible tracheostomy. Pneumonia is also a common complication of this syndrome. (D) Facial paralysis is expected and is not considered abnormal. NO.41 Plans for the care of a client with an ulcer caused by emotional problems need to take into consideration that: A. His priority needs are limited to medical management IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 16 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material B. There is no real psychological basis for his illness C. The disorder is a threat to his physical well-being D. He is unable to participate in planning his care Answer: C Explanation: (A) There may be a medical emergency that takes top priority; however, the basis of the problem is emotional. (B) The problem is a physical manifestation of an emotional conflict. (C) The bleeding ulcer can be life threatening. (D) For lifestyle change to occur, the client must participate in the planning of his care so that he is committed to changes that will have positive results. NO.42 A 55-year-old man has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. His physician orders a lowsodium diet for him. When he asks, "What does salt have to do with high blood pressure?'' the nurse's initial response would be: A. "The reason is not known why hypertension is associated with a high-salt diet." B. "Large amounts of salt in your diet can cause you to retain fluid, which increases your blood pressure." C. "Salt affects your blood vessels and causes your blood pressure to be high." D. "Salt is needed to maintain blood pressure, but too much causes hypertension." Answer: B Explanation: (A) This response is untrue. (B) Decreasing salt intake reduces fluid retention and decreases blood pressure. (C) Salt does not have an effect on the blood vessels themselves, but on fluid retention, which accompanies salt intake. (D) This response is untrue. NO.43 A client is medically cleared for ECT and is tentatively scheduled for six treatments over a 2- week period. Her husband asks, "Isn't that a lot?" The nurse's best response is: A. "Yes, that does seem like a lot." B. "You'll have to talk to the doctor about that. The physician knows what's best for the client." C. "Six to 10 treatments are common. Are you concerned about permanent effects?" D. "Don't worry. Some clients have lots more than that." Answer: C Explanation: (A) This response indicates that the nurse is unsure of herself and not knowledgeable about ECT. It also reinforces the husband's fears. (B) This response is "passing the buck" unnecessarily. The information needed to appropriately answer the husband's question is well within the nurse's knowledge base. (C) The most common range for affective disorders is 6-10 treatments. This response confirms and reinforces the physician's plan for treatment. It also opens communicationwith the husband to identify underlying fears and knowledge deficits. (D) This response offers false reassurance and dismisses the husband's underlying concerns about his wife. IT Certification Guaranteed, The Easy Way! 17 S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material Downloaded by: youngstar | Distribution of this document is illegal Want to earn $103 per month? S - The Marketplace to Buy and Sell your Study Material NO.44 A client with IDDM is given IV insulin for a blood glucose level of 520 mg/dL. Life-threatening complications may occur initially, so the nurse will monitor him closely for serum: A. Chloride level of 99 mEq/L B. Sodium level of 136 mEq/L C. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L D. Potassium level of 6.3 mEq/L Answer: D Explanation: (A) The chloride level is within acceptable limits. (B) The sodium level is within acceptable limits. (C) This value indicates hypokalemia, rather than the hyperkalemia that occurs during diabetic ketoacidosis. (D) When diabetic ketoacidosis exists, intracellular dehydration occurs and potassium leaves the cells and enters the vascular system, thus increasing the serum level beyond an acceptable range. When insulin and fluids are administered, cell walls are repaired and potassium is transported back into the cells. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. NO.45 A 27-year-old primigravida at 32 weeks' gestation has been diagnosed with complete placenta previa. Conservative management including bed rest is the proper medical management. The goal for fetal survival is based on fetal lung maturity. The test used to determine fetal lung maturity is: A. Dinitrophenylhydrazine B. Metachromatic stain C. Blood serum phenylalanine test