NCLEX-RN
Assessment of a Patient Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a pregnant client with a history of cardiac disease. Which body area will venous congestion most commonly be noted in?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessment of the cardiovascular system includes observation for venous congestion that can develop into varicosities. Venous congestion is most commonly noted in the legs, the vulva, or the rectum. Although edema may be noted in the fingers and around the eyes, edema in these areas would not be directly associated with venous congestion. It would be difficult to assess for edema in the abdominal area of a client who is pregnant.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing a cardiovascular assessment on a client. Which item should the nurse assess to obtain the best information about the client's left-sided heart function?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client with heart failure may present different symptoms depending on whether the right or the left side of the heart is failing. The assessment of breath sounds provides information about left-sided heart function. Peripheral edema, hepatojugular reflux, and jugular vein distention are all signs of right-sided heart function.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing a child which finding would indicate the presence of Kernig's sign?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Kernig's sign is the inability of the child to extend the legs fully when lying supine. Brudzinski's sign is flexion of the hips when the neck is flexed from a supine position. Both of these signs are frequently present in clients with bacterial meningitis. Nuchal rigidity is also present with bacterial meningitis, and it occurs when pain prevents the child from touching the chin to the chest. Homans' sign is elicited when pain occurs in the calf region when the foot is dorsiflexed.
Question 4 of 5
A client at 35 weeks of gestation reports a sudden discharge of fluid from the vagina. Based on the data provided, which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Premature rupture of the membranes is usually manifested by a sudden discharge of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks of gestation. Miscarriage is typically manifested by vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Preterm labor is typically manifested by uterine contractions, cramping, and pressure before 37 weeks of gestation. Intrauterine fetal demise is usually manifested by an absence of fetal movements and heartbeat.
Question 5 of 5
A home care nurse assesses an older client's functional status and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). What is the focus area of the nurse's assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
To evaluate the client's functional status, the nurse assesses the client's ability to perform self-care or ADLs, including bathing, toileting, ambulating, dressing, and feeding. Everyday routines, household management, and physical condition are not components of functional status.