NCLEX-RN
Implementation Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse prepares to admit a newborn born with spina bifida, myelomeningocele. Which nursing action is most important for the care for this infant?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intracranial pressure is a complication that is associated with spina bifida. A sign of intracranial pressure in the newborn infant with spina bifida is a bulging anterior fontanel. The newborn infant is at risk for infection before the surgical procedure and the closure of the gibbus, and monitoring the temperature is an important intervention; however, assessing the anterior fontanel for bulging is most important. A normal saline dressing is placed over the affected site to maintain the moisture of the sac and its contents. This prevents tearing or breakdown of skin integrity at the site. Blood pressure is difficult to assess during the newborn period, and it is not the best indicator of infection or a potential complication. Urine concentration is not well developed during the newborn stage of development.
Question 2 of 5
A client in the late, active, first stage of labor has just reported a gush of vaginal fluid. The nurse observes a fetal monitor pattern of variable decelerations during contractions followed by a brief acceleration. After that, there is a return to baseline until the next contraction, when the pattern is repeated. On the basis of these data, what is the nurse's initial intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Variable deceleration with brief acceleration after a gush of amniotic fluid is a common clinical manifestation of cord compression caused by occult or frank prolapse of the umbilical cord. A manual vaginal exam can detect the presence of the cord in the vagina, which confirms the problem. On the basis of the data in the question, none of the remaining options are initial actions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is asked to assist another health care team member with providing care for a client. On entering the client's room, the nurse notes that the client is placed in this position (refer to figure). After maintaining the client position, what should the nurse interpret that this client is most likely being treated for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A client in shock is placed in a modified Trendelenburg's position that includes elevating the legs, leaving the trunk flat, and elevating the head and shoulders slightly. This position promotes increased venous return from the lower extremities without compressing the abdominal organs against the diaphragm. The Trendelenburg position is no longer recommended for hypotensive clients because the client is predisposed to aspiration and worsens gas exchange. The remaining options identify conditions in which the head of the client's bed would be elevated.
Question 4 of 5
A pregnant client is receiving rehabilitative services for alcohol abuse. How should the nurse provide supportive care?
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: The nurse provides supportive care by encouraging the client to participate in care and to identify coping strategies. Counseling needs to continue after the infant is born. Communication with family members is important but not when they are supporting the addiction. It is not appropriate to suggest adoption.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse needs to administer 7.5 mg of a medication intramuscularly. The medication label reads '10 mg/mL.' How much medication should the nurse prepare to administer? Fill in the blank.
Correct Answer: 0.75
Rationale: Use the following formula to calculate the medication dose: Desired / Available × Volume = mL per dose. 7.5 mg / 10 mg × 1 mL = 0.75 mL.