ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client is being returned to the room after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which piece of equipment is most important for the nurse to keep at the client’s bedside?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Tracheostomy set Rationale: 1. Immediate airway management: After thyroidectomy, there is a risk of airway compromise due to swelling or bleeding. Tracheostomy set ensures immediate access to secure the airway. 2. Emergency intervention: In case of respiratory distress or airway obstruction post-surgery, a tracheostomy set allows for prompt and effective intervention. 3. Patient safety and priority: Ensuring airway patency is crucial for the client's survival and takes precedence over other equipment. Summary of other choices: A: Indwelling urinary catheter kit - Not directly related to post-thyroidectomy care. B: Cardiac monitor - Important but secondary to airway management in this situation. D: Humidifier - Not essential for immediate post-thyroidectomy care.
Question 2 of 9
A client with severe head trauma sustained in a car accident is admitted to the intensive care unit. Thirty six-hours later, the client’s urine output suddenly rises above 200mL/hour, leading the nurse to suspect diabetes insipidus. Which laboratory findings support the nurse’s suspicion of diabetes insipidus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Below-normal urine osmolality level, above-normal serum osmolality level. In diabetes insipidus, there is a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to the excretion of large volumes of dilute urine. This results in low urine osmolality as the kidneys are unable to concentrate the urine. On the other hand, the serum osmolality increases due to the lack of ADH causing water retention. Therefore, the laboratory findings of low urine osmolality and high serum osmolality support the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. Explanation for other choices: A: Above-normal urine and serum osmolality levels - This does not align with the pathophysiology of diabetes insipidus. B: Below-normal urine and serum osmolality levels - This is incorrect as low serum osmolality is not characteristic of diabetes insipidus. C: Above-normal urine osmolality level, below-normal
Question 3 of 9
A client is receiving a blood transfusion. If this client experiences an acute hemolytic reaction, which nursing intervention is the most important?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Immediately stop the transfusion, infuse normal saline solution, notify the blood bank. Rationale: 1. Stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further complications from the hemolytic reaction. 2. Infuse normal saline solution to maintain adequate hydration and support kidney function. 3. Notify the blood bank to report the adverse reaction and to return the blood products for further investigation and testing. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect because infusing dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is not indicated for treating a hemolytic reaction. Calling the physician is important, but stopping the transfusion and notifying the blood bank are more critical. B: Incorrect because slowing the transfusion may not be sufficient to manage the acute hemolytic reaction effectively. C: Incorrect because administering antihistamines is not the appropriate treatment for a hemolytic reaction. Stopping the transfusion and notifying the blood bank are more urgent actions.
Question 4 of 9
A client in the terminal stage of cancer is receiving continuous infusion of morphine (Duramorph) for pain management. Which assessment finding suggests that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of this drug?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min. Morphine is an opioid that can cause respiratory depression as a side effect. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min indicates hypoventilation, which is a potential adverse effect of morphine. This is a critical finding that requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory failure or arrest. A: Voiding of 350mL of concentrated urine in 8 hours is not directly related to morphine's adverse effects. Morphine can cause urinary retention, not increased voiding. C: Irregular heart rate of 82 beats/min is within normal range and not a typical adverse effect of morphine. Morphine can cause bradycardia or tachycardia, but not irregular heart rate specifically. D: Pupils constricted and equal is a common side effect of morphine due to its effect on the central nervous system. This finding does not suggest an adverse effect; it is an expected pharmac
Question 5 of 9
A client is being returned to the room after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which piece of equipment is most important for the nurse to keep at the client’s bedside?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Tracheostomy set Rationale: 1. Immediate airway management: After thyroidectomy, there is a risk of airway compromise due to swelling or bleeding. Tracheostomy set ensures immediate access to secure the airway. 2. Emergency intervention: In case of respiratory distress or airway obstruction post-surgery, a tracheostomy set allows for prompt and effective intervention. 3. Patient safety and priority: Ensuring airway patency is crucial for the client's survival and takes precedence over other equipment. Summary of other choices: A: Indwelling urinary catheter kit - Not directly related to post-thyroidectomy care. B: Cardiac monitor - Important but secondary to airway management in this situation. D: Humidifier - Not essential for immediate post-thyroidectomy care.
Question 6 of 9
A brain abscess is a collection of pus within the substance of the brain and is caused by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a brain abscess can be caused by direct invasion of the brain, spread of infection by other organs, and spread of infection from nearby sites. Direct invasion occurs when bacteria enter the brain tissue directly, such as through trauma or surgery. Infections from other organs, like the lungs or heart, can spread through the bloodstream to the brain. Infections from nearby sites, such as the ears or sinuses, can also spread to the brain. Therefore, all of these mechanisms can lead to the formation of a brain abscess. Choices A, B, and C individually do not cover all the possible causes of a brain abscess, making D the correct choice.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is conducting a health history interview for a woman at an assisted-living facility. The woman says, “I have been so constipated lately.” How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should respond by asking, “Do you take anything to help your constipation?” This response shows active listening and gathers more information about the woman’s current management of constipation. It allows the nurse to assess the woman's current treatment regimen and potential underlying causes. Choice A is incorrect as it diverts the conversation to chest problems, which is unrelated to the woman's primary concern of constipation. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests a potentially harmful solution without assessing the woman's current treatment or determining the cause of her constipation. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes bowel problems with aging without addressing the woman's specific issue or management.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is using critical thinking skills during the first phase of the nursing process. Which action indicates the nurse is in the first phase?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because during the first phase of the nursing process (assessment), the nurse collects a comprehensive database of information about the patient's health status and needs. This data forms the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Choices B, C, and D involve actions that occur in the subsequent phases of the nursing process (diagnosis, planning, and evaluation), not in the initial assessment phase. Therefore, A is the correct choice for the first phase.
Question 9 of 9
A 72 y.o. man is admitted to a skilled care facility following a stroke. When the nursing assistant is bathing him, he makes a sexual remark and tries to touch her inappropriately. The assistant finishes the bath, then tells the LPN in charge, “I refuse to take care of that dirty old man!” Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the patient's behavior is likely due to the stroke affecting his inhibitions. Finding a male assistant respects both the patient's dignity and the nursing assistant's comfort. Choice A is inappropriate as physical violence is never an acceptable response. Choice C lacks empathy and understanding of the situation. Choice D minimizes the seriousness of the behavior and fails to address the issue. B is the best option for promoting a safe and respectful environment for both the patient and staff.