ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A client diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) comes to the emergency department with severe back pain. She reports that she first felt pain after manually opening her garage door and that she is taking prednisone daily. When adverse effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy is most likely responsible for the pain?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Osteoporosis. Long-term corticosteroid therapy, such as prednisone, is known to cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Corticosteroids inhibit bone formation and increase bone resorption, leading to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, which can manifest as severe back pain. Incorrect choices: A: Hypertension - Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and sodium retention, leading to hypertension, but it is not typically associated with severe back pain. B: Muscle wasting - Corticosteroids can lead to muscle weakness, but severe back pain is not typically related to muscle wasting. D: Truncal obesity - Corticosteroids can cause weight gain, especially in the trunk area, but this is not directly responsible for severe back pain.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is completing an assessment using the PQRST to obtain data about the patient’s chest pain. Match the questions to the components of the PQRST that the nurse will be using.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Where is the pain located? This question corresponds to the "P" in PQRST, which stands for Provocation/Palliation. By asking where the pain is located, the nurse is gathering information about what triggers or relieves the pain, aiding in the assessment of the chest pain. The other choices are incorrect because: B: What causes the pain? - This question corresponds to the "Q" in PQRST, which stands for Quality. It focuses on understanding the characteristics of the pain, not the cause. C: Does it come and go? - This question corresponds to the "R" in PQRST, which stands for Radiation. It pertains to whether the pain spreads to other areas, not if it comes and goes. D: What does the pain feel like? - This question corresponds to the "S" in PQRST, which stands for Severity. It relates to the intensity of the pain, not its location.
Question 4 of 9
A 39 y.o. homemaker sees her physician after she falls twice for seemingly no reason. Diagnostic tests are done, and she is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Which of the ff. explanations will help her understand her disease?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, not a build-up of myelin. Step 2: MS affects the nerves, not neurotransmitters related to muscle contraction (eliminates choice B). Step 3: MS does not damage receptor sites on muscles but affects nerve signal transmission (eliminates choice C). Step 4: The correct answer, D, explains that MS damages the insulation on nerve cells (myelin sheath), leading to slower nerve impulses to the muscles, causing weakness and coordination issues.
Question 5 of 9
A complete blood count is commonly performed before a client goes into surgery. What does this test seek to identify?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): A complete blood count (CBC) is used to identify abnormalities in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels are part of a CBC and indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Abnormally low HCT and Hb levels can signify conditions like anemia, which can impact a client's ability to undergo surgery due to potential complications related to oxygen delivery. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Potential hepatic dysfunction is not directly related to a CBC, and BUN/creatinine levels are markers for kidney function, not liver function. B: Low levels of urine constituents are not assessed in a CBC, which focuses on blood components. D: Electrolyte imbalance is not specifically tested in a CBC; it is usually evaluated through separate blood tests. Coagulation factors are not directly measured in a CBC.
Question 6 of 9
A man with a history of diabetes and chronic lung disease is admitted to the hospital with prostate cancer. He has all the following symptoms. Which should the nurse address first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory rate 36/min. In this case, the nurse should address the respiratory rate first due to the patient's chronic lung disease, indicating potential respiratory distress. High respiratory rate may signify hypoxia, infection, or worsening lung function, posing immediate life-threatening risks. Addressing this symptom promptly is crucial to prevent respiratory failure. Fever (A) and difficulty urinating (B) are important but not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory distress. Painful legs and feet (D) may indicate peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes, which is important but not as critical as addressing the respiratory issue.
Question 7 of 9
A client is brought to the emergency department unconscious after a fall. What is the primary source of information in this case?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Client's spouse. In the case of an unconscious client, the spouse is the primary source of information about the client's medical history, medications, allergies, and recent events. This information is crucial for providing appropriate care. Medical records may not be immediately accessible. Diagnostic tests provide limited historical information. Nursing assessment relies on the client's condition, which may not provide comprehensive information.
Question 8 of 9
A client who has been taking prednisone to treat lupus erythematosus has discontinued the medication because of lack of funds to buy the drug. When the nurse becomes aware of the situation, which assessment is most important for the nurse to make first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B being correct: 1. Blood pressure is vital in this scenario due to prednisone discontinuation. 2. Abruptly stopping prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency. 3. Adrenal insufficiency can cause hypotension, a life-threatening condition. 4. Monitoring blood pressure can help detect and manage potential complications. Summary of other choices: A: Breath sounds – Important but not the priority in this specific situation. C: Capillary refill – Useful for assessing circulation but not urgent in this context. D: Butterfly rash – A characteristic of lupus, but not a critical concern in this scenario.
Question 9 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.