ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
A few hours before the patient was admitted at the hospital, he complained of fever, nausea and vomiting, and vague abdominal pain. The doctor examined the patient as a case of acute appendicitis and prepared for appendectomy. The nurse anticipates that this type of surgery is classified as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: emergency. Acute appendicitis is a condition that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent complications like rupture. In an emergency surgery, the procedure must be done urgently to treat a life-threatening condition. In this case, the patient's symptoms indicate an urgent need for surgery to remove the inflamed appendix. Choice B: urgent, implies that surgery is needed promptly, but not immediately to prevent life-threatening complications. Choice C: elective, refers to a planned, non-urgent surgery that is scheduled in advance. Choice D: required, is a vague term and doesn't specify the urgency of the surgery, hence it is not the best classification for acute appendicitis surgery.
Question 3 of 5
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 4 of 5
Which of the following assessment findings would suggest to the home health nurse that the patient is developing congestive heart failure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Orthopnea is a classic symptom of congestive heart failure (CHF) due to fluid accumulation in the lungs when lying flat. Step 2: This symptom occurs because when lying down, the fluid redistributes, making it harder to breathe. Step 3: Fever (choice B) is not typically associated with CHF unless there is an underlying infection. Step 4: Weight loss (choice C) is more indicative of conditions like cancer or malnutrition, not CHF. Step 5: Calf pain (choice D) is more commonly associated with deep vein thrombosis, not CHF. Summary: Orthopnea is the best assessment finding indicating CHF, while the other choices are more likely related to different health conditions.
Question 5 of 5
A factory worker suffered a chemical burn to the eye and arrives at the Emergency department. What is the first action of the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: flush the eye continuously with sterile solution. This is the first action because it helps to remove the chemical from the eye, preventing further damage. Flushing with sterile solution dilutes and washes away the chemical, reducing the risk of ongoing injury. Applying a cold compress (A) may help with pain but does not address the chemical exposure. Applying a bandage (B) can trap the chemical and worsen the injury. Performing an assessment (C) should come after immediate treatment to ensure proper care but should not delay flushing the eye.