ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
What would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient with aphasia who state, "I want a ..." and then stops?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Wait for the patient to complete the sentence. This is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with aphasia because rushing the patient or providing suggestions can be counterproductive. Waiting allows the patient time to find the words they are looking for and encourages communication. It shows respect for the patient's autonomy and gives them the opportunity to express themselves fully. Choice B may overwhelm the patient, Choice C disrupts the communication process, and Choice D may not align with the patient's intended communication. Patience and support are key in aiding a patient with aphasia.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
A nurse is implementing interventions for a group of patients. Which actions are nursing interventions? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Repositioning a patient who is on bed rest is a nursing intervention as it involves direct patient care to prevent complications like pressure ulcers. Step 2: Nursing interventions aim to promote patient health, prevent illness, and provide comfort. Step 3: Ordering chest x-ray and prescribing antibiotics are medical interventions, beyond the scope of nursing practice. Step 4: Teaching preoperative exercises falls under nursing education but not a direct nursing intervention involving patient care. Summary: Choice C is correct as it aligns with the essence of nursing interventions focusing on patient care and wellbeing. Choices A, B, and D involve actions that are not within the scope of nursing interventions.
Question 5 of 9
What are the signs of organ rejection a nurse should closely monitor for when caring for a client after heart transplantation? Choose all that apply
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dyspnea. Dyspnea is a common sign of organ rejection after heart transplantation, indicating possible heart failure. Low white blood cell count (A) is not typically a direct sign of organ rejection. ECG changes (C) may occur but are not specific to organ rejection. Fever (D) is a non-specific symptom and can be caused by various factors. Dyspnea is a key indicator that the transplanted heart is not functioning properly and should be closely monitored.
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
A nurse is assigned to care for a client diagnosed with asthma who has just been admitted to the health care facility. The nurse determines the client’s priorities for care using which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, assessment skills. Assessing the client's current condition, including respiratory status, is crucial in determining priorities for care in asthma management. By utilizing assessment skills, the nurse can gather essential information to identify the client's immediate needs and develop an individualized care plan. Nursing books (B) can provide general information but do not provide real-time data on the client's current status. Client's records (C) may contain historical information but may not reflect the client's current condition. Supervisor's advice (D) is important but should supplement rather than replace the nurse's assessment skills in determining immediate care priorities.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. The nurse should include information about which hormone lacking in clients with diabetes insipidus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: antidiuretic hormone (ADH). In diabetes insipidus, there is a deficiency of ADH, which regulates water balance by reducing urine output. Without ADH, excessive urination and thirst occur. FSH, TSH, and LH are not related to water balance regulation. FSH and LH are involved in reproductive functions, while TSH regulates thyroid hormone production. Therefore, the nurse should focus on educating the client about the importance of ADH in managing diabetes insipidus.
Question 9 of 9
Which screening test for colorectal cancer should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct screening test for colorectal cancer is D: Proctosigmoidoscopy after age 50. This test allows direct visualization of the lower colon and rectum, aiding in the detection of polyps or tumors. It is recommended for individuals over 50 years old to screen for colorectal cancer. A: CEA test is not a primary screening tool but rather used for monitoring cancer progression. B: Annual digital examination is not sufficient for colorectal cancer screening. C: Barium enema is less effective compared to colonoscopy for detecting abnormalities in the colon.