ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 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 gathers a comprehensive database of information about the patient's health status. This includes collecting subjective and objective data to form a baseline for further decision-making. Identifying nursing diagnoses (B) occurs in the second phase (diagnosis), intervening based on priorities of patient care (C) is part of the third phase (planning), and determining outcomes (D) is done in the final phase (evaluation). Therefore, completing a comprehensive database is the most appropriate action in the first phase.
Question 2 of 9
A patient was recently diagnosed with pneumonia. The nurse and the patient have established a goal that the patient will not experience shortness of breath with activity in 3 days with an expected outcome of having no secretions present in the lungs in 48 hours. Which evaluative measure will the nurse use to demonstrate progress toward this goal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct evaluative measure is D: Lungs clear to auscultation following use of inhaler. This choice aligns with the expected outcome of having no secretions present in the lungs in 48 hours. By using an inhaler to clear the lungs, the nurse can assess if the expected outcome is being met. This measure directly evaluates the presence of secretions in the lungs, in line with the established goal. Incorrect Choices: A: No sputum or cough present in 4 days - This measure does not align with the expected outcome of having no secretions present in the lungs in 48 hours. B: Congestion throughout all lung fields in 2 days - This indicates a worsening condition and does not demonstrate progress towards the goal. C: Shallow, fast respirations 30 breaths per minute in 1 day - This measure is unrelated to the presence of secretions in the lungs and the goal of avoiding shortness of breath with activity.
Question 3 of 9
The lungs regulate acid-base balance b₃y⁻ all of the following except:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Slowing ventilation. The lungs regulate acid-base balance by controlling carbon dioxide levels through ventilation. Increasing ventilation helps expel excess carbon dioxide, thus regulating pH. Slowing ventilation would lead to CO2 buildup and an imbalance in acid-base levels. Excreting HCO3- into the blood (choice A) helps maintain pH, while increasing ventilation (choice D) aids in removing excess CO2. Therefore, slowing ventilation is the exception as it would disrupt the acid-base balance by not effectively regulating carbon dioxide levels.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the ff does the examiner note when auscultating the lungs of a client with pleural effusion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. When auscultating the lungs of a client with pleural effusion, the examiner would note decreased or absent breath sounds over the area where the fluid has accumulated. This is due to the fluid blocking the transmission of sound through the lungs. Pronounced breath sounds (choice A) would not be present due to the fluid obstructing the normal sound transmission. Expiratory wheezes (choice B) are associated with airway obstruction, not fluid accumulation. Friction rub (choice C) is a dry, grating sound heard with inflammation of the pleura, not specifically related to pleural effusion.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with HIV who has diarrhea. Which of the following would be most therapeutic to teach the patient to avoid in the diet to reduce diarrhea?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Raw fruits and vegetables. Patients with HIV and diarrhea should avoid raw fruits and vegetables due to their high fiber content, which can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Fiber can increase bowel movements and worsen diarrhea. Therefore, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables can help reduce diarrhea. Choice A (Potassium-rich food) is not the best answer because potassium-rich foods are important for patients with HIV to maintain electrolyte balance. Choice B (Liquid nutritional supplements) can actually be beneficial in providing essential nutrients to patients with HIV. Choice D (Frozen products) is not directly related to diarrhea management in patients with HIV.
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
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 9 of 9
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which nursing diagnosis has the lowest priority for a client admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Risk for body image disturbance. In Maslow's hierarchy, physiological needs like airway clearance take precedence over emotional or self-esteem needs like body image disturbance. Priority is given to addressing life-threatening issues first. Impaired urinary elimination could be related to the client's heart failure and should be addressed to prevent complications. Coping mechanisms are important for emotional well-being but are not as critical as physiological needs in this scenario.