NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Predictor Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
The rehabilitation nurse wishes to make the following entry into a client's plan of care: 'Client will reestablish a pattern of daily bowel movements without straining within two months.' The nurse would write this statement under which section of the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Long-term goals.' Long-term goals are designed to describe changes in client behavior expected over a time frame greater than one week. In this case, the goal of reestablishing a pattern of daily bowel movements without straining within two months falls under a long-term goal. Long-term goals are aimed at restoring normal functioning in a problem area and are beneficial for healthcare workers caring for the client across different settings. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because nursing diagnosis/problem list, nursing orders, and short-term goals do not encompass the desired timeframe or level of expected change in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
The client reports nausea and constipation. Which of the following would be the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing action when a client reports symptoms like nausea and constipation is to complete an abdominal assessment. Assessment is crucial as it involves the systematic collection of data to understand the client's condition. By assessing the abdomen, the nurse can gather essential information to make a nursing diagnosis and develop a care plan. Collecting a stool sample (Choice A) may be necessary but comes after the assessment to confirm findings. Administering an anti-nausea medication (Choice C) addresses symptoms but does not address the underlying cause without a thorough assessment. Notifying the physician (Choice D) should come after the assessment to provide a complete picture of the client's condition.
Question 3 of 9
A urine pregnancy test:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A urine pregnancy test detects HCG in a pregnant woman's urine. Blood levels of HCG are usually higher and register earlier than HCG levels in the urine. Choice A is correct because urine pregnancy tests may be negative even if a blood pregnancy test is positive due to the differences in HCG levels in blood and urine. Choice B is incorrect because a urine pregnancy test can be positive throughout pregnancy, not just in the first trimester. Choice C is incorrect because LH (luteinizing hormone) is not the hormone detected in a pregnancy test; it is HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Choice D is incorrect because not all the statements provided are true.
Question 4 of 9
The client is being discharged to a long-term care (LTC) facility. The nurse is preparing a progress note to communicate to the LTC staff the client's outcome goals that were met and those that were not. To do this effectively, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To effectively communicate the client's outcome goals that were met and those that were not to the LTC staff, the nurse should draw conclusions about the resolution of the current client problems. Terminal evaluation is performed to determine the client's condition at discharge, focusing on which goals were achieved and which were not. Formulating post-discharge nursing diagnoses (option A) is not the most appropriate action in this scenario as it focuses on identifying potential problems after discharge rather than evaluating achieved goals. Assessing the client for baseline data (option C) is not necessary at this point as the focus is on evaluating outcomes rather than collecting baseline data. Planning the care needed in the LTC facility (option D) is premature as this should be done on admission to the LTC facility and not during the discharge process.
Question 5 of 9
Which of the following activities would the nurse perform during the diagnosing phase of the nursing process? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the diagnosing phase of the nursing process, the nurse analyzes the collected data to identify problems, risks, and client strengths, which then leads to developing nursing diagnoses. Collecting and organizing client information is part of the assessment phase, where data is gathered. Developing nursing diagnoses comes after data analysis in the diagnosing phase. Goal setting is a component of the planning phase, which follows the diagnosing phase.
Question 6 of 9
What would be an appropriate evaluation statement for the nurse to write based on the client's ability to state only two signs of impaired circulation out of three as expected?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The appropriate evaluation statement for the nurse to write would be 'Goal not met: Client able to name only two signs of impaired circulation.' In this scenario, the client has only identified two out of the three signs of impaired circulation specified in the desired outcome. Therefore, the goal has not been fully achieved. It is essential in nursing practice to assess and document client progress accurately. While the client has shown some understanding by correctly identifying numbness and tingling as signs of impaired circulation, the inability to state the third sign indicates an incomplete achievement of the goal. This evaluation helps guide further interventions or educational strategies to help the client meet the desired outcome in the care plan.
Question 7 of 9
A resident brings several electronic devices to a nursing home. One of the devices has a two-pronged plug. What rationale should the nurse provide when explaining why an electrical device must have a three-pronged plug?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A three-pronged plug functions as a ground to dissipate stray electrical currents. This helps prevent electrical shocks and ensures the safety of the user. Choice B is incorrect because the number of prongs on a plug does not impact the efficient use of electricity. Choice C is incorrect because a three-pronged plug does not shut off the appliance during an electrical surge; that role is typically fulfilled by surge protectors. Choice D is incorrect as a three-pronged plug does not divide electricity among appliances in a room; it primarily serves as a safety measure to handle excess electrical currents.
Question 8 of 9
Before allowing the client's infant granddaughter to visit before the client's scheduled heart transplant, the nurse decides it would be beneficial to collaborate with which of the following? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Collaborating with the client and family is crucial as it fosters a sense of autonomy and active involvement in the healthcare process for the client. Involving other nursing staff ensures the successful implementation of the planned intervention and provides support for the client's needs. Collaboration with the security department or hospital administration is not necessary in this situation, as the focus should be on the client's well-being and family involvement during a sensitive time.
Question 9 of 9
During a client interview, which of the following leading questions should the nurse avoid asking?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should avoid asking leading questions during a client interview as they can influence the client's response. Option B is a leading question as it suggests an expected response from the client, potentially biasing the information provided. This can lead to inaccurate data collection and subsequent errors in diagnostic reasoning. Choices A, C, and D are open-ended questions that encourage the client to provide unbiased information and allow for a more comprehensive assessment.