ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
When preparing a site for venipunctures with alcohol, how long must the area be cleaned?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 60 seconds. This is because the area must be cleaned for at least 60 seconds to effectively disinfect the skin and reduce the risk of infection during venipuncture. Cleaning for shorter durations (5, 10, or 30 seconds) may not be sufficient to achieve proper disinfection. Thoroughly cleaning the area for a full minute ensures that the alcohol has enough time to kill bacteria and pathogens on the skin, making it safer for the venipuncture procedure. Shorter cleaning times may leave pathogens behind, increasing the risk of contamination and infection.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is preparing an intravenous infusion of phenytoin (Dilantin) as prescribed by the physician for the client with seizures. Which of the following solutions will the nurse plan to use to dilute this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Normal saline solution. Phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose solutions, so options A and D are incorrect. Lactated Ringer's solution contains calcium, which can interact with phenytoin, leading to precipitation. Therefore, option B is also incorrect. Normal saline is the most compatible diluent for phenytoin, maintaining the drug's stability and effectiveness. It is essential to use the appropriate diluent to prevent adverse reactions or drug interactions.
Question 6 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: Completes a comprehensive database. During the first phase of the nursing process (assessment), the nurse collects data to establish a comprehensive database of the patient's health status. This information serves as the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Identifying nursing diagnoses (B) occurs in the second phase (diagnosis), intervening based on priorities (C) in the third phase (planning), and determining outcomes achieved (D) in the fourth phase (evaluation). Completing a comprehensive database is crucial in the initial assessment phase to gather accurate information for the subsequent steps in the nursing process.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is conducting a health history interview for a woman at an assisted-living facility. The woman says, “I have been so constipated lately.” How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should respond by asking, “Do you take anything to help your constipation?” This response shows active listening and gathers more information about the woman’s current management of constipation. It allows the nurse to assess the woman's current treatment regimen and potential underlying causes. Choice A is incorrect as it diverts the conversation to chest problems, which is unrelated to the woman's primary concern of constipation. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests a potentially harmful solution without assessing the woman's current treatment or determining the cause of her constipation. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes bowel problems with aging without addressing the woman's specific issue or management.
Question 8 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 collects a comprehensive database of information about the patient's health status and needs. This data forms the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Choices B, C, and D involve actions that occur in the subsequent phases of the nursing process (diagnosis, planning, and evaluation), not in the initial assessment phase. Therefore, A is the correct choice for the first phase.
Question 9 of 9
Mr. Reyes has a possible skull fracture. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because observing for signs of brain injury is crucial in assessing a possible skull fracture. Signs may include altered mental status, headache, nausea, vomiting, and unequal pupil size. Choice B is incorrect as hemorrhaging from the oral cavity may not always be present in skull fractures. Choice C is incorrect as elevating the foot of the bed is not recommended for a possible skull fracture. Choice D is incorrect as decreased intracranial pressure and temperature are not typical symptoms of a skull fracture.