ATI RN
Nursing Process NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following intravenous solutions is hypotonic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 0.45% saline. This solution is hypotonic because it has a lower osmolarity compared to the intracellular fluid. It contains fewer solutes than the cells, causing water to move into the cells by osmosis, potentially causing them to swell. Normal saline (A) and Ringer's lactate (B) are isotonic solutions, meaning they have a similar osmolarity to the intracellular fluid and do not cause significant water shifts. 5% dextrose in normal saline (D) is a hypertonic solution, containing more solutes than the cells, leading to water movement out of the cells.
Question 2 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 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
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. In the first phase of the nursing process (assessment), the nurse collects data to form a comprehensive database about the patient's health status. This step is crucial as it provides 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 of patient care (C) is part of the third phase (planning), and determining whether outcomes have been achieved (D) is in the fourth phase (evaluation). Completing a comprehensive database in the first phase ensures a thorough understanding of the patient's needs before proceeding to the next steps in the nursing process.
Question 5 of 9
Considering Mr. Franco’s conditions, which of the following is most important to include in preparing Franco’s bedside equipment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice B: Footboard and splint: 1. Footboard helps prevent foot drop by maintaining proper alignment and preventing pressure ulcers. 2. Splint helps stabilize and support Franco's limbs to prevent contractures and maintain proper positioning. 3. Both items are essential for Franco's safety, comfort, and prevention of complications. 4. Hand bell and extra bed linen (Choice A) are not crucial for Franco's immediate care needs. 5. Sandbag and trochanter rolls (Choice C) are not directly relevant to Franco's specific conditions. 6. Suction machine and gloves (Choice D) are important for airway management but not the priority for bedside equipment in this case.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
A brain abscess is a collection of pus within the substance of the brain and is caused by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a brain abscess can be caused by direct invasion of the brain, spread of infection by other organs, and spread of infection from nearby sites. Direct invasion occurs when bacteria enter the brain tissue directly, such as through trauma or surgery. Infections from other organs, like the lungs or heart, can spread through the bloodstream to the brain. Infections from nearby sites, such as the ears or sinuses, can also spread to the brain. Therefore, all of these mechanisms can lead to the formation of a brain abscess. Choices A, B, and C individually do not cover all the possible causes of a brain abscess, making D the correct choice.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
Which of the following terms indicates that the patient has a hearing loss caused by aging?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Presbycusis. Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, commonly affecting higher frequencies. As people age, changes in the inner ear structures can lead to hearing loss. Otoplasty (A) is a surgical procedure to correct ear deformities, not related to aging. Otalgia (C) refers to ear pain, not specifically related to aging. Tinnitus (D) is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can occur at any age and is not exclusive to age-related hearing loss.