NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following statements is true regarding non-profit organizations?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Non-profit organizations are entities that operate for a social cause or public benefit, and they do not distribute profits to owners or shareholders. They are not limited to being located in poor or rural areas; they can be found in various locations. One key characteristic of non-profits is that they are obligated to provide services, regardless of a client's ability to pay. This ensures that essential services are accessible to all individuals in need. The statement 'The money they receive for services is reinvested back into their own business to further develop services' is correct. Non-profit organizations reinvest any surplus funds back into their operations to enhance the services they provide. The statement 'They are not referred to as proprietary organizations' is correct because proprietary organizations are typically for-profit entities, not non-profit ones.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate for a client suffering from a fever?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate nursing intervention for a client suffering from a fever is to increase the client's fluid intake. A fever can elevate the body's metabolism, leading to increased breathing and heart workload. This can result in fluid loss due to heightened respiration and sweating. Moreover, the augmented heart workload may necessitate more oxygen to maintain tissue perfusion. Providing oxygen and increasing fluid intake help meet the body's heightened demands during a fever. Withholding food from the client is inappropriate as proper nutrition is crucial for recovery, and providing oxygen alone may not address the fluid and metabolic demands associated with fever. Therefore, the correct choice is to increase the client's fluid intake.
Question 3 of 9
Victor, a 43-year-old patient who is HIV positive with a diagnosis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), has been admitted to the hospital. His prognosis is very poor, and his partner, Roger, would like to have a ceremony performed in his room to honor their union in case something happens to Victor, who agrees. What is the most appropriate response to their request?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate and compassionate response is to respect Victor and Roger's relationship and honor their wishes. Coordinating with other disciplines, such as social work, chaplaincy, or patient advocacy, to support their request demonstrates a holistic approach to care. This collaborative effort can facilitate the ceremony and provide emotional support to both Victor and Roger during a challenging time. Upholding their request aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and promotes dignity and respect, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics. Informing them that Victor is too ill for a ceremony (Choice A) would dismiss their emotional needs and fail to address their request. Involving the social worker without understanding the specific request (Choice B) may not directly address their desire for a ceremony. Telling them it's against hospital policy (Choice C) disregards the importance of honoring patient preferences and may cause unnecessary distress in an already sensitive situation.
Question 4 of 9
A victim of a gunshot wound to the abdomen has been admitted to the hospital, accompanied by a police officer. When questioned, the officer states that the patient is a suspect in a homicide, which occurred as part of the same incident. A small child was killed as the result of a stray bullet. The patient is combative, yells that he's in pain and demands medication. What is your most appropriate response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate and caring response is to perform a pain assessment and administer the pain medication that has been ordered. Regardless of personal feelings about any given situation, the nurse's responsibility is to provide unbiased, appropriate, and supportive care, as stated in the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics. Choice A is not appropriate as it disregards the patient's immediate need for pain relief. Choice B may escalate the situation and is not the priority in this case. Choice D is not the immediate action needed to address the patient's pain and distress.
Question 5 of 9
A physician is explaining a procedure to a patient that may cure her recurring Staph infection. The doctor explains how the procedure is done, what to expect, the odds of the procedure curing the infection, and possible side effects and risks. The physician is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is preparing the patient to give informed consent. Giving informed consent is the process of providing a patient with all necessary information about a medical procedure, including how it's done, what to expect, the likelihood of success, and potential risks and side effects. This allows the patient to make an informed decision about their treatment. Protecting HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) involves safeguarding patient health information and is not directly related to the scenario described. It is important for physicians to inform patients of any alternative therapies available to them to ensure they have all relevant information to make a decision regarding their treatment. Therefore, choice C, 'Not required to inform the patient of any alternative therapies,' is incorrect. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as the physician is indeed preparing the patient for informed consent.
Question 6 of 9
In a clinic in a primarily African American community, a higher incidence of uncontrolled hypertension is noted in patients. To correct this health disparity, what should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To address the higher incidence of uncontrolled hypertension in the primarily African American community, the nurse should first assess the perceptions of community members about the care at the clinic. Understanding the community's perspective can provide valuable insights into the reasons behind the health disparity. Initiating a regular home-visit program or scheduling teaching sessions about low-salt diets are important interventions but should come after gathering information on community perceptions. Obtaining low-cost antihypertensive drugs is not the initial priority; understanding community perspectives is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Question 7 of 9
Rachel is a 48-year-old mother of three who has been admitted after a drug overdose in a failed suicide attempt. When she regains consciousness, she states that she is ashamed and embarrassed that she tried to take her own life. What is the most therapeutic response to Rachel's statement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most therapeutic response to Rachel's statement is to provide non-judgmental support and hope. By acknowledging the patient's feelings of shame and embarrassment and offering help and understanding, the nurse can help Rachel maintain her self-esteem. Choice A is not therapeutic as it may unintentionally convey guilt or further shame. Choice B is judgmental and confrontational, which can create a barrier to open communication. Choice C is dismissive and does not address Rachel's emotional state. The correct response (Choice D) acknowledges the patient's struggle, offers support, and conveys empathy, aligning with the nurse's role to treat all patients with respect and dignity in challenging situations.
Question 8 of 9
Which of the following is a function of risk management?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The function of risk management in healthcare is to assess and address potential risks that could lead to errors and their effects on the healthcare environment. This involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks to minimize their impact and prevent adverse outcomes. Choice A is correct because it aligns with the core purpose of risk management in healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the primary focus of risk management, which is the proactive management of risks to ensure patient safety and quality care.
Question 9 of 9
If a healthcare professional prevents intentional harm from occurring to a patient, which ethical principle is being supported?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm intentionally. In this scenario, by preventing intentional harm to a patient, the healthcare professional is upholding the principle of nonmaleficence. Beneficence, although important, focuses on doing good and promoting well-being rather than solely preventing harm. Justice relates to fairness and equality in resource distribution, while fidelity involves being faithful and keeping promises, which are not directly applicable to the situation of preventing intentional harm to a patient.