NCLEX-RN
Implementation Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client in the second trimester of pregnancy is being assessed at the primary health care clinic. The nurse notes that the fetal heart rate (FHR) is 100 beats/min. Which nursing action would be appropriate initially?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The FHR should be between 120 and 160 beats/min during pregnancy. An FHR of 100 beats/min would require that the primary health care provider be notified and the client be further evaluated. Although the nurse would document the findings, the most appropriate nursing action is to notify the primary health care provider. Based on this information, eliminate the options that suggest inaccurate nursing actions.
Question 2 of 5
A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of a leaking cerebral aneurysm is scheduled for surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement during the preoperative period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client is placed on aneurysm precautions, and the client's activity is kept to a minimum to prevent Valsalva's maneuver. Clients often hold their breath and strain while pulling up to get out of bed. This exertion may cause a rise in blood pressure, which increases bleeding. Clients who have bleeding aneurysms in any vessel will have activity curtailed.
Therefore, the rest of the options are incorrect actions.
Question 3 of 5
Which is the most important laboratory result for the nurse to present to the primary health care provider on a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serum electrolyte levels are critical to monitor in a client receiving TPN because TPN solutions contain high concentrations of glucose and electrolytes, which can lead to imbalances such as hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, or hyponatremia. These imbalances can cause serious complications, including cardiac dysrhythmias or neurological issues. While white blood cell count, arterial blood gas levels, and hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important, they are not as directly related to the immediate risks associated with TPN administration as electrolyte levels.
Question 4 of 5
A client diagnosed with heart failure is receiving furosemide and digoxin daily. When the nurse enters the room to administer the morning doses, the client reports anorexia, nausea, and yellow vision. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should check the result of the digoxin level that was drawn because the client's symptoms are compatible with digoxin toxicity. A low potassium level may contribute to digoxin toxicity, so checking the serum potassium level may give useful additional information, but the digoxin level should be checked first. The medications should be withheld until both levels are known. If the digoxin level is elevated or the potassium level is not within the normal range, then the primary health care provider should be notified. If the morning digoxin level is within the therapeutic range, then the client's complaints are unrelated to the digoxin.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is checking the fundus of a postpartum woman and notes that the uterus is soft and spongy. Which nursing action is appropriate initially?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: If the fundus is boggy (soft), it should be massaged gently until it is firm and the client is observed for increased bleeding or clots. Option 1 is an inappropriate action at this time. The nurse should document the fundal position, consistency, and height; the need to perform fundal massage; and the client's response to the intervention. The primary health care provider will need to be notified if uterine massage is not helpful.