NCLEX-RN
Assessment of a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A client who has been receiving long-term diuretic therapy is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of dehydration. The nurse should assess for which sign that correlates with this fluid imbalance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment findings with fluid volume deficit are increased pulse and respirations, weight loss, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, concentrated urine with increased specific gravity, increased hematocrit, and altered level of consciousness. The assessment findings in the remaining options are not associated with dehydration.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a pregnant client with a history of cardiac disease. Which body area will venous congestion most commonly be noted in?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessment of the cardiovascular system includes observation for venous congestion that can develop into varicosities. Venous congestion is most commonly noted in the legs, the vulva, or the rectum. Although edema may be noted in the fingers and around the eyes, edema in these areas would not be directly associated with venous congestion. It would be difficult to assess for edema in the abdominal area of a client who is pregnant.
Question 3 of 5
On assessment of the client diagnosed with stage III Lyme disease, which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to note?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Stage III Lyme disease develops within a month to several months after initial infection. It is characterized by arthritic symptoms such as arthralgia and enlarged or inflamed joints, which can persist for several years after the initial infection. A rash occurs during stage I, and cardiac and neurological dysfunction occur during stage II.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with Addison's disease for signs of hyperkalemia. Which sign/symptom should the nurse observe with this electrolyte imbalance?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The inadequate production of aldosterone in clients with Addison's disease causes the inadequate excretion of potassium and results in hyperkalemia. The clinical manifestations of hyperkalemia are the result of altered nerve transmission. The most harmful consequence of hyperkalemia is its effect on cardiac function. Based on this information, none of the remaining options are manifestations that are associated with Addison's disease or hyperkalemia.
Question 5 of 5
An adult client seeks treatment in an ambulatory care clinic for reports of a left earache, nausea, and a full feeling in the left ear. The client has an elevated temperature. Which assessment question should the nurse ask first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Otitis media in the adult is typically one-sided and presents as an acute process with earache; nausea; and possible vomiting, fever, and fullness in the ear. The client may report diminished hearing in that ear during the acute process. The nurse takes a client history first, assessing whether the client has had a recent URI. It is unnecessary to question the client about a brain abscess. The nurse may ask the client if anything relieves the pain, but ear infection pain is usually not relieved until antibiotic therapy is initiated.