NCLEX-RN
Assessment of a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse caring for a child diagnosed with rubeola (measles) notes that the primary health care provider has documented the presence of Koplik's spots. On the basis of this documentation, which observation is expected?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In rubeola (measles), Koplik's spots appear approximately 2 days before the appearance of the rash. These are small, blue-white spots with a red base that are found on the buccal mucosa. The spots last approximately 3 days, after which time they slough off. Based on this information, the remaining options are all incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse performs an Allen's test before blood is drawn from the radial artery for an arterial blood gas (ABG) assessment. This intervention is done to determine the collateral circulatory adequacy of which arterial vessel?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before radial puncture for obtaining an arterial specimen for ABGs, Allen's test is performed to determine adequate ulnar circulation. Failure to assess collateral circulation could result in severe ischemic injury to the hand if damage to the radial artery occurs with arterial puncture. Allen's test does not determine the adequacy of carotid, brachial, or femoral circulation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse prepares to administer a continuous intravenous (IV) infusion through a peripheral IV to a dehydrated client. Which priority assessment should the nurse obtain before initiating the IV infusion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse obtains the client's baseline body weight as a priority before beginning the IV infusion because body weight is a sensitive and specific indicator of fluid volume status when body weights are compared on a daily basis. This means that as a client receives or accumulates fluid, body weight quickly and proportionately increases and vice versa. The remaining options may also be reasonable assessments to complete before initiating an IV infusion. However, intake, output, and serum electrolytes are potentially affected by more confounding factors; thus, they are less specific and sensitive to fluctuations in body fluid. Determining the client's dominant side assists in deciding a site for inserting the initial IV catheter, but it provides no information about fluid volume status.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse reviews the record of a client who is receiving external radiation therapy and notes documentation of a skin finding as moist desquamation. Which finding on assessment of the client should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Moist desquamation occurs when the basal cells of the skin are destroyed. The dermal level is exposed, which results in the leakage of serum. A rash, dermatitis, and reddened skin may occur with external radiation, but these conditions are not described as moist desquamation.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note in the child hospitalized with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clinical manifestations associated with nephrotic syndrome include edema, anorexia, fatigue, and abdominal pain from the presence of extra fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Diarrhea caused by the edema of the bowel occurs and may cause decreased absorption of nutrients. Increased weight from fluid buildup and a normal blood pressure are noted.