NCLEX-RN
Assessment of a Patient Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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 2 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 3 of 5
Which data should the nurse expect to obtain during the admission assessment of a child to support the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Irritable bowel syndrome causes diffuse abdominal pain unrelated to meals or activity. Alternating constipation and diarrhea with the presence of undigested food and mucus in the stools may also be noted. Option 1 is a clinical manifestation of lactose intolerance. Option 2 is a clinical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. Option 3 is a clinical manifestation of celiac disease.
Question 4 of 5
A home care nurse assesses an older client's functional status and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). What is the focus area of the nurse's assessment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
To evaluate the client's functional status, the nurse assesses the client's ability to perform self-care or ADLs, including bathing, toileting, ambulating, dressing, and feeding. Everyday routines, household management, and physical condition are not components of functional status.
Question 5 of 5
A client at 35 weeks of gestation reports a sudden discharge of fluid from the vagina. Based on the data provided, which condition should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Premature rupture of the membranes is usually manifested by a sudden discharge of fluid from the vagina before 37 weeks of gestation. Miscarriage is typically manifested by vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. Preterm labor is typically manifested by uterine contractions, cramping, and pressure before 37 weeks of gestation. Intrauterine fetal demise is usually manifested by an absence of fetal movements and heartbeat.