NCLEX-RN : Ethics, Processing, and Care

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX-RN

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Example Questions

Example Question #111 : Ethics, Processing, And Care

How long after birth should a newborn pass meconium?

Possible Answers:

24 hours

2 weeks

2-6 hours

3-5 days

Correct answer:

24 hours

Explanation:

Meconium is a sticky, dark-green to black stool that is the first stool passed by neonates after birth. It is composed of the content of the infant's digestive tract before it has begun drinking milk - primarily water, mucus, bile, lanugo, and intestinal epithelial cells. A newborn that has begun to feed on breastmilk or formula should pass a normal stool (yellow to mustard-green and creamy rather than sticky) within 24 hours.

Example Question #22 : Infant And Postpartum Care

The nurse counsels the mother of a 2-month-old infant. Which of the following actions by the mother would be inappropriate?

Possible Answers:

The mother lets her cry for 5 minutes before responding if the baby cries at night.

The mother swaddles the child in blankets for naps.

The mother makes eye contact when she speaks to the baby.

The mother waits 6 months before introducing infant cereals to the baby’s diet.

The mother places the infant on her back during naps and at bedtime.

Correct answer:

The mother lets her cry for 5 minutes before responding if the baby cries at night.

Explanation:

Infants younger than 6 months may have trouble sleeping for long periods of time because they awaken from hunger. Their stomachs are not yet large enough to hold enough nourishment to keep them asleep during the night. After 6 months, it is more appropriate to let babies cry themselves and put themselves to sleep, but before 6 months, it is not recommended. The other actions are appropriate: infants should sleep on their backs to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), babies should be interacted with frequently, breastmilk is recommended exclusively for the first 6 months, and swaddling the child is important because the infant cannot sleep in loose blankets.

Example Question #22 : General Care

The nurse performs triage in the emergency department for a patient with a bee sting. The family reports a history of allergic reactions to bee stings, and the patient complains of difficulty breathing and swelling in his mouth. Which of the following is the priority of the nurse?

Possible Answers:

Contact the physician.

Administer subcutaneous epinephrine.

Maintain an open airway.

Obtain a full patient history.

Administer oral diphenhydramine.

Correct answer:

Maintain an open airway.

Explanation:

Follow the ABC's of nursing priority: airway, breathing, circulation. It is most most important for the nurse to maintain a patent airway, as the symptoms manifested suggest an anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine may be given after the airway is established. Oral diphenhydramine is usually given for mild allergic reactions. The physician may be contacted later; patient safety is the priority.

Example Question #31 : Patient Specific Care

The nurse is discussing end-of-life care procedures with an elderly patient who is Buddhist. The nurse knows that the patient will most likely want to incorporate:

Possible Answers:

Time for meditation

No blood transfusions

No autopsy and cremation

Prayers to provide support and comfort

Correct answer:

Time for meditation

Explanation:

Buddhists will want time for meditation, and may refuse medications that alter awareness. A shrine to Buddha may be placed in the client's room.

Example Question #771 : Nclex

The nurse cares for an 82-year-old woman with frequent constipation. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be inappropriate?

Possible Answers:

“Make sure you are well hydrated. 6-8 glasses of water a day would be good.”

“You should eat dark green vegetables and whole grains.”

“You can try light exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.”

“You can take a laxative whenever you want to have a bowel movement.”

“It could help to remove dairy products like milk and cheese from your diet.”

Correct answer:

“You can take a laxative whenever you want to have a bowel movement.”

Explanation:

Elderly patients may suffer from bowel problems like constipation due to lower motility in the gastrointestinal tract. The nurse should advise this client to exercise daily (to increase blood flow to the GI tract), stay hydrated (to prevent hard, dry stools), eat more fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and beans), and stay away from milk and cheese (as lactose sensitivity is common and may be a cause of constipation or bloating). This patient should not take laxatives each time a bowel movement is expected; reliance on laxatives is not recommended because it can desensitize the bowel and make constipation worse.

Example Question #61 : Care

An emergency room nurse is assessing a 26 year old female patient who frequently uses opium. What symptoms would indicate that she is experiencing withdrawal?

Possible Answers:

Fatigue, disorientation, and craving

Nausea, vomiting, and anxiety

Diaphoresis, seizures, and apathy

Irritability, tremors, and seizures

Correct answer:

Nausea, vomiting, and anxiety

Explanation:

Anxiety, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of opium withdrawal.

Example Question #61 : Care

A nurse is monitoring an 18 year old who is experiencing heroin withdrawal. What symptoms might the nurse observe?

Possible Answers:

Yawning, cramps, and diarrhea

Seizures, tremors, and tachycardia

Nausea and fainting

Coma and convulsions

Correct answer:

Yawning, cramps, and diarrhea

Explanation:

Yawning, cramps, and diarrhea are common signs of heroin withdrawal.

Example Question #3 : Alcohol And Drug Abuse

Which of the following drugs is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant?

Possible Answers:

Cyclobenzaprine

Marijuana

All of these

Atenolol

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

All of the drugs listed are considered to be CNS depressants. While generally classified as a psychedelic, marijuana has multiple central depressant effects such as sedation and muscle relaxation. Also, alcohol is another commonly used depressant. 

Example Question #1 : Alcohol And Drug Abuse

Alcohol abuse-induced thiamine deficiency can cause which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome

Agnosia

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Lewy body dementia

Correct answer:

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Explanation:

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a severe deficiency in thiamine, often seen in severe alcohol dependency. It is characterized by visual disturbances, ataxia, and altered consciousness. Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome is a genetic disorder causing developmental disability and may involve seizures. Lewy body dementia is associated with Parkinson's disease. Agnosia is a neurological disorder causing impaired ability to process sensory information.

Example Question #62 : Care

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM V) criteria for substance abuse includes all of the following except __________.

Possible Answers:

recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home

recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous

continued substance use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or exacerbated by the effects of the substance

All of these are part of the DSM V criteria for substance abuse

Correct answer:

All of these are part of the DSM V criteria for substance abuse

Explanation:

All of the items listed are part of the DSM V criteria for substance abuse. In addition, the individual's symptoms must not qualify for substance dependence and recurrent substance-related legal problems are other DSM V criteria for substance abuse.

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