1.
Nurse Michelle should know that the drainage is normal 4 days after
a sigmoid colostomy when the stool is:
Correct Answer
C. Loose, bloody
Explanation
Normal bowel function and soft-formed stool usually do not occur until around the seventh day following surgery. The stool consistency is related to how much water is being absorbed.
2.
Where would nurse Kristine place the call light for a male
client with a right-sided brain attack and left homonymous hemianopsia?
Correct Answer
A. On the client’s right side
Explanation
The client has left visual field blindness. The client will see only from the right side.
3.
A male client is admitted to the emergency department following
an accident. What are the first nursing actions of the nurse?
Correct Answer
C. Check respirations, stabilize spine, and check circulation.
Explanation
Checking the airway would be priority, and a neck injury should be suspected.
4.
In evaluating the effect of nitroglycerin, Nurse Arthur should
know that it reduces preload and relieves angina by:
Correct Answer
D. Decreasing venous return through vasodilation.
Explanation
The significant effect of nitroglycerin is vasodilation and decreased venous return, so the heart does not have to work hard.
5.
Nurse Patricia finds a female client who is post-myocardial
infarction (MI) slumped on the side rails of the bed and unresponsive to
shaking or shouting. Which is the nurse next action?
Correct Answer
A. Call for help and note the time.
Explanation
Having established, by stimulating the client, that the client is unconscious rather than sleep, the nurse should immediately call for help. This may be done by dialing the operator from the client’s phone and giving the hospital code for cardiac arrest and the client’s room number to the operator, of if the phone is not available, by pulling the emergency call button. Noting the time is important baseline information for cardiac arrest procedure.
6.
Nurse Monett is caring for a client recovering from
gastro-intestinal bleeding. The nurse should:
Correct Answer
C. Make sure that the client takes food and medications at prescribed intervals.
Explanation
Food and drug therapy will prevent the accumulation of hydrochloric acid, or will neutralize and buffer the acid that does accumulate.
7.
A male client was on warfarin (Coumadin) before admission, and
has been receiving heparin I.V. for 2 days. The partial thromboplastin
time (PTT) is 68 seconds. What should Nurse Carla do?
Correct Answer
B. Continue treatment as ordered.
Explanation
The effects of heparin are monitored by the PTT is normally 30 to 45 seconds; the therapeutic level is 1.5 to 2 times the normal level.
8.
A client undergone ileostomy, when should the drainage appliance
be applied to the stoma?
Correct Answer
B. In the operating room.
Explanation
The stoma drainage bag is applied in the operating room. Drainage from the ileostomy contains secretions that are rich in digestive enzymes and highly irritating to the skin. Protection of the skin from the effects of these enzymes is begun at once. Skin exposed to these enzymes even for a short time becomes reddened, painful, and excoriated.
9.
A client undergone spinal anesthetic, it will be important that the
nurse immediately position the client in:
Correct Answer
B. Flat on back.
Explanation
To avoid the complication of a painful spinal headache that can last for several days, the client is kept in flat in a supine position for approximately 4 to 12 hours postoperatively. Headaches are believed to be causes by the seepage of cerebral spinal fluid from the puncture site. By keeping the client flat, cerebral spinal fluid pressures are equalized, which avoids trauma to the neurons.
10.
While monitoring a male client several hours after a motor
vehicle accident, which assessment data suggest increasing
intracranial pressure?
Correct Answer
C. The client is oriented when aroused from sleep, and goes back to sleep immediately.
Explanation
This finding suggest that the level of consciousness is decreasing.
11.
Mrs. Cruz, 80 years old is diagnosed with pneumonia. Which of
the following symptoms may appear first?
Correct Answer
A. Altered mental status and dehydration
Explanation
Fever, chills, hemortysis, dyspnea, cough, and pleuritic chest pain are the common symptoms of pneumonia, but elderly clients may first appear with only an altered lentil status and dehydration due to a blunted immune response.
12.
A male client has active tuberculosis (TB). Which of the
following symptoms will be exhibit?
Correct Answer
B. Chills, fever, night sweats, and hemoptysis
Explanation
Typical signs and symptoms are chills, fever, night sweats, and hemoptysis. Chest pain may be present from coughing, but isn’t usual. Clients with TB typically have low-grade fevers, not higher than 102°F (38.9°C). Nausea, headache, and photophobia aren’t usual TB symptoms.
13.
Mark, a 7-year-old client is brought to the emergency
department. He’s tachypneic and afebrile and has a respiratory rate of
36 breaths/minute and hasa nonproductive cough. He recently
had a cold. Form this history; the client may have which of the
following conditions?
Correct Answer
A. Acute asthma
Explanation
Based on the client’s history and symptoms, acute asthma is the most likely diagnosis. He’s unlikely to have bronchial pneumonia without a productive cough and fever and he’s too young to have developed (COPD) and emphysema.
14.
Marichu was given morphine sulfate for pain. She is sleeping
and her respiratory rate is 4 breaths/minute. If action isn’t taken
quickly, she might havewhich of the following reactions?
Correct Answer
B. Respiratory arrest
Explanation
Narcotics can cause respiratory arrest if given in large quantities. It’s unlikely the client will have asthma attack or a seizure or wake up on his own.
15.
A 77-year-old male client is admitted for elective knee surgery.
Physical examination reveals shallow respirations but no sign of
respiratory distress. Which of the following is a normal physiologic
change related to aging?
Correct Answer
D. Decreased vital capacity
Explanation
Reduction in vital capacity is a normal physiologic changes include decreased elastic recoil of the lungs, fewer functional capillaries in the alveoli, and an increased in residual volume.
16.
Nurse John is caring for a male client receiving lidocaine I.V.
Which factor is the most relevant to administration of this medication?
Correct Answer
C. Presence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on a cardiac monitor.
Explanation
Lidocaine drips are commonly used to treat clients whose arrhythmias haven’t been controlled with oral medication and who are having PVCs that are visible on the cardiac monitor. SaO2, blood pressure, and ICP are important factors but aren’t as significant as PVCs in the situation.
17.
Nurse Ron is caring for a male client taking an anticoagulant.
The nurse should teach the client to:
Correct Answer
B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K
Explanation
The client should avoid consuming large amounts of vitamin K because vitamin K can interfere with anticoagulation. The client may need to report diarrhea, but isn’t effect of taking an anticoagulant. An electric razor-not a straight razor-should be used to prevent cuts that cause bleeding. Aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding; acetaminophen should be used to pain relief.
18.
Nurse Lhynnette is preparing a site for the insertion of an I.V.
catheter. The nurse should treat excess hair at the site by:
Correct Answer
C. Clipping the hair in the area
Explanation
Hair can be a source of infection and should be removed by clipping. Shaving the area can cause skin abrasions and depilatories can irritate the skin.
19.
Nurse Michelle is caring for an elderly female with osteoporosis.
When teaching the client, the nurse should include information about
which major complication:
Correct Answer
A. Bone fracture
Explanation
Bone fracture is a major complication of osteoporosis that results when loss of calcium and phosphate increased the fragility of bones. Estrogen deficiencies result from menopause-not osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be used to support normal bone metabolism, But a negative calcium balance isn’t a complication of osteoporosis. Dowager’s hump results from bone fractures. It develops when repeated vertebral fractures increase spinal curvature.
20.
Nurse Len is teaching a group of women to perform BSE. The nurse
should explain that the purpose of performing the examination is to
discover:
Correct Answer
C. Changes from previous examinations.
Explanation
Women are instructed to examine themselves to discover changes that have occurred in the breast. Only a physician can diagnose lumps that are cancerous, areas of thickness or fullness that signal the presence of a malignancy, or masses that are fibrocystic as opposed to malignant.
21.
When caring for a female client who is being treated for
hyperthyroidism, it is important to:
Correct Answer
C. Balance the client’s periods of activity and rest.
Explanation
A client with hyperthyroidism needs to be encouraged to balance periods of activity and rest. Many clients with hyperthyroidism are hyperactive and complain of feeling very warm.
22.
Nurse Kris is teaching a client with history of atherosclerosis. To
decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, the nurse should encourage the
client to:
Correct Answer
B. Increase his activity level.
Explanation
The client should be encouraged to increase his activity level. Maintaining an ideal weight; following a low-cholesterol, low sodium diet; and avoiding stress are all important factors in decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis.
23.
Nurse Greta is working on a surgical floor. Nurse Greta must logroll
a client following a:
Correct Answer
A. Laminectomy
Explanation
The client who has had spinal surgery, such as laminectomy, must be log rolled to keep the spinal column straight when turning. Thoracotomy and cystectomy may turn themselves or may be assisted into a comfortable position. Under normal circumstances, hemorrhoidectomy is an outpatient procedure, and the client may resume normal activities immediately after surgery.
24.
A 55-year old client underwent cataract removal with
intraocular lens implant. Nurse Oliver is giving the client discharge
instructions. These instructions should include which of the following?
Correct Answer
D. Avoiding straining during bowel movement or bending at the waist.
Explanation
The client should avoid straining, lifting heavy objects, and coughing harshly because these activities increase intraocular pressure. Typically, the client is instructed to avoid lifting objects weighing more than 15 lb (7kg) – not 5lb. instruct the client when lying in bed to lie on either the side or back. The client should avoid bright light by wearing sunglasses.
25.
George should be taught about testicular examinations during:
Correct Answer
D. Before age 20.
Explanation
Testicular cancer commonly occurs in men between ages 20 and 30. A male client should be taught how to perform testicular selfexamination before age 20, preferably when he enters his teens.
26.
A male client undergone a colon resection. While turning him,
wound dehiscence with evisceration occurs. Nurse Trish first response is
to:
Correct Answer
B. Place a saline-soaked sterile dressing on the wound.
Explanation
The nurse should first place saline-soaked sterile dressings on the open wound to prevent tissue drying and possible infection. Then the nurse should call the physician and take the client’s vital signs. The dehiscence needs to be surgically closed, so the nurse should never try to close it.
27.
Nurse Audrey is caring for a client who has suffered a
severe cerebrovascular accident. During routine assessment, the nurse
notices Cheyne- Strokes respirations. Cheyne-strokes respirations are:
Correct Answer
A. A progressively deeper breaths followed by shallower breaths with apneic periods.
Explanation
Cheyne-Strokes respirations are breaths that become progressively deeper fallowed by shallower respirations with apneas periods. Biot’s respirations are rapid, deep breathing with abrupt pauses between each breath, and equal depth between each breath. Kussmaul’s respirations are rapid, deep breathing without pauses. Tachypnea is shallow breathing with increased respiratory rate.
28.
Nurse Bea is assessing a male client with heart failure. The breath
sounds commonly auscultated in clients with heart failure are:
Correct Answer
B. Fine crackles
Explanation
Fine crackles are caused by fluid in the alveoli and commonly occur in clients with heart failure. Tracheal breath sounds are auscultated over the trachea. Coarse crackles are caused by secretion accumulation in the airways. Friction rubs occur with pleural inflammation.
29.
The nurse is caring for Kenneth experiencing an acute asthma
attack. The client stops wheezing and breath sounds aren’t audible. The
reason for thischange is that:
Correct Answer
B. The airways are so swollen that no air cannot get through.
Explanation
During an acute attack, wheezing may stop and breath sounds become inaudible because the airways are so swollen that air can’t get through. If the attack is over and swelling has decreased, there would be no more wheezing and less emergent concern. Crackles do not replace wheezes during an acute asthma attack.
30.
Mike with epilepsy is having a seizure. During the active seizure
phase, the nurse should:
Correct Answer
D. Place the client on his side, remove dangerous objects, and protect his head.
Explanation
During the active seizure phase, initiate precautions by placing the client on his side, removing dangerous objects, and protecting his head from injury. A bite block should never be inserted during the active seizure phase. Insertion can break the teeth and lead to aspiration.
31.
After insertion of a cheat tube for a pneumothorax, a client
becomes hypotensive with neck vein distention, tracheal shift, absent
breath sounds, and diaphoresis. Nurse Amanda suspects a tension
pneumothorax has occurred. What cause of tension pneumothorax should the
nurse check for?
Correct Answer
B. Kinked or obstructed chest tube
Explanation
Kinking and blockage of the chest tube is a common cause of a tension pneumothorax. Infection and excessive drainage won’t cause a tension pneumothorax. Excessive water won’t affect the chest tube drainage.
32.
Nurse Maureen is talking to a male client, the client begins choking
on his lunch. He’s coughing forcefully. The nurse should:
Correct Answer
D. Stay with him but not intervene at this time.
Explanation
If the client is coughing, he should be able to dislodge the object or cause a complete obstruction. If complete obstruction occurs, the nurse should perform the abdominal thrust maneuver with the client standing. If the client is unconscious, she should lay him down. A nurse should never leave a choking client alone.
33.
Nurse Ron is taking a health history of an 84 year old client.
Which information will be most useful to the nurse for planning care?
Correct Answer
B. Current health promotion activities.
Explanation
Recognizing an individual’s positive health measures is very useful. General health in the previous 10 years is important, however, the current activities of an 84 year old client are most significant in planning care. Family history of disease for a client in later years is of minor significance. Marital status information may be important for discharge planning but is not as significant for addressing the immediate medical problem.
34.
When performing oral care on a comatose client, Nurse Krina should:
Correct Answer
C. Place the client in a side lying position, with the head of the bed lowered.
Explanation
The client should be positioned in a side-lying position with the head of the bed lowered to prevent aspiration. A small amount of toothpaste should be used and the mouth swabbed or suctioned to remove pooled secretions. Lemon glycerin can be drying if used for extended periods. Brushing the teeth with the client lying supine may lead to aspiration. Hydrogen peroxide is caustic to tissues and should not be used.
35.
A 77-year-old male client is admitted with a diagnosis of
dehydration and change in mental status. He’s being hydrated with L.V.
fluids. When the nurse takes his vital signs, she notes he has a fever
of 103°F (39.4°C) a cough producing yellow sputum and pleuritic chest
pain. The nurse suspects this client may have which of the following
conditions?
Correct Answer
C. Pneumonia
Explanation
Fever productive cough and pleuritic chest pain are common signs and symptoms of pneumonia. The client with ARDS has dyspnea and hypoxia with worsening hypoxia over time, if not treated aggressively. Pleuritic chest pain varies with respiration, unlike the constant chest pain during an MI; so this client most likely isn’t having an MI. the client with TB typically has a cough producing blood-tinged sputum. A sputum culture should be obtained to confirm the nurse’s suspicions.
36.
Nurse Oliver is working in a out patient clinic. He has been alerted
that there is an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB). Which of the following
clients entering the clinic today most likely to have TB?
Correct Answer
C. A 43-year-old homeless man with a history of alcoholism
Explanation
Clients who are economically disadvantaged, malnourished, and have reduced immunity, such as a client with a history of alcoholism, are at extremely high risk for developing TB. A high school student, daycare worker, and businessman probably have a much low risk of contracting TB.
37.
Virgie with a positive Mantoux test result will be sent for a
chest X-ray. The nurse is aware that which of the following reasons this
is done?
Correct Answer
C. To determine the extent of lesions
Explanation
If the lesions are large enough, the chest X-ray will show their presence in the lungs. Sputum culture confirms the diagnosis. There can be false-positive and false-negative skin test results. A chest X-ray can’t determine if this is a primary or secondary infection.
38.
Kennedy with acute asthma showing inspiratory and expiratory wheezes
and a decreased forced expiratory volume should be treated with which
of the following classes of medication right away?
Correct Answer
B. Bronchodilators
Explanation
Bronchodilators are the first line of treatment for asthma because broncho-constriction is the cause of reduced airflow. Beta adrenergic blockers aren’t used to treat asthma and can cause bronchoconstriction. Inhaled oral steroids may be given to reduce the inflammation but aren’t used for emergency relief.
39.
Mr. Vasquez 56-year-old client with a 40-year history of smoking one
to two packs of cigarettes per day has a chronic cough producing thick
sputum, peripheral edema and cyanotic nail beds. Based on this
information, he most likely has which of the following conditions?
Correct Answer
C. Chronic obstructive bronchitis
Explanation
Because of this extensive smoking history and symptoms the client most likely has chronic obstructive bronchitis. Client with ARDS have acute symptoms of hypoxia and typically need large amounts of oxygen. Clients with asthma and emphysema tend not to have chronic cough or peripheral edema.
40.
Situation: Francis, age 46 is admitted to the hospital
with diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.The treatment for patients with leukemia is bone marrow
transplantation. Which statement about bone marrow transplantation is
not correct?
Correct Answer
A. The patient is under local anesthesia during the procedure
Explanation
Before the procedure, the patient is administered with drugs that would help to prevent infection and rejection of the transplanted cells such as antibiotics, cytotoxic, and corticosteroids. During the transplant, the patient is placed under general anesthesia.
41.
Situation: Francis, age 46 is admitted to the hospital
with diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.After several days of admission, Francis becomes disoriented and
complains of frequent headaches. The nurse in-charge first action would
be:
Correct Answer
D. Raise the side rails
Explanation
A patient who is disoriented is at risk of falling out of bed. The initial action of the nurse should be raising the side rails to ensure patients safety.
42.
Situation: Francis, age 46 is admitted to the hospital
with diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.During routine care, Francis asks the nurse, “How can I be
anemic if this disease causes increased my white blood cell production?”
The nurse in-charge best response would be that the increased number of
white blood cells (WBC) is:
Correct Answer
A. Crowd red blood cells
Explanation
The excessive production of white blood cells crowd out red blood cells production which causes anemia to occur.
43.
Situation: Francis, age 46 is admitted to the hospital
with diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.Diagnostic assessment of Francis would probably not reveal:
Correct Answer
B. Leukocytosis
Explanation
Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by increased production of leukocytes and lymphocytes resulting in leukocytosis, and proliferation of these cells within the bone marrow, spleen and liver.
44.
Robert, a 57-year-old client with acute arterial occlusion of the
left leg undergoes an emergency embolectomy. Six hours later, the nurse
isn’t able to obtain pulses in his left foot using Doppler ultrasound.
The nurse immediately notifies the physician, and asks her to prepare
the client for surgery. As the nurse enters the client’s room to prepare
him, he states that he won’t have any more surgery. Which of the
following is the best initial response by the nurse?
Correct Answer
A. Explain the risks of not having the surgery
Explanation
The best initial response is to explain the risks of not having the surgery. If the client understands the risks but still refuses the nurse should notify the physician and the nurse supervisor and then record the client’s refusal in the nurses’ notes.
45.
During the endorsement, which of the following clients should the
on-duty nurse assess first?
Correct Answer
D. The 75-year-old client who was admitted 1 hour ago with new-onset atrial fibrillation and is receiving L.V. dilitiazem (Cardizem)
Explanation
The client with atrial fibrillation has the greatest potential to become unstable and is on L.V. medication that requires close monitoring. After assessing this client, the nurse should assess the client with thrombophlebitis who is receiving a heparin infusion, and then the 58- year-old client admitted 2 days ago with heart failure (his signs and symptoms are resolving and don’t require immediate attention). The lowest priority is the 89-year-old with end stage right-sided heart failure, who requires time-consuming supportive measures.
46.
Honey, a 23-year old client complains of substernal chest pain and
states that her heart feels like “it’s racing out of the chest”. She
reports no history of cardiac disorders. The nurse attaches her to a
cardiac monitor and notes sinus tachycardia with a rate of
136beats/minutes. Breath sounds are clear and the respiratory rate is 26
breaths/minutes. Which of the following drugs should the nurse question
the client about using?
Correct Answer
C. Cocaine
Explanation
Because of the client’s age and negative medical history, the nurse should question her about cocaine use. Cocaine increases myocardial oxygen consumption and can cause coronary artery spasm, leading to tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction. Barbiturate overdose may trigger respiratory depression and slow pulse. Opioids can cause marked respiratory depression, while benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and confusion.
47.
A 51-year-old female client tells the nurse in-charge that she has
found a painless lump in her right breast during her monthly
self-examination. Which assessment finding would strongly suggest that
this client's lump is cancerous?
Correct Answer
B. Nonmobile mass with irregular edges
Explanation
Breast cancer tumors are fixed, hard, and poorly delineated with irregular edges. A mobile mass that is soft and easily delineated is most often a fluid-filled benign cyst. Axillary lymph nodes may or may not be palpable on initial detection of a cancerous mass. Nipple retraction — not eversion — may be a sign of cancer.
48.
A 35-year-old client with vaginal cancer asks the nurse, "What is
the usual treatment for this type of cancer?" Which treatment should the
nurse name?
Correct Answer
C. Radiation
Explanation
The usual treatment for vaginal cancer is external or intravaginal radiation therapy. Less often, surgery is performed. Chemotherapy typically is prescribed only if vaginal cancer is diagnosed in an early stage, which is rare. Immunotherapy isn't used to treat vaginal cancer.
49.
Cristina undergoes a biopsy of a suspicious lesion. The biopsy
report classifies the lesion according to the TNM staging system as
follows: TIS, N0, M0. What does this classification mean?
Correct Answer
B. Carcinoma in situ, no abnormal regional lympH nodes, and no evidence of distant metastasis
Explanation
TIS, N0, M0 denotes carcinoma in situ, no abnormal regional lymph nodes, and no evidence of distant metastasis. No evidence of primary tumor, no abnormal regional lymph nodes, and no evidence of distant metastasis is classified as T0, N0, M0. If the tumor and regional lymph nodes can't be assessed and no evidence of metastasis exists, the lesion is classified as TX, NX, M0. A progressive increase in tumor size, no demonstrable metastasis of the regional lymph nodes, and ascending degrees of distant metastasis is classified as T1, T2, T3, or T4; N0; and M1, M2, or M3.
50.
Lydia undergoes a laryngectomy to treat laryngeal cancer. When
teaching the client how to care for the neck stoma, the nurse should
include which instruction?
Correct Answer
D. "Keep the stoma moist."
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to keep the stoma moist, such as by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the edges, because a dry stoma may become irritated. The nurse should recommend placing a stoma bib over the stoma to filter and warm air before it enters the stoma. The client should begin performing stoma care without assistance as soon as possible to gain independence in self-care activities.