Correct Answers/ Rationale (2022 update)
Question: A triage nurse has these four (4) clients arrive in the emergency department within 15
minutes. Which client should the triage nurse send back to be seen first?
A. A 2-month-old infant with a history of rolling off the bed and has bulging fontanelle with crying
B. A teenager who got a singed beard while camping
C. An elderly client with complaints of frequent liquid brown colored stools
D. A middle-aged client with intermittent pain behind the right scapula
{{{Correct Ans-B. A teenager who got a singed beard while camping
This client is in the greatest danger with a potential of respiratory distress. Any client with singed facial
hair has been exposed to heat or fire in close range that could have caused serious damage to the
interior of the lungs. Note that the interior lining of the lungs has no nerve fibers so the client will not be
aware of swelling.)
Question: While planning care for a toddler, the nurse teaches the parents about the expected
developmental changes for this age. Which statement by the mother shows that she understands the
child's developmental needs?
A. "I want to protect my child from any falls."
B. "I will set limits on exploring the house."
C. "I understand the need to use those new skills."
D. "I intend to keep control over our child."
{{{Correct Ans-C. "I understand the need to use those new skills."
,Erikson describes the stage of the toddler as being the time when there is normally an increase in
autonomy. The child needs to use motor skills to explore the environment and develop autonomy.)
Question: The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to a client via a nasogastric feeding
tube. The most important action of the nurse is:
A. Verify correct placement of the tube
B. Check that the feeding solution matches the dietary order
C. Aspirate abdominal contents to determine the amount of last feeding remaining in stomach
D. Ensure that feeding solution is at room temperature
{{{Correct Ans-A. Verify correct placement of the tube
Proper placement of the tube prevents aspiration and entrance of food content into the lungs. The
definitive way to ascertain the position of the nasogastric tube is through visualization by an x -ray.
Another method is to aspirate stomach contents and check its pH (usually pH 1 to 5). Aspirated stomach
content can also be tested for bilirubin to confirm it is placed in the stomach.)
Question: The nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. The client is placed
on a cardiac monitor and receives 40 mEq potassium chloride in 1000 ml of 5% dextrose in water IV.
Which of the following EKG patterns indicates to the nurse that the infusions should be discontinued?
A. Narrowed QRS complex
B. Shortened "PR" interval
C. Tall peaked "T" waves
D. Prominent "U" waves
{{{Correct Ans-C. Tall peaked "T" waves
A tall peaked T wave is a sign of hyperkalemia. The healthcare provider should be notified regarding
discontinuing the medication.)
,Question: A nurse prepares to care for a 4-year-old newly admitted for rhabdomyosarcoma. The nurse
should alert the staff to pay more attention to the function of which area of the body?
A. All striated muscles
B. The cerebellum
C. The kidneys
D. The leg bones
{{{Correct Ans-A. All striated muscles
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common children's soft tissue sarcoma. It originates in striated
(skeletal) muscles and can be found anywhere in the body. Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma include if
the cancer is in the head or neck area: sudden bulging or swelling of the eyes, conjunctival chemosis,
and headache. It can also affect the urinary or reproductive system. Its common site of metastasis is the
lung.)
Question: The nurse anticipates that for a family who practices Chinese medicine the priority goal would
be to:
A. Achieve harmony
B. Maintain a balance of energy
C. Respect life
D. Restore yin and yang
{{{Correct Ans-D. Restore yin and yang
For followers of Chinese medicine, health is maintained through the balance between the forces of yin
and yang. Traditional Chinese medicine is a medical system that began being developed in China about
5000 years ago, which makes it the oldest continuous medical system on the planet.)
,Question: During an assessment of a client with cardiomyopathy, the nurse finds that the systolic blood
pressure has decreased from 145 to 110 mm Hg and the heart rate has risen from 72 to 96 beats per
minute and the client complains of periodic dizzy spells. The nurse instructs the client to:
A. Increase fluids that are high in protein
B. Restrict fluids
C. Force fluids and reassess blood pressure
D. Limit fluids to non-caffeine beverages
{{{Correct Ans-C. Force fluids and reassess blood pressure
Orthostatic hypotension, a decrease in systolic blood pressure of more than 15 mmHg, and an increase
in heart rate of more than 15 percent usually accompanied by dizziness indicate volume depletion,
inadequate vasoconstrictor mechanisms, and autonomic insufficiency.)
Question: The nurse prepares the client for the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan -Ganz
catheter). The nurse teaches the client that the catheter will be inserted to provide information about:
A. Stroke volume
B. Cardiac output
C. Venous pressure
D. Left ventricular functioning
{{{Correct Ans-D. Left ventricular functioning
The catheter is placed in the pulmonary artery. Information regarding left ventricular function is
obtained when the catheter balloon is inflated.)
Question: A nurse enters a client's room to discover that the client has no pulse or respirations. After
calling for help, the first action the nurse should take is:
, A. Start a peripheral IV
B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions
C. Establish an airway
D. Obtain the crash cart
{{{Correct Ans-B. Initiate high-quality chest compressions
As per new guidelines, the American Heart Association recommends beginning CPR with chest
compression (rather than checking for the airway first). Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before
checking the airway and giving rescue breaths. Starting with chest compressions first applies to adults,
children, and infants needing CPR, but not newborns. CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the
brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.)
Question: A client is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily. The health care provider has written a
new order to give metoprolol (Lopressor) 25 mg B.I.D. In assessing the client prior to administering the
medications, which of the following should the nurse report immediately to the health care provider?
A. Blood pressure 94/60 mm Hg
B. Heart rate 76 bpm
C. Urine output 50 ml/hour
D. Respiratory rate 16 bpm
{{{Correct Ans-A. Blood pressure 94/60 mm Hg
Both medications decrease the heart rate. Metoprolol affects blood pressure. Therefore, the heart rate
and blood pressure must be within the normal range (HR 60-100; systolic BP over 100) in order to safely
administer both medications.)
Question: The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that the postmature fetus is at risk due
to: