Practice Questions Exam 1 1020 Nursing Profession PDF

**Nursing Profession:** **Question 1: Caritas Philosophy** A nurse is demonstrating the Caritas philosophy in her practice. Which action best reflects the principle of altruism? - A. Pursuing advanced certification in a specialized area of nursing. - B. Volunteering to provide free health ca...

**Nursing Profession:** **Question 1: Caritas Philosophy** A nurse is demonstrating the Caritas philosophy in her practice. Which action best reflects the principle of altruism? - A. Pursuing advanced certification in a specialized area of nursing. - B. Volunteering to provide free health care at a community clinic. - C. Establishing a time-management system to improve efficiency at work. - D. Reflecting on personal experiences to enhance professional growth. **Correct Answer:** B. Volunteering to provide free health care at a community clinic.\ *Rationale:* Altruism is caring for others without focusing on self-interest, as reflected in volunteering for community health. **Question 2: Patient-Centered Care** Which approach by a nurse best demonstrates patient-centered care? - A. Developing a care plan based solely on the latest research. - B. Encouraging the patient to be an active participant in decision-making. - C. Providing care based on the hospital\'s standard protocols. - D. Educating the patient's family about the disease process without their input. **Correct Answer:** B. Encouraging the patient to be an active participant in decision-making.\ *Rationale:* Patient-centered care involves recognizing the patient as a full partner in their healthcare and respecting their preferences and values. **Question 3: Professional Formation** What is a key characteristic of professional formation in nursing? - A. Focusing solely on mastering technical skills. - B. Adhering to the profession's code, goals, and ethical standards. - C. Avoiding collaboration with other healthcare team members. - D. Minimizing personal growth to prioritize patient care. **Correct Answer:** B. Adhering to the profession's code, goals, and ethical standards.\ *Rationale:* Professional formation requires integrating the profession's ethics, goals, and values as part of personal commitment. **Question 4: Evidence-Based Practice** Which component is not part of evidence-based practice in nursing? - A. Clinical expertise of the nurse. - B. Patient preferences and values. - C. Nursing intuition and personal beliefs. - D. Research evidence. **Correct Answer:** C. Nursing intuition and personal beliefs.\ *Rationale:* Evidence-based practice is built on research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, not personal intuition. **Question 5: Unprofessional Behavior** A nursing student exhibits unprofessional behavior by: - A. Asking a peer to explain a clinical procedure. - B. Arriving late to the clinical setting without notifying the instructor. - C. Discussing a patient's case during a private post-clinical meeting. - D. Maintaining a professional tone when communicating with faculty. **Correct Answer:** B. Arriving late to the clinical setting without notifying the instructor.\ *Rationale:* Timeliness and preparedness are essential aspects of professional behavior in nursing. **Clinical Decision Making:** **Question 1: Clinical Decision-Making** A nurse is assigned to a patient who underwent abdominal surgery 12 hours ago. The nurse notes the following assessment findings: BP 88/56 mmHg, HR 118 bpm, temperature 101°F (38.3°C), shallow breathing at 24 breaths/min, and the patient reports abdominal pain rated at 7/10. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize? - A. Administer prescribed pain medication for abdominal pain. - B. Notify the healthcare provider of the low blood pressure. - C. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula for tachypnea. - D. Encourage the patient to use an incentive spirometer. **Correct Answer:** B. Notify the healthcare provider of the low blood pressure.\ *Rationale:* The patient's hypotension combined with tachycardia and elevated temperature indicates possible hypovolemia or infection, both of which are priorities over pain management and incentive spirometry. **Question 2: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs** A nurse is caring for a patient recovering from a motor vehicle accident. The patient reports feeling anxious and expresses concern about being able to return to work. What is the nurse's priority intervention based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? - A. Encourage the patient to verbalize feelings about the accident. - B. Assess the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation. - C. Collaborate with a social worker to address work concerns. - D. Discuss strategies to enhance the patient's self-esteem. **Correct Answer:** B. Assess the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation.\ *Rationale:* Physiological needs (e.g., oxygenation and vital signs) take precedence over psychological needs such as anxiety or self-esteem. **Question 3: Priority Setting** A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first? 1. A patient with a history of asthma reporting mild shortness of breath. 2. A postoperative patient with a blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg. 3. A patient receiving IV antibiotics with a temperature of 102°F (38.9°C). 4. A patient with a blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL and no ketones in urine. **Correct Answer:** 2. A postoperative patient with a blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg.\ *Rationale:* Hypotension in a postoperative patient may indicate internal bleeding or shock, which is life-threatening and must be addressed immediately. **Question 4: Critical Thinking Levels** A new graduate nurse is following a step-by-step process when administering medications but is unable to adjust for a patient's unique needs. According to the levels of critical thinking, what level is this nurse demonstrating? - A. Basic critical thinking - B. Complex critical thinking - C. Commitment - D. Expert reasoning **Correct Answer:** A. Basic critical thinking.\ *Rationale:* Basic critical thinking involves following rules and procedures without deviation or adapting to the patient's specific situation. **Question 5: Critical Thinking Components** A nurse demonstrates confidence, integrity, and humility while asking for assistance when managing a complex patient case. Which component of critical thinking does this behavior represent? - A. Knowledge base - B. Experience - C. Attitudes - D. Standards **Correct Answer:** C. Attitudes.\ *Rationale:* Attitudes such as confidence, integrity, and humility contribute to effective critical thinking in clinical settings. **Question 6: Preventing Complications** A nurse is monitoring a patient post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which observation requires immediate intervention? - A. Mild abdominal pain at the incision site. - B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with shallow breathing. - C. Decreased appetite and reluctance to eat. - D. Heart rate of 98 bpm with slight nausea. **Correct Answer:** B. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with shallow breathing.\ *Rationale:* Tachypnea and shallow breathing may indicate atelectasis or respiratory distress, which require prompt intervention. **Assessment:** **Question 1: Data Collection** A nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient with a history of heart failure. The patient reports experiencing fatigue and difficulty breathing while lying flat. During the assessment, the nurse observes bilateral pitting edema in the lower extremities and an oxygen saturation level of 89%. How should the nurse classify these findings? - A. The fatigue and difficulty breathing are subjective data; the edema and oxygen saturation level are objective data. - B. The fatigue and difficulty breathing are objective data; the edema and oxygen saturation level are subjective data. - C. Both the fatigue and oxygen saturation level are subjective data; the edema is objective data. - D. The fatigue is subjective data; the difficulty breathing, edema, and oxygen saturation level are objective data. **Correct Answer:** A. The fatigue and difficulty breathing are subjective data; the edema and oxygen saturation level are objective data.\ *Rationale:* Subjective data are verbalized by the patient (symptoms), while objective data are measurable or observable (signs). **Question 2: Assessment Priority** A patient is admitted with a chief complaint of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. During the comprehensive admission assessment, the nurse notes a tense, distended abdomen and absent bowel sounds. Which action should the nurse prioritize? - A. Administer the prescribed antiemetic medication. - B. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately. - C. Complete the remainder of the admission assessment. - D. Offer the patient clear liquids to prevent dehydration. **Correct Answer:** B. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings immediately.\ *Rationale:* A tense, distended abdomen with absent bowel sounds may indicate a serious condition, such as a bowel obstruction, requiring immediate medical attention. **Question 3: Focused Assessment** A patient complains of lightheadedness and dizziness when standing up. Which assessment technique should the nurse prioritize? - A. Assessing for orthostatic blood pressure changes. - B. Palpating the patient\'s abdomen for tenderness. - C. Reviewing the patient's nutritional intake. - D. Inspecting the patient's skin for pallor. **Correct Answer:** A. Assessing for orthostatic blood pressure changes.\ *Rationale:* Dizziness when standing often suggests orthostatic hypotension, so blood pressure measurement in different positions is the appropriate focused assessment. **Question 4: Cues and Inferences** During an interview, a patient mentions, \"I feel so tired all the time and can't sleep at night.\" The nurse notices dark circles under the patient's eyes and a slouched posture. Which of the following represents an inference based on these cues? - A. The patient has a history of insomnia. - B. The patient is experiencing fatigue due to poor sleep. - C. The patient may benefit from a sleep study. - D. The patient is experiencing stress-related symptoms. **Correct Answer:** B. The patient is experiencing fatigue due to poor sleep.\ *Rationale:* An inference is a judgment based on cues, such as the patient\'s verbalized fatigue and physical signs of sleep deprivation. **Question 5: HIPAA Compliance** A nurse is reviewing a patient's electronic health record (EHR) on a shared computer. Which of the following actions violates HIPAA regulations? - A. Logging off the computer after completing documentation. - B. Accessing the EHR of a patient not assigned to the nurse. - C. Discussing a patient's condition with the attending physician. - D. Using the hospital\'s secure email system to send patient updates to another nurse. **Correct Answer:** B. Accessing the EHR of a patient not assigned to the nurse.\ *Rationale:* Accessing information for a patient not under the nurse\'s care violates HIPAA guidelines for maintaining confidentiality. **Question 6: Analysis and Action** A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with leg pain and edema. The patient now reports sudden chest pain while ambulating to the restroom. What should the nurse do next? - A. Assess the patient\'s vital signs and administer pain medication. - B. Return the patient to bed and apply oxygen immediately. - C. Notify the healthcare provider and perform an ECG. - D. Analyze the assessment findings and take immediate action to ensure patient safety. **Correct Answer:** D. Analyze the assessment findings and take immediate action to ensure patient safety.\ *Rationale:* Sudden chest pain in this context may indicate a pulmonary embolism or other critical condition requiring immediate analysis and action. **Diagnosis:** **Question 1: Nursing Diagnosis Types** A patient has undergone a right total hip arthroplasty and is reporting a pain level of 7/10 at the incision site. The nurse also observes redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision. Which type of nursing diagnosis is most appropriate? - A. Risk for Infection - B. Actual Pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by patient-reported pain level and incision site redness. - C. Health Promotion related to improved mobility after surgery. - D. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity. **Correct Answer:** B. Actual Pain related to surgical incision as evidenced by patient-reported pain level and incision site redness.\ *Rationale:* An actual nursing diagnosis describes responses to health conditions that currently exist, supported by signs (objective data) and symptoms (subjective data). **Question 2: Critical Thinking and Diagnosis** During an assessment, the nurse gathers the following patient data: low urine output (300 mL/24 hours), BP 90/50 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, and dry mucous membranes. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient? - A. Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output - B. Deficient Fluid Volume related to dehydration as evidenced by low urine output and dry mucous membranes. - C. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements. - D. Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to hypotension as evidenced by low urine output. **Correct Answer:** B. Deficient Fluid Volume related to dehydration as evidenced by low urine output and dry mucous membranes.\ *Rationale:* The data points indicate dehydration and fluid deficit as the primary concern, supported by signs of low urine output and mucous membrane dryness. **Question 3: Etiology in Nursing Diagnosis** A patient with pneumonia is admitted with labored breathing, oxygen saturation of 88%, and crackles in the lungs. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate, and what is its etiology? - A. Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to infection in the lungs. - B. Impaired Gas Exchange related to disruption of alveolar-capillary membrane. - C. Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance related to excessive mucus production. - D. Acute Pain related to chest discomfort from coughing. **Correct Answer:** B. Impaired Gas Exchange related to disruption of alveolar-capillary membrane.\ *Rationale:* Impaired gas exchange focuses on the physiological disruption caused by pneumonia, which affects oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. **Question 4: Application of NANDA Guidelines** The nurse is creating a care plan for a patient with opioid-induced constipation following surgery. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate? - A. Impaired Comfort related to pain as evidenced by limited mobility. - B. Constipation related to opioid use as evidenced by infrequent, hard stools and patient-reported abdominal discomfort. - C. Risk for Electrolyte Imbalance related to reduced dietary intake. - D. Ineffective Coping related to surgical recovery as evidenced by patient-reported frustration. **Correct Answer:** B. Constipation related to opioid use as evidenced by infrequent, hard stools and patient-reported abdominal discomfort.\ *Rationale:* This diagnosis directly addresses the problem (constipation) and links it to the etiology (opioid use), supported by specific signs and symptoms. **Question 5: Nursing Diagnosis Format** A nurse is caring for a patient with a medical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who has dyspnea and fatigue during minimal exertion. The nurse uses the PES (Problem-Etiology-Symptoms) format to create a nursing diagnosis. Which statement best demonstrates the correct structure? - A. Ineffective Airway Clearance related to smoking history. - B. Activity Intolerance related to COPD exacerbation as evidenced by dyspnea and fatigue upon exertion. - C. Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar damage as evidenced by low oxygen saturation. - D. Risk for Infection related to chronic lung disease. **Correct Answer:** B. Activity Intolerance related to COPD exacerbation as evidenced by dyspnea and fatigue upon exertion.\ *Rationale:* The PES format includes the problem (Activity Intolerance), the etiology (COPD exacerbation), and the symptoms (dyspnea and fatigue). **Question 6: Differentiating Diagnoses** Which statement best differentiates between a nursing diagnosis and a medical diagnosis? - A. A nursing diagnosis identifies a patient\'s disease, while a medical diagnosis focuses on symptoms. - B. A medical diagnosis determines treatment plans, while a nursing diagnosis focuses on potential health promotion strategies. - C. A nursing diagnosis identifies the patient\'s response to health conditions, while a medical diagnosis identifies the disease or condition. - D. A medical diagnosis involves interprofessional collaboration, while a nursing diagnosis is only used by nurses. **Correct Answer:** C. A nursing diagnosis identifies the patient\'s response to health conditions, while a medical diagnosis identifies the disease or condition.\ *Rationale:* Nursing diagnoses address human responses to health issues, while medical diagnoses pinpoint specific diseases.