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NCLEX Essential Concepts

Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A generalized reaction to contaminated equipment or solutions a. Manifestations 1) Chills and fever 30-60 minutes after start of infusion 2) Flushing - sudden pulse increase 3) Backache - headache 4) Nausea - vomiting 5) Hypotension - vascular collap






2. Analgesics - antipyretic - anticoagulant - anti - inflammatory






3. PH 7.52 2. pCO2 30 3. HCO3 20 4. Cause: hyperventilation; rebreathe CO2






4. Manifestations 1) Muscle weakness 2) Weak pulse and ECG changes b. Causes 1) Potassium depleting diuretics 2) Burns 3) Diarrhea - colitis 4) Vomiting c. Management: Potassium replacement -- DO Not give Digoxin






5. Acts of both omission and commission. 2. Failure to provide care that a reasonably prudent heath care professional would provide in the given circumstances. 3. Failure to provide care that meets the accepted standards of care - or giving care that re






6. Caused by poor heart action.- drugs that make heart beat more effectively






7. Lukewarm or tepid water b. Compresses on wrists - ankles - armpits - or groin to speed cooling c. Prevent shivering






8. Purposes 1. Relaxes muscle spasm 2. Softens exudate for removal 3. Vasodilates; hastens healing 4. Localizes infection 5. Reduces congestion 6. Relaxes - comforts






9. Head lower than trunk and feet 2. Uses a. Shock - sometimes b. Prolapsed cord when mother not in hospital; Increases venous return






10. Same osmotic pressure as in the cell Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) b. Dextrose 5% in water c. Lactated Ringer's






11. Acts by blocking opiate receptors in the brain 2. Used to treat: a. Opiate induced respiratory depression b. Opiate overdose 3. Side effects: a. Withdrawal symptoms in addicted persons b. Return of pain 4. Drug is rapid acting; narcotic may last long






12. Physiologic needs b. Safety and security c. Love and belonging d. Self esteem e. Self actualization 2. Keep them breathing; keep them safe


13. Routine tasks b. Routine vital signs






14. A decrease in total blood volume such as hemorrhage - transfusions






15. Higher osmotic pressure than blood serum; causes cells to shrink; pulls fluid out of cells into blood stream a. Dextrose 5% or higher in saline b. Dextrose stronger than 5% in water c. Albumin






16. Obesity B. Aging - plus recovery C. Concomitant diseases 1. Cardiovascular a. Danger of congestive failure - avoid fluid overload b. Avoid prolonged immobilization as it may cause venous stasis c. Encourage change of position; avoid sudden exertion 2






17. Extracellular fluid volume deficit 1. Causes: Loosing more fluid than is taken in a. Vomiting b. Diarrhea c. Diuretics d. Increased respirations e. Insufficient I.V. fluid replacement or PO 2. Manifestations a. Weight loss b. Poor skin turgor c. Dry






18. Short duration B. Serves as a warning C. Subsides as healing occurs D. Autonomic nervous system symptoms frequently present






19. Apply heat to improve circulation and healing






20. Fluid balance - acid - base - nerve conduction a. Causes 1) Increased perspiration 2) Drinking only tap water 3) GI losses: diarrhea - vomiting - suction 4) Diuretics b - Manifestations 1) Confusion 2) Hypotension 3) Oliguria 4) Muscle weakness 5) Co






21. 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/l






22. PH 7.52 2. pCO2 52 3. HCO3 34 4. Cause: Vomiting; excessive diuresis






23. Head up 20 to 30 degrees 2. Reduces intracranial pressure; good for head injuries and craniotomies 3. Good for cervical neck surgery


24. Manifestations 1) Headache - flushed skin - tachycardia 2) Venous distention 3) Increased venous pressure 4) Coughing - dyspnea - cyanosis 5) Pulmonary edema b. Prevention 1) Check for preexisting heart condition 2) Monitor flow rate of solution 3) P






25. Can do sterile procedures b. Can give medications except IV meds






26. Patient pushes button and receives IV analgesia 2. Device has preset dose and frequency limits 3. Nurse must instruct patient in use of device 4. Nurse must continue to assess patient for a. Pain b. Pain relief c. Side effects (vital signs) 5. Studie






27. Causes 1) Decreased water intake 2) Increased sodium intake 3) Impaired renal function b. Manifestations 1) Edema 2) Dry - sticky mucous membranes 3) Thirst 4) Elevated temp. 5) Flushed skin c. Management: Give water






28. The pressure demonstrated when a solvent moves through the semipermeable membrane from weaker to stronger concentrations






29. Patient is moved all at once so there is no twisting of spine B. One person moves the head and shoulders C. Second person moves the feet and legs at the same time D. Turning sheet may be helpful E. Place the bed in a high position to promote good bod






30. Needle punctures dura and cerebral spinal fluid lost. 2. Patient at risk for spinal headache.






31. Anticoagulants predispose to hemorrhage; discontinue 1-2 weeks before surgery 2. Aminoglycosides (streptomycin - gentamicin) can cause neuromuscular blockade. Anesthesiologist must know. 3. Diuretics may cause electrolyte imbalances and respiratory d






32. When opening a sterile package open the first flap away from you B. Never turn your back on a sterile field C. Avoid talking D. Keep all objects within vies; below the waist is not a sterile field. E. Moisture carries organisms through a barrier F. O






33. Inadequate blood supply to the vital organs: the brain - heart and kidneys; inadequate circulating volume. Manifestations A. Pulse pressure decreases B. Blood pressure deceases C. Urine output decreases (ADH and Aldosterone) D. Pulse increases E. Res






34. Made in the hypothalamus and stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary b. Causes kidney to retain sodium and water






35. Analgesic - antipyretic - anticoagulant - anti - inflammatory






36. Made in the adrenal cortex b. Causes kidney to retain sodium and water and get rid of potassium






37. Partial thickness loss of skin involving epidermis and/or part of dermis






38. Patient on side 2. Prevents aspiration when patient is not fully alert






39. Less osmotic pressure than blood serum - hydrates cells a. Tap water b. Sodium chloride less than 0.9%






40. Head up 45-60 degrees 2. Reduces venous return and reduces cardiac workload 3. Promotes thoracic expansion 4. Reduces tension on the suture line for persons who have had abdominal surgery 5. Promotes drainage


41. Apply cold to prevent swelling - bleeding and relive pain






42. Caused by a decrease in peripheral resistance - vasoconstriction






43. Head at 90 degrees 2. Used for persons with COPD


44. Extracellular volume excess 1. Causes a. Too many I.V. fluids too quickly b. Decreased kidney or heart function 2. Manifestations a. Cough - dyspnea - rales - tachypnea b. Increased blood pressure c. Increased CVP d. Neck vein distention e. Tachycard






45. Decision maker b. Can do complex procedures c. Can give medications via all routes that nurses can give meds d. Is best person for teaching e. Coordinates care f. Performs admission assessments






46. Dislodging of needle causes fluid to infiltrate tissues a. Manifestations 1) Edema - blanching - puffiness on under surface of arm 2) Discomfort 3) Slow drip rate 4) Cool to the touch 5) Necrosis and sloughing of tissue with certain drugs (Levophed)






47. 22 - 29 mEq/l






48. Weight bearing is necessary to keep calcium in the bones 2. Calcium leaving bones may increase risk of kidney stone






49. Sheet between patient and cooling blanket b. Prevent skin damage c. Change position frequently d. No shivering: Muscle relaxant may be given if patient shivering






50. VS - LOC - Skin color - IV infusions - Drainage Tubes - Dressings - DB & C-h