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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. 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






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






3. Adjust to retirement C. Adjust to loss of friends - family D. View own death as appropriate outcome of life






4. 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






5. Manifestations 1) Tenderness and pain in vein 2) Edema and redness at site 3) Warmth b. Management 1) Cold compresses immediately to relieve pain and inflammation 2) Follow with moist warm compresses to stimulate circulation and promote absorption






6. 22 - 29 mEq/l






7. 135 - 145 mEq/l






8. Caused by a decrease in peripheral resistance - vasoconstriction






9. Emergency care can be given to stabilize patient who is not able to give consent. 2. Age of majority is eighteen 3. Unconscious adults need permission for care by parents or spouse if married. 4. Persons who are not alert or have been given mind alte






10. Apply heat to improve circulation and healing






11. Legs up in stirrups 2. Uses a. Gyn exams b. Perineal surgery 3. Increases risk of venous stasis and deep vein thrombophlebitis






12. 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






13. Assess for signs of circulatory overload 2. Assess urinary output to determine renal function 3. Assess needle site 4. Assess infusion site for signs of infiltration 5. Assess flow rate 6. Assess IV container 7. Assess IV tubing






14. On left side with lower arm behind the back 2. Good position for administering enema


15. 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






16. 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






17. Follow physician's orders B. Do not apply without order except in emergency C. Use least restraint possible D. Each unit should have a written protocol E. Check patient frequently for safety F. Loosen restraints every 2 hours G. Do not use as punishm






18. 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






19. Act by altering perception of and response to pain 2. Act on the central nervous system 3. Adverse reactions a. Depress respirations b. Decrease alertness c. Decrease coughing d. Decrease blood pressure and pulse e. Slow peristalsis f. Constrict pupi






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






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






22. Routine tasks b. Routine vital signs






23. 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






24. 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






25. Movement of fluid from lower to higher concentration. Across semipermeable membrane; high concentration of glucose






26. 85 - 115 mEq/l






27. 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






28. Analgesics - antipyretic - small anticoagulation






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






30. Dispose of sharps in puncture - resistant containers B. Do not recap used needles C. Wear protective barriers (gloves - gowns - masks - eyewear) when at risk for exposure to body fluids D. Clean blood spills with soap and water or household bleach 1:






31. 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)






32. Needle does not puncture dura. Spinal headache unlikely. 2. Once sensation and motion return patient may be in any position that is satisfactory for the procedure.






33. 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






34. 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






35. PH 7.35-7.45 2. pCO2 = 35 - 45 3. pO2 = 80 - 100 4. HCO3 = 22 - 26






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






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






38. Full thickness skin loss involving subcutaneous damage or necrosis






39. 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






40. 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






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






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






43. Movement of particles from higher to lower concentration






44. 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


45. Lasts more than 6 months B. Appears to serve no useful purpose C. May persist after injury heals D. No autonomic nervous system symptoms






46. 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






47. 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/l






48. Causative agent --> reservoir -->portal of exit --> Mode of transmission -->portal of entry-->susceptible host






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


50. Changes in color:( red - blue - purple) - temperature changes - and skin stiffness