Nursing Process Exam Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Standard precautions include wearing gloves when there is a potential for contact with blood or body fluids. Emptying a bedpan involves contact with bodily fluids, thus gloves are necessary to prevent exposure to pathogens. Choice B is incorrect because wearing a gown and protective eyewear is not necessary for obtaining a urine specimen via catheterization unless there is a risk of splashing or spraying of fluids. Choice C is incorrect as needles should always be disposed of in a proper sharps container with the cap secured to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Choice D is incorrect because applying eyedrops does not involve contact with blood or body fluids, so wearing gloves is not necessary according to standard precautions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Halos around lights. Digoxin toxicity can cause visual disturbances like seeing halos around lights, which is a common symptom. This is due to its effect on the eyes. Poor appetite (choice A) is a common side effect but not specific to toxicity. Constipation (choice C) is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Tachycardia (choice D) is more commonly associated with digoxin toxicity, but visual disturbances like halos around lights are more specific and should be explained to the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Facial tenderness. Sinus infections commonly present with facial tenderness due to the inflammation and pressure within the sinuses. This symptom is often accompanied by pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Photophobia (B) is more commonly associated with conditions like migraines or meningitis. Chest pain (C) is not a typical symptom of a sinus infection. Ear drainage (D) is more indicative of an ear infection rather than a sinus infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Actual nursing diagnosis. An actual nursing diagnosis is validated by the presence of major defining characteristics, such as signs and symptoms exhibited by the patient. This helps in identifying the specific health issues that the patient is currently experiencing. In contrast, a risk nursing diagnosis is focused on potential health problems that the patient may develop in the future. Possible nursing diagnosis involves uncertain or unclear health issues that require further assessment. Wellness diagnosis is aimed at enhancing health and promoting well-being, rather than addressing existing health problems. Therefore, the presence of major defining characteristics is crucial in confirming an actual nursing diagnosis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypomagnesemia. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hypomagnesemia can cause confusion in elderly patients. Magnesium plays a crucial role in brain function and its deficiency can result in cognitive impairment. Hyponatremia (A) typically presents with symptoms like weakness and confusion but not necessarily dehydration. Hypercalcemia (B) and hyperkalemia (C) are less likely to cause confusion in this scenario. Therefore, hypomagnesemia is the most likely electrolyte imbalance involved in the elderly nursing home resident's confusion.