Nursing Process NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Completes a comprehensive database. In the first phase of the nursing process (assessment), the nurse collects data to form a comprehensive database about the patient's health status. This step is crucial as it provides the foundation for identifying nursing diagnoses, planning interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Identifying nursing diagnoses (B) occurs in the second phase (diagnosis), intervening based on priorities of patient care (C) is part of the third phase (planning), and determining whether outcomes have been achieved (D) is in the fourth phase (evaluation). Completing a comprehensive database in the first phase ensures a thorough understanding of the patient's needs before proceeding to the next steps in the nursing process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Presbycusis. Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, commonly affecting higher frequencies. As people age, changes in the inner ear structures can lead to hearing loss. Otoplasty (A) is a surgical procedure to correct ear deformities, not related to aging. Otalgia (C) refers to ear pain, not specifically related to aging. Tinnitus (D) is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can occur at any age and is not exclusive to age-related hearing loss.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased cardiac output. Fatigue in heart failure is primarily due to decreased cardiac output, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, causing fatigue. Dyspnea (A) is shortness of breath, not fatigue. Dry cough (C) is more associated with conditions like pulmonary issues, not fatigue. Orthopnea (D) is difficulty breathing while lying down, not specifically related to fatigue. Hence, decreased cardiac output is the most likely cause of fatigue in this patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by damage to the myelin sheath, not a build-up of myelin. Step 2: MS affects the nerves, not neurotransmitters related to muscle contraction (eliminates choice B). Step 3: MS does not damage receptor sites on muscles but affects nerve signal transmission (eliminates choice C). Step 4: The correct answer, D, explains that MS damages the insulation on nerve cells (myelin sheath), leading to slower nerve impulses to the muscles, causing weakness and coordination issues.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Where is the pain located? This matches with the "Location" component of the PQRST. This question helps determine the specific area where the pain is occurring, providing crucial information for diagnosis and treatment. This step is important in identifying potential underlying issues related to the pain. Summary of other choices: B: What causes the pain? - This question relates to the "Provocation/Palliation" component, not the location. C: Does it come and go? - This question corresponds to the "Quality" component, focusing on the characteristics of the pain. D: What does the pain feel like? - This question aligns with the "Severity" component, concentrating on the intensity of the pain.