Nursing Process NCLEX Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because during the first phase of the nursing process (assessment), the nurse gathers a comprehensive database of information about the patient's health status. This step is crucial for identifying the patient's needs and developing a holistic care plan. Choice B is incorrect because identifying nursing diagnoses typically occurs in the second phase (diagnosis). Choice C is incorrect as intervening based on care priorities happens in the third phase (planning and implementation). Choice D is incorrect as determining outcomes achieved is part of the final phase (evaluation).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Efferent neurons transmit impulses from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. This is because efferent neurons are responsible for carrying motor signals away from the central nervous system to control muscle movement and gland secretion. Afferent neurons (choice A) transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system. Affective (choice B) is not a term used in neuroscience for describing neuron functions. Effective (choice D) is not a term used in neuroscience and does not describe the specific function of transmitting impulses from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thymectomy. The thymus gland is often found to be abnormal in individuals with myasthenia gravis, and removing it through thymectomy can lead to substantial remission of symptoms. This is because the thymus plays a role in the development of the immune system and may be producing antibodies that attack neuromuscular junctions in myasthenia gravis. Choice A, esophagostomy, is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the esophagus for feeding and has no direct impact on myasthenia gravis. Choice C, myomectomy, is the removal of uterine fibroids and is unrelated to myasthenia gravis. Choice D, spleenectomy, is the removal of the spleen and is not a treatment for myasthenia gravis as the spleen is not implicated in the disease process.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory rate 36/min. In this case, the nurse should address the respiratory rate first due to the patient's chronic lung disease, indicating potential respiratory distress. High respiratory rate may signify hypoxia, infection, or worsening lung function, posing immediate life-threatening risks. Addressing this symptom promptly is crucial to prevent respiratory failure. Fever (A) and difficulty urinating (B) are important but not as urgent as addressing potential respiratory distress. Painful legs and feet (D) may indicate peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes, which is important but not as critical as addressing the respiratory issue.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. When auscultating the lungs of a client with pleural effusion, the examiner would note decreased or absent breath sounds over the area where the fluid has accumulated. This is due to the fluid blocking the transmission of sound through the lungs. Pronounced breath sounds (choice A) would not be present due to the fluid obstructing the normal sound transmission. Expiratory wheezes (choice B) are associated with airway obstruction, not fluid accumulation. Friction rub (choice C) is a dry, grating sound heard with inflammation of the pleura, not specifically related to pleural effusion.