NCLEX-PN Basics Practice Questions (90 Flashcards)

Standard Precautions require soap and water (not alcohol-based rubs) for hand hygiene when caring for clients with C. difficile. The spores are resistant to alcohol; mechanical friction via handwashing for at least 20 seconds is necessary to physically remove spores from the skin. NCLEX Tip: Always choose soap and water for visible soil or suspected C. diff/Norovirus. Alcohol-based rubs are preferred for most other clinical encounters because they are more effective against common pathogens and less drying to the skin.

Koplik spots are pathognomonic for Measles (Rubeola). Measles requires Airborne Precautions: Private room with negative pressure (6-12 air exchanges/hour) and N95 respirator use by staff. Only immune staff should care for the client if possible. NCLEX Strategy: NCLEX-PN often uses clinical signs (like Koplik spots) to test if you can identify the disease and then apply the correct precaution. Remember My Chicken Hez TB (Measles, Chickenpox/Varicella, Herpes Zoster/Disseminated, TB) for Airborne.

Condition: Status Epilepticus (SE). Action: Call for the Rapid Response Team/Emergency assistance and prepare for IV benzodiazepine administration (e.g., Lorazepam). Rationales: SE is a medical emergency where seizures last >5 mins or occur in rapid succession without recovery. It leads to brain hypoxia and hyperthermia. Exam Tip: LPNs must recognize that SE requires immediate escalation of care and pharmacological intervention beyond basic precautions.

Identity vs. Role Confusion. Rationale: Adolescents (12-18y) are focused on fitting in with peers and defining their personal identity. Anything that makes them appear different or abnormal compared to their peer group is a threat to their identity. NCLEX Tip: Peer support groups are the most effective intervention for adolescents with chronic illnesses because they normalize the condition within the social framework the adolescent values most.

Decreased heart rate, decreased respiratory rate, and lowered blood pressure. Rationale: Guided imagery triggers the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response), counteracting the sympathetic "fight or flight" response caused by pain. NCLEX Tip: Evaluation is a key step in the nursing process. Always look for objective physiological data (vitals) alongside subjective reports (0-10 scale) to confirm non-pharmacological efficacy.