Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is planning care for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and has moderate to severe pain in multiple joints. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest
This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.
B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day
This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.
C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation
This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain.
D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain
This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Comprehensive Online Practice 2019 B with NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day.
- A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest. This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.
- B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.
- C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation. This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain. - D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain. This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.
Similar Questions
A nurse preceptor is evaluating the performance of a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the preceptor?
A. Documents client tasks upon completion
Documenting client tasks upon completion is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates accuracy and timeliness of documentation.
B. Starts a task then determines what supplies are needed
Starting a task then determining what supplies are needed is an inappropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that indicates poor planning and organization skills.
C. Completes a client assessment while infusing an IV antibiotic over 30 min
Completing a client assessment while infusing an IV antibiotic over 30 min is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates efficient use of time and multitasking ability.
D. Returns to the nurses' station after completing several tasks in the same location
Returning to the nurses' station after completing several tasks in the same location is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates effective prioritization and delegation skills.
Full Explanation
A is incorrect because documenting client tasks upon completion is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates accuracy and timeliness of documentation.
B is correct because starting a task then determining what supplies are needed is an inappropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that indicates poor planning and organization skills.
C is incorrect because completing a client assessment while infusing an IV antibiotic over 30 min is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates efficient use of time and multitasking ability.
D is incorrect because returning to the nurses' station after completing several tasks in the same location is an appropriate action by the newly licensed nurse that demonstrates effective prioritization and delegation skills.
A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and recently started taking risperidone. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Implement fall precautions for the client
This is correct because risperidone can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. The nurse should advise the client to change positions slowly, avoid alcohol and dehydration, and use assistive devices as needed.
B. Monitor the client's thyroid function
This is incorrect because risperidone does not affect thyroid function. The nurse should monitor the client's thyroid function if they are taking lithium, which can cause hypothyroidism.
C. Place the client on a fluid restriction
This is incorrect because risperidone does not cause fluid retention or overload. The nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake and monitor the client's fluid balance.
D. Discontinue the medication if hallucinations occur
This is incorrect because hallucinations are a symptom of schizophrenia, not a side effect of risperidone. The nurse should not discontinue the medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse of psychosis. The nurse should assess the client's response to the medication, report any adverse effects, and adjust the dosage as prescribed.
Full Explanation
Implement fall precautions for the client.
- A. Implement fall precautions for the client. This is correct because risperidone can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. The nurse should advise the client to change positions slowly, avoid alcohol and dehydration, and use assistive devices as needed.
- B. Monitor the client's thyroid function. This is incorrect because risperidone does not affect thyroid function. The nurse should monitor the client's thyroid function if they are taking lithium, which can cause hypothyroidism.
- C. Place the client on a fluid restriction. This is incorrect because risperidone does not cause fluid retention or overload. The nurse should encourage adequate fluid intake and monitor the client's fluid balance.
- D. Discontinue the medication if hallucinations occur. This is incorrect because hallucinations are a symptom of schizophrenia, not a side effect of risperidone. The nurse should not discontinue the medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse of psychosis. The nurse should assess the client's response to the medication, report any adverse effects, and adjust the dosage as prescribed.

A nurse is assessing a client who is at 11 weeks of gestation and reports drinking ginger tea.
Which of the following findings indicates the client's use of ginger tea is effective?
A. The client reports a decrease in episodes of nausea.
Ginger tea is an herbal remedy that has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
B. The client reports a decrease in breast tenderness.
Ginger tea does not have any effect on breast tenderness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by hormonal changes.
C. The client reports a decrease in headaches.
Ginger tea does not have any effect on headaches, which can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, stress, or caffeine withdrawal in pregnancy.
D. The client reports a decrease in urinary frequency.
Ginger tea does not have any effect on urinary frequency, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by increased blood volume and pressure on the bladder.
Full Explanation
A is correct because ginger tea is an herbal remedy that has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.
B is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on breast tenderness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by hormonal changes.
C is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on headaches, which can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, stress, or caffeine withdrawal in pregnancy.
D is incorrect because ginger tea does not have any effect on urinary frequency, which is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by increased blood volume and pressure on the bladder.