RN Registered Nurse 4

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which nursing position provides the best outcome?

Accepted Answer

Head of bed elevated 30 degrees with head midline

Answer

Elevating the HOB 30 degrees and keeping the head midline promotes venous drainage from the skull, reducing ICP.

Question 2

A nurse notes a patient on heparin infusion has an aPTT of 180 seconds (therapeutic range 60–100 seconds). What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Stop the infusion and notify the provider

Answer

An aPTT of 180 seconds indicates supratherapeutic anticoagulation and bleeding risk; the infusion must be stopped and the provider notified for dose adjustment.

Question 3

A patient with acute pancreatitis is prescribed nothing by mouth (NPO). The patient asks why they cannot eat. What is the nurse's best response?

Accepted Answer

'Eating stimulates the pancreas to release enzymes that worsen inflammation.'

Answer

Oral intake stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion, which causes autodigestion and worsens pancreatitis; NPO status allows the pancreas to rest.

Question 4

A nurse is preparing a patient for a colonoscopy. Which finding in the patient's history requires immediate communication to the provider?

Accepted Answer

Daily aspirin use for cardiac prophylaxis

Answer

Antiplatelet agents like aspirin increase bleeding risk during colonoscopy with potential polypectomy; the provider must decide whether to hold the medication.

Question 5

A nurse is performing a newborn assessment and notes the infant's skin is yellow at 10 hours of life. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

Pathologic jaundice requiring immediate evaluation

Answer

Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life is always pathologic and requires immediate evaluation for conditions such as hemolytic disease.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN Registered Nurse 4