RN Registered Nurse: Reduction of Risk Potential 3

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion who develops sudden chills, back pain, and dark urine after 50 mL has infused. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline

Answer

These signs indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction; the transfusion must be stopped immediately and the line kept open with normal saline.

Question 2

Which patient is at highest risk for developing a pulmonary embolism postoperatively?

Accepted Answer

A 68-year-old who had a total hip replacement and remains on bed rest

Answer

Older age, orthopedic surgery, and immobility are all major risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism.

Question 3

A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube. After placement, which method best confirms correct placement before beginning a feeding?

Accepted Answer

Aspirating stomach contents and testing pH

Answer

Aspirating gastric contents and testing the pH (≤5.5 confirms gastric placement) is the most reliable bedside method before a chest X-ray.

Question 4

A nurse notes that a patient's surgical wound has new separation with yellow drainage. What is the most appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and apply a moist sterile dressing

Answer

Wound dehiscence with purulent drainage suggests infection and requires immediate provider notification and appropriate wound care.

Question 5

A patient is prescribed potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. The nurse should administer this over what minimum time frame?

Accepted Answer

1 hour

Answer

IV potassium must be administered no faster than 10-20 mEq/hour to avoid life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN Registered Nurse: Reduction of Risk Potential 3