Ch. 4: Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies

Question 1

What are the six cognitive skills of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model?

Answer 1

1. Recognize cues
2. Analyze cues
3. Prioritize hypothesis
4. Generate solutions
5. Take action
6. Evaluate outcomes

Question 2

What do the ABCs and CAB indicate about priority?

Answer 2

Airway, breathing, circulation is the order of priority.
Unless it’s cardiopulmonary resuscitation, then it’s compressions, airway, breathing.

Question 3

In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, what is the priority?

Answer 3

Physiological needs like airway, respiratory effort, heart rate/rhythm/strength of contraction, nutrition, and elimination.

Question 4

In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, what are the 5 nursing priorities in order?

Answer 4

1. Basic physiological needs
2. Safety and security
3. Love and belonging
4. Self-esteem
5. Self-actualization

Question 5

According to the NCJMM Cognitive Skills, what should be the first step?

Answer 5

Collect client data
Unless it’s an emergency situation

Question 6

What happens if an abnormality exists in the question?

Answer 6

Either further nursing assessment and analysis or further nursing action will be required. Therefore, continuing to monitor or documenting will NOT be a correct answer.

Question 7

What happens if the data is borderline?

Answer 7

There will be another event in the question that could cause the data to become abnormal.

Question 8

What is the first priority if the question addresses client teaching?

Answer 8

The clients willingness, desire, and readiness to learn.

Question 9

How do you answer communication questions?

Answer 9

Use therapeutic communication techniques.

Question 10

What should you do if options are alike or comparable?

Answer 10

Eliminate them. It’s unlikely both would be correct.

Question 11

Can you eliminate options c containing closed-ended words?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

What are examples of closed-ended words?

Answer 12

All, always, every, must, none, never, only

Question 13

What are examples of open-ended words?

Answer 13

May, usually, normally, commonly, generally

Question 14

Answers using open-ended words can usually be considered as possible correct options, t/f.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What is an umbrella option?

Answer 15

One that is a broad, comprehensive, or universal statement and that usually contains the concepts of the other options within it.

Question 16

When answering a question, look for the umbrella option, t/f.

Answer 16

True.

Question 17

What types of things can be assigned to an assistive personnel like a CNA?

Answer 17

Noninvasive interventions such as skin care, range-of-motion exercises, ambulation, grooming, and hygiene measures

Question 18

What tasks can a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) perform?

Answer 18

Focused assessments, Noninvasive interventions and certain invasive tasks such as dressings, suctioning, urinary catheterization, and administering medications orally or subcutaneous or intramuscular route.
They can also reinforce teaching initiated by the RN, and should apply the six cognitive NCJMM skills.

Question 19

What tasks can a nurse perform?

Answer 19

All that an LPN/LVN can perform, including COMPREHENSIVE assessments and the six NCJMM cognitive skills (recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypothesis, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes), and supervising care, initiating teaching, and administering medications intravenously.

Question 20

T/f: the textbook information is a good source to pull from during the exam.

Answer 20

True; NCLEX requires you to answer questions based on textbook information, in ideal situations.

Question 21

How should you learn medication names?

Answer 21

Generic name only.

Question 22

What is a good tip for the relationship between a medical diagnosis and a medication?

Answer 22

If the question identifies a medical diagnosis, form a relationship.
ie: Cyclophosphamide is an antineoplastic medication if the question refers to a client with breast cancer who is taking the med.

Question 23

Why should you recognize the common side effects and adverse effects associated with each medication classification?

Answer 23

Because certain nursing interventions are associated.
ie: if a side effect is HTN, the associated nursing intervention would be to monitor the blood pressure.

Question 24

In general, would a client take an antacid with medication?

Answer 24

No because it will effect the absorption of the medication.

Question 25

Which types of meds should not be crushed or opened?

Answer 25

Enteric-coated, sustained-release, and filled capsules.

Question 26

Should a client ever adjust or change a medication abruptly?

Answer 26

No.

Question 27

Can a nurse ever adjust or change the client’s medication dosage?

Answer 27

No, and she can never discontinue a medication either.

Question 28

When can a pt take over-the-counter medications such as herbal preparations?

Answer 28

When they are approved for tuse by the primary health care provider.

Question 29

When can a client consume alcohol?

Answer 29

Never, lol. It interacts with several meds.

Question 30

Can a medication be administered if the prescription is difficult to read?

Answer 30

No. If it’s unclear, illegible, or identifies a medication dose that’s not normal.