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Learn Client Needs - Health Promotion and Maintenance

The NCLEX-RN exam is structured using a framework of "Meeting Client Needs." There are four major categories:

  • Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance
  • Psychosocial Integrity
  • Physiological Integrity

Learn about Health Promotion and Maintenance below.

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Health Promotion and Maintenance accounts for 6-12 percent of the questions on the NCLEX-RN® exam. The nursing actions included in this subcategory are:

           
Aging processAnte/intra/postpartum and newborn
Developmental stages/transitionsExpected body image changes
Family planningFamily systems
Human sexualityDisease prevention
Health screeningImmunizations
Health and wellnessLifestyle choices
Physical assessment techniquesHealth promotion programs
Typical Questions

The following is an example of a typical health promotion and maintenance question:

A 21-year old woman in active labor is admitted to the labor suite. An hour later, the membranes rupture spontaneously. The nurse observes a glistening white cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should be the highest priority of the nurse?

  1. Return to the nurse's station and place an emergency call to the physician.
  2. Administer oxygen by mask at 10-12 liters/minute and assess the mother's vital signs.
  3. Place a clean towel over the cord and wet it with sterile normal saline.
  4. Apply manual pressure to the presenting part and have the mother assume a knee-chest position.

The correct answer is (4). A prolapsed cord is an emergency situation. The nurse must relieve pressure on the cord to prevent fetal anoxia.

The following is another example of a typical health promotion and maintenance question:

The nurse in the out-patient clinic is discussing exercise programs with a group of adults. Which of the following statements, if made to the nurse by one of the participants, indicates the need for further teaching?

  1. I should individualize my exercise program to meet my needs.
  2. I should incorporate the exercise program into my daily activities.
  3. I should maintain consistent participation in my exercise program.
  4. I should perform vigorous exercise several times a week.

The correct answer is (4). This is a negative question. Exercise does not need to be vigorous, it just needs to increase the client's resting heart rate.