Nclexpn Quiz: High Risk Behavior Education
20 questions · exam conditions
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High Risk Behavior EducationQuestion 1 of 20

A 55-year-old client has a sedentary lifestyle and eats restaurant food most days. Family history includes stroke and myocardial infarction. Vital signs: blood pressure 148/90 mm Hg, heart rate 86/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.4°F (36.9°C). Which behavior change is MOST important for the client to implement?

Reduce sodium intake and increase physical activity gradually to support blood pressure and heart health
Drink herbal tea daily as the primary method to prevent heart disease
Avoid all carbohydrates permanently to prevent stroke
Request a prescription for a stimulant to increase energy for exercise
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Nclexpn Quiz

Nclexpn Quiz: High Risk Behavior Education

Practice High Risk Behavior Education in Nclexpn with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on High Risk Behavior Education, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Nclexpn.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A 55-year-old client has a sedentary lifestyle and eats restaurant food most days. Family history includes stroke and myocardial infarction. Vital signs: blood pressure 148/90 mm Hg, heart rate 86/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.4°F (36.9°C). Which behavior change is MOST important for the client to implement?

  1. Reduce sodium intake and increase physical activity gradually to support blood pressure and heart health (correct answer)
  2. Drink herbal tea daily as the primary method to prevent heart disease
  3. Avoid all carbohydrates permanently to prevent stroke
  4. Request a prescription for a stimulant to increase energy for exercise
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on lifestyle and cardiovascular risks. The primary behavior risk is sedentary habits and high-sodium diet with family history, which is a priority for hypertension and stroke prevention. The correct answer provides the most effective education by promoting activity and sodium reduction. Option B is insufficient; C is extreme; D is unsafe. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios sets incremental goals. It also monitors vital signs. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to target diet in high-BP clients, then activity based on age.

Question 2

A 28-year-old client who is 14 weeks pregnant reports drinking 3–4 alcoholic drinks on weekends and using marijuana "to help with nausea." Vital signs: temperature 98.7°F (37.1°C), heart rate 90/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 112/70 mm Hg. The client says, "It's natural, so it's safe." Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this client?

  1. Teach that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe in pregnancy and provide referral resources for stopping substance use (correct answer)
  2. Advise switching from alcohol to wine because it has fewer effects on the fetus
  3. Instruct the client to stop prenatal vitamins until nausea improves
  4. Request the provider prescribe a sedative to prevent cravings immediately
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education concerning substance use during pregnancy. The primary behavior risk is alcohol and marijuana consumption, which is a priority because it can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and developmental issues. The correct answer provides the most effective education by stressing abstinence and offering referrals, directly protecting fetal health. Option B is incorrect as no alcohol is safe; C is wrong because vitamins are essential; D is inappropriate as sedatives pose risks without assessment. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios uses nonjudgmental communication to encourage disclosure and support. It also connects clients to multidisciplinary resources for comprehensive care. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to address substances with immediate fetal impact first, then barriers like nausea, tailored to gestational stage.

Question 3

A 45-year-old client has a sedentary lifestyle and a strong family history of heart disease. Assessment: body mass index 32, reports fast food 5 times/week, and gets "no time" for exercise. Vital signs: blood pressure 146/92 mm Hg, heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.2°F (36.8°C). Which behavior change is MOST important for the client to implement?

  1. Begin moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) most days of the week and increase gradually (correct answer)
  2. Take an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement daily to speed metabolism
  3. Schedule a cardiac catheterization to evaluate for coronary artery disease
  4. Drink more fruit juice to replace soda and improve heart health
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for cardiovascular health in adults with sedentary lifestyles. The primary behavior risk is lack of exercise and poor diet with family history, which is a priority as it elevates hypertension and obesity-related heart disease risks. The correct answer provides the most effective education by promoting gradual moderate activity, which is safe and sustainable for reducing cardiac risks. Option B is incorrect as supplements lack evidence and may be unsafe; C is invasive and not indicated; D is wrong because fruit juice is high in sugar and not a direct substitute. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios involves setting realistic, incremental goals to build adherence. It also includes monitoring progress and adjusting plans based on client feedback. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to focus on modifiable risks like activity levels first, especially in clients with genetic predispositions.

Question 4

A 52-year-old client with a sedentary lifestyle reports watching television most evenings and eating processed foods. Family history includes a parent who had a heart attack at age 54. Vital signs: blood pressure 138/88 mm Hg, heart rate 82/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.0°F (36.7°C). The nurse should reinforce which information to promote healthier choices?

  1. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats and increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (correct answer)
  2. Eliminate all dietary fats to prevent heart disease
  3. Begin high-intensity weightlifting daily without warming up to build endurance quickly
  4. Request the provider prescribe antibiotics to prevent future heart disease
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle in middle age. The primary behavior risk is high processed food intake and inactivity with family history, which is a priority as it contributes to atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The correct answer provides the most effective education by recommending balanced dietary shifts, which lower cholesterol and improve overall health. Option B is incorrect as fats are essential; C is risky without clearance; D is unrelated to heart disease prevention. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios uses simple, evidence-based dietary guidelines. It also encourages small, sustainable changes to foster long-term adherence. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to focus on nutrition first in clients with family history, then integrate activity based on current habits.

Question 5

A 21-year-old client reports a new sexual partner and states they "usually" use condoms but not during oral sex. Vital signs are within expected limits. The client asks how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Use barrier protection (such as condoms or dental dams) for oral, vaginal, and anal sex to reduce STI transmission (correct answer)
  2. Stop all sexual activity until STI symptoms appear so treatment can be started quickly
  3. Use two condoms at the same time to provide extra protection
  4. Only clients with symptoms need STI testing, so testing is not necessary now
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on STI prevention methods. The primary behavior risk is inconsistent condom use, especially during oral sex, which is a priority as it facilitates STI transmission through mucosal contact. The correct answer provides the most effective education by advocating barrier methods for all sexual activities, broadly reducing infection risks. Option B is incorrect as it promotes delay in prevention; C is wrong because double condoms increase breakage; D is false as asymptomatic infections require testing. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios emphasizes practical skills like correct barrier use. It also promotes regular screening to detect issues early. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to target specific risky practices, such as unprotected oral sex, based on the client's reported behaviors.

Question 6

A 23-year-old client reports having vaginal sex without condoms because they are using oral contraceptive pills. Vital signs are within expected limits. The client asks if this prevents infections. What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy but not STIs; use condoms to reduce STI risk (correct answer)
  2. Oral contraceptives prevent both pregnancy and most STIs, so condoms are unnecessary
  3. Use antibiotics after sex to prevent STIs
  4. Only use condoms during the first week of each pill pack
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education distinguishing contraception from STI protection. The primary behavior risk is relying on pills without condoms, which is a priority as it leaves STI vulnerability. The correct answer provides the most effective education by clarifying dual needs. Option B is false; C is misuse; D is incorrect. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios uses visuals. It also encourages questions. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to correct misconceptions first, then reinforce consistent use.

Question 7

A 16-year-old client reports smoking cigarettes and says they often replace meals with chips and soda. Vital signs: blood pressure 114/72 mm Hg, heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.6°F (37°C). The nurse should reinforce which information to promote healthier choices?

  1. Combine quitting smoking and choosing water and nutrient-dense foods as snacks, which support energy and growth during adolescence. (correct answer)
  2. Use nicotine replacement gum only during school hours and not at home, because a fixed schedule prevents cravings and reduces tobacco use.
  3. Skip breakfast and have diet soda in place of meals, because cutting sugar and calories reduces cravings while keeping energy high.
  4. Switch to light cigarettes and smoke less often, because lower tar and filter levels make them a safer choice than regular cigarettes.
Explanation: The adolescent has two linked risks: cigarette smoking and replacing meals with chips and soda. The correct guidance is the only one that addresses both concerns: stop smoking and choose water and nutrient-dense foods as snacks. That combination is important because adolescence is a time of rapid energy and growth. Scheduling nicotine gum only during school hours and not at home leaves nicotine craving untreated at other times and does not provide a complete stop-smoking plan. Skipping breakfast and choosing diet soda instead of meals removes helpful food and calorie-dense nutrition, and it does not reduce nicotine cravings. Light cigarettes are not safe; lower tar claims and filter design do not make them less risky, and smoking remains harmful. Therefore the most effective teaching combines tobacco cessation with nourishing snack choices.

Question 8

A 26-year-old client who is 18 weeks pregnant reports smoking cigarettes daily and says they are "cutting down." Vital signs: blood pressure 114/72 mm Hg, heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.4°F (36.9°C). Which behavior change is MOST important for the client to implement?

  1. Stop smoking completely and use a quit plan with support resources rather than only reducing the number of cigarettes, as this is the safest approach for fetal development. (correct answer)
  2. Switch to e-cigarettes because they deliver fewer harmful chemicals than regular cigarettes and are a healthier choice, since they do not produce tar.
  3. Skip prenatal visits until after quitting to reduce stress on the baby and avoid feeling judged by healthcare providers about smoking, since this lowers anxiety.
  4. Increase caffeine intake to manage cravings because caffeine provides a mild energy boost and can substitute for the nicotine rush, easing withdrawal symptoms.
Explanation: The most important behavior change is to stop smoking completely and use a structured quit plan with support, because complete cessation is safest for fetal development. Reducing cigarette numbers still exposes the fetus to harmful toxins. Switching to e-cigarettes is not correct because they are not proven safe in pregnancy; they still contain harmful substances and do not eliminate risk. Skipping prenatal visits is dangerous because regular checkups monitor both maternal and fetal health, and delaying care increases the chance of missed complications. Increasing caffeine intake is not an effective or safe way to manage nicotine cravings; caffeine can raise heart rate and blood pressure, does not reliably reduce withdrawal, and high caffeine intake is also discouraged during pregnancy. Therefore, the priority is complete cessation with professional resources.

Question 9

A 49-year-old client reports they have not exercised in years and have a parent with coronary artery disease. Diet includes frequent fried foods and sugary drinks. Vital signs: blood pressure 140/92 mm Hg, heart rate 84/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.2°F (36.8°C). What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Start with short bouts of activity (such as 10-minute walks) and replace sugary drinks with water to support heart health (correct answer)
  2. Exercise is unsafe after age 45, so the focus should be on vitamin supplements rather than physical activity for heart health.
  3. Adding fried foods and sugary drinks before workouts can provide quick energy while you slowly build activity tolerance.
  4. Ask the provider to order a coronary stent placement as a prevention measure before starting an exercise program.
Explanation: The correct education should start with a small, realistic plan that improves both activity and diet. Beginning with 10-minute walks is an appropriate first step for someone who has been inactive for years, and replacing sugary drinks with water reduces excess sugar and calories; together, these changes lower cardiovascular risk. The idea that exercise is unsafe after age 45 is false: age 45 alone does not make exercise dangerous, and vitamin supplements cannot replace the physical benefit of activity. The advice to add fried foods and sugary drinks before exercise is aimed at quick energy, but those foods can raise blood pressure and harm lipid levels, so it does the opposite of heart-healthy education. Asking for a coronary stent as prevention is also wrong: stents are placed to open a narrowed vessel, not to prevent a first cardiac event in someone without a clear indication, and this is not lifestyle education. The correct teaching is the one that offers a gradual exercise and hydration plan.

Question 10

A 16-year-old client comes to the school nurse for frequent cough and admits to vaping nicotine daily and skipping breakfast. Vital signs: temperature 98.4°F (36.9°C), heart rate 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 110/68 mm Hg. The client says, "Vaping isn't really smoking." The nurse should reinforce which information to promote healthier choices?

  1. Nicotine vaping can cause addiction and lung irritation; set a quit date and identify triggers and supports (correct answer)
  2. Start a high-protein diet only and avoid all carbohydrates to improve energy
  3. Switch to vaping without nicotine to eliminate all health risks
  4. Ask a provider to order a chest computed tomography scan before making any changes
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education related to adolescent substance use and nutrition. The primary behavior risk is daily nicotine vaping and skipping meals, which is a priority due to addiction potential, lung damage, and nutritional deficits affecting growth. The correct answer provides the most effective education by addressing addiction, setting a quit date, and identifying supports to promote cessation and health. Option B is incorrect as it promotes an unbalanced diet; C is wrong because non-nicotine vaping still poses risks; D is unnecessary without symptoms and delays education. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios uses motivational interviewing to build readiness for change. It also incorporates age-appropriate resources and follow-up to reinforce positive behaviors. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to target addictive behaviors first, like vaping, then address related issues such as diet based on the client's developmental needs.

Question 11

A 48-year-old client reports no regular exercise and says, "Heart disease runs in my family, so it's inevitable." Diet is high in fried foods. Vital signs: blood pressure 150/94 mm Hg, heart rate 90/min, respiratory rate 18/min, temperature 98.1°F (36.7°C). Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this client?

  1. Teach that lifestyle changes can reduce risk and help the client set a realistic goal to walk 30 minutes most days (correct answer)
  2. Explain that genetics are the only factor and lifestyle changes will not help
  3. Schedule the client for immediate stress testing and cardiac imaging
  4. Advise taking aspirin daily without consulting a provider
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on fatalistic attitudes toward heart disease. The primary behavior risk is inactivity and poor diet despite family history, which is a priority as it exacerbates genetic risks through hypertension. The correct answer provides the most effective education by countering misconceptions and setting achievable activity goals. Option B is false; C is premature; D is risky without guidance. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios challenges myths with facts. It also motivates through personalized risk assessment. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to address modifiable factors like exercise first in genetically at-risk clients.

Question 12

A 30-year-old client reports having sex with partners met online and not using condoms "if they look healthy." Vital signs are within expected limits. The client asks about preventing infection. The nurse should reinforce which information to promote healthier choices?

  1. People can have STIs without symptoms; use condoms consistently and get routine STI screening as recommended (correct answer)
  2. Condoms are only needed if a partner has visible sores
  3. Douching after sex prevents most STIs
  4. Stop all sexual activity permanently to eliminate risk
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for partner selection and STI prevention. The primary behavior risk is condom non-use based on appearance, which is a priority as many STIs are asymptomatic. The correct answer provides the most effective education by stressing consistent protection and screening. Option B is incorrect; C is ineffective; D is extreme. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios uses teach-back for understanding. It also encourages open partner communication. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to focus on asymptomatic transmission first, then testing frequency based on activity level.

Question 13

A 15-year-old client has gained 20 lb over the past year, reports eating chips and soda after school daily, and smokes cigarettes "sometimes" with friends. Vital signs: blood pressure 108/66 mm Hg, heart rate 86/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.6°F (37°C). What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Discuss a plan to stop tobacco use and replace sugary drinks and snacks with healthier options such as water and fruits (correct answer)
  2. Recommend skipping lunch to reduce daily calories quickly
  3. Tell the client to switch from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco to avoid lung damage
  4. Instruct the client to start a prescription appetite suppressant without a provider visit
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for adolescent weight gain, smoking, and diet. The primary behavior risk is smoking and poor nutrition, which is a priority due to growth impacts and addiction onset. The correct answer provides the most effective education by combining cessation with healthy eating alternatives. Option B promotes unhealthy calorie restriction; C is still harmful; D is unsafe without evaluation. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios involves peer influence discussion. It also sets measurable goals for habit change. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to target smoking as the highest risk, then diet, considering adolescent developmental stages.

Question 14

A 22-year-old client reports recent unprotected sex and asks about STI prevention. The client has no symptoms and vital signs are within expected limits. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this client?

  1. Teach correct condom use and encourage routine STI testing based on risk, even without symptoms (correct answer)
  2. Explain that bathing immediately after sex prevents infection
  3. Instruct the client to take leftover antibiotics after unprotected sex
  4. Advise avoiding all physical activity for 24 hours after sex
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on post-exposure STI prevention. The primary behavior risk is recent unprotected sex, which is a priority to prevent undetected infections. The correct answer provides the most effective education by teaching condom skills and screening. Option B is false; C is misuse; D is irrelevant. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios promotes immediate testing. It also reduces anxiety with facts. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to address prevention post-event, then routine habits.

Question 15

A 50-year-old client reports sitting at a desk all day and "rarely" exercising. Family history includes high cholesterol and coronary artery disease. Vital signs: blood pressure 142/86 mm Hg, heart rate 80/min, respiratory rate 16/min, temperature 98.3°F (36.8°C). What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Encourage at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity and reducing sodium and saturated fat intake (correct answer)
  2. Start a very low-carbohydrate diet as the only needed change to prevent heart disease
  3. Begin marathon training immediately to strengthen the heart quickly
  4. Ask the provider to prescribe cholesterol medication for prevention without lifestyle changes
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for preventing heart disease in sedentary adults. The primary behavior risk is prolonged sitting and family history, which is a priority due to elevated cholesterol and hypertension risks. The correct answer provides the most effective education by recommending activity and dietary adjustments. Option B is unbalanced; C is excessive; D bypasses lifestyle. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios includes goal tracking. It also addresses work-related barriers. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to target activity in desk-bound clients, then diet based on family risks.

Question 16

A 24-year-old client who is 10 weeks pregnant reports smoking marijuana several times a week and says it helps with anxiety. Vital signs are within expected limits. The client has missed the last prenatal appointment due to transportation problems. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this client?

  1. Educate on risks of substance use in pregnancy and help connect the client with prenatal care and community support resources (correct answer)
  2. Advise the client to taper marijuana use only in the third trimester to avoid withdrawal
  3. Teach the client to use alcohol instead of marijuana because it is easier to measure
  4. Perform a full psychiatric diagnostic interview and start therapy sessions during the visit
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on substance use and prenatal care adherence. The primary behavior risk is marijuana use for anxiety and missed appointments, which is a priority due to potential fetal neurodevelopmental effects and care gaps. The correct answer provides the most effective education by highlighting risks and facilitating access to support. Option B is incorrect as tapering timing is misguided; C is wrong as alcohol is harmful; D is excessive and not nurse-led. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios addresses social determinants like transportation. It also builds trust through empathetic listening. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to tackle substance use immediately, then logistical barriers, aligned with pregnancy trimester needs.

Question 17

A 29-year-old client who is 20 weeks pregnant reports binge drinking "only at parties" and says it helps with stress. Vital signs: temperature 98.1°F (36.7°C), heart rate 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 110/68 mm Hg. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize for this client?

  1. Provide education that alcohol can harm fetal development at any time in pregnancy and offer referral to counseling/support services (correct answer)
  2. Teach that beer is safer than liquor during pregnancy
  3. Recommend stopping all fluids for 24 hours after drinking to "detox"
  4. Instruct the client to avoid prenatal care visits to reduce anxiety triggers
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education on alcohol use in pregnancy. The primary behavior risk is binge drinking for stress, which is a priority due to fetal brain development impacts. The correct answer provides the most effective education by explaining risks and referring to support. Option B is wrong; C is unhealthy; D avoids care. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios assesses stress. It also offers alternatives. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to address triggers like stress first, then abstinence in mid-pregnancy.

Question 18

A 19-year-old client at a community clinic reports having unprotected sex with multiple partners in the past 6 months and says they "feel fine." Vital signs: temperature 98.6°F (37°C), heart rate 84/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 118/72 mm Hg. The client drinks alcohol on weekends and sometimes forgets to use condoms. What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Avoid sexual activity until a provider prescribes antiviral medication for possible infection
  2. Use a condom correctly every time and limit the number of sexual partners to reduce STI risk (correct answer)
  3. Rinse the genital area after intercourse to decrease the chance of infection
  4. Ask the provider to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis for all clients who are sexually active
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education in the context of sexual health and STI prevention. The primary behavior risk is unprotected sex with multiple partners combined with alcohol use, which is a priority because it increases the likelihood of STI transmission and unintended pregnancy. The correct answer provides the most effective education by emphasizing consistent condom use and limiting partners, which directly reduces exposure to infections. Option A is incorrect as it assumes infection without evidence and promotes unnecessary abstinence; C is ineffective as rinsing does not prevent STIs; D is inappropriate as PrEP is specific to HIV prevention and not universally prescribed. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios involves using evidence-based information and addressing misconceptions compassionately. It also includes encouraging client participation in setting achievable goals for behavior change. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to assess the client's immediate risks, such as unprotected sex, and focus on harm reduction strategies before broader lifestyle changes.

Question 19

A 14-year-old client reports smoking cigarettes on weekends and eating mostly fast food. Vital signs: temperature 98.7°F (37.1°C), heart rate 96/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 112/70 mm Hg. The client says, "I'm young, so it won't hurt me." What education should the nurse provide to address this behavior?

  1. Explain that nicotine is addictive and can harm health now; encourage quitting and choosing balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. (correct answer)
  2. Recommend switching to menthol cigarettes and using a filter tip; doing so may reduce the throat irritation while the client continues smoking.
  3. Teach the client that fast food's main health risk is weight gain, and that smoking on weekends is too infrequent to require quitting.
  4. Tell the client that a daily multivitamin supplement can replace the nutrients missed by fast food, so the current eating habits can stay unchanged.
Explanation: The best education directly counters the client's belief that being young is protective. Nicotine can be addictive and cause harm now, and the nurse should pair that message with an action: quitting smoking and eating balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Recommending menthol cigarettes and a filter tip does not reduce the actual harms of smoking; it continues nicotine exposure, ignores addiction, and says nothing about nutrition. Teaching that fast food's main risk is weight gain and that weekend smoking is too infrequent to require quitting falsely minimizes the risks of smoking and leaves the client without a tobacco-cessation plan. Telling the client that a daily multivitamin can replace the nutrients missed by fast food is incorrect because supplements cannot fully substitute for a balanced diet, and it does not address the smoking behavior at all. Therefore, the complete response is the one that names addiction, the potential for immediate harm, quitting smoking, and improving food choices.

Question 20

A 27-year-old client who is 12 weeks pregnant reports using prescription opioid pills not prescribed to them "a few times a week." Vital signs: temperature 98.6°F (37°C), heart rate 98/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg. The client says they will stop "cold turkey" today. The nurse should reinforce which information to promote healthier choices?

  1. Do not stop opioids abruptly without medical guidance; notify the prenatal provider and seek a supervised treatment plan and support services (correct answer)
  2. Stopping suddenly is always safest in pregnancy and does not require follow-up care
  3. Switch to alcohol to manage withdrawal symptoms at home
  4. Skip prenatal care until opioid use has fully stopped
Explanation: This question tests high-risk behavior education for opioid use in pregnancy. The primary behavior risk is non-prescribed opioid use and abrupt cessation plan, which is a priority due to withdrawal risks to mother and fetus. The correct answer provides the most effective education by advising supervised tapering and support. Option B is dangerous; C is harmful; D avoids care. Effective client education in high-risk scenarios screens for dependence. It also coordinates with providers. A strategy for prioritizing education topics is to focus on safe cessation first, then ongoing prenatal needs.