NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank
1. A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
- A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
- B. Chronic low self-esteem
- C. Risk for suicide
- D. Hopelessness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for suicide.' When a patient presents with major depression, significant weight loss, suicidal ideation, and lack of symptom improvement despite medication, the immediate concern is to address the risk of suicide. 'Risk for suicide' takes precedence as it involves a direct threat to the patient's life. 'Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements' may be a concern but does not take priority over the risk of suicide. 'Chronic low self-esteem' and 'Hopelessness' are relevant issues in depression but are not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicidal behavior.
2. What is a common error when taking a pulse?
- A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
- B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
- C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
- D. None of the above will cause errors.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.
3. The most accurate reading for a temperature is done:
- A. Orally
- B. Aurally through a clean canal
- C. Rectally
- D. Axially
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Aural readings are done through the ear canal. The tympanic membrane shares a blood supply with the hypothalamus, the brain area that regulates body temperature. Taking the temperature aurally through a clean canal ensures an accurate reading. Choice A (Orally) is not the most accurate method for temperature measurement as it can be affected by external factors like drinking hot or cold liquids. Choice C (Rectally) is invasive and less practical for routine temperature monitoring. Choice D (Axially) is not a standard method for temperature measurement and may not provide accurate results.
4. What term is used to describe the sexual response changes among middle-aged men?
- A. Menopause
- B. Climacteric
- C. Generativity
- D. Maturity
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Climacteric.' Climacteric specifically refers to the period in middle-aged men characterized by sexual response changes, such as delayed arousal. Menopause, choice A, is incorrect as it is specific to women and marks the cessation of menstrual periods. Generativity, choice C, is unrelated as it refers to the concern for guiding the next generation. Maturity, choice D, is too broad and generally refers to reaching the adult stage of development, not specifically addressing sexual response changes in middle-aged men.
5. Rales and rhonchi are frequently noted during an examination of lung sounds. What is the difference between the two?
- A. Rales are louder.
- B. Rhonchi are noted only in infants.
- C. Rales occur on inspiration, rhonchi on expiration.
- D. Rales are noted only in infants.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that rales occur on inspiration, while rhonchi occur on expiration. Rales are typically heard during inhalation when there is fluid in the alveoli or air passages. Rhonchi, on the other hand, are caused by air passing through obstructed airways during exhalation due to secretions in the respiratory tract. Choice A is incorrect because the loudness of the sounds is not the primary distinguishing factor between rales and rhonchi. Choice B is incorrect as rhonchi can be heard in individuals beyond infancy. Choice D is incorrect as rales can be present in patients of various age groups, not just infants.
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