NCLEX-RN
NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers
1. The nurse is caring for a patient who has a right-sided chest tube after a right lower lobectomy. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Document the amount of drainage every eight hours
- B. Obtain samples of drainage for culture from the system
- C. Assess patient pain level associated with the chest tube
- D. Check the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to document the amount of drainage every eight hours. UAP education typically includes tasks related to documentation of intake and output. Obtaining samples of drainage for culture and assessing patient pain level are nursing responsibilities that require licensed nursing personnel's education and scope of practice. Checking the water-seal chamber for the correct fluid level also falls under the nursing role, as it involves monitoring and maintaining the chest tube system, which requires nursing knowledge and training.
2. Which of the following is one of the three smallest bones in the body?
- A. Vomer
- B. Distal phalanx of the small toe
- C. Stapes
- D. Coccyx
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The stapes, along with the malleus and incus, are the three smallest bones in the human body. These bones are located in the inner ear and play a crucial role in hearing. The vomer is a bone in the nasal cavity and is not one of the smallest bones. The distal phalanx of the small toe is relatively larger and not among the smallest bones. The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is not one of the smallest bones in the body.
3. A patient suffering from hyperglycemia would be experiencing:
- A. Low blood sugar
- B. High blood sugar
- C. Normal blood sugar
- D. None of the above
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. In this state, there is an excess of glucose in the bloodstream. Patients with hyperglycemia are often diagnosed with diabetes. The term 'hyperglycemia' specifically refers to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, the correct answer is 'High blood sugar.' Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hyperglycemia indicates elevated blood sugar levels and not low or normal levels.
4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of platelets to a client. Which of the following actions must the healthcare professional perform before giving the platelets?
- A. Start an IV of 0.9% Normal Saline to administer with the platelets
- B. Ensure the container with the platelets is intact and not damaged
- C. Verify the client's identity using two unique identifiers
- D. Check the client's chart to ensure no contraindications to platelet transfusion
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before administering platelets, it is crucial to check the integrity of the container holding the blood product. An intact container ensures the sterility and safety of the platelets, minimizing the risk of contamination or infection. Option A is incorrect as administering platelets typically does not require starting a new IV line unless indicated for the specific patient. Option C is not the priority as verifying the client's identity can be done at any point during the administration process but is not specific to the platelet transfusion itself. Option D, checking the client's chart for antibiotic use, is not directly related to ensuring the safety of the blood product container.
5. A client has fallen asleep in his bed in the hospital. His heart rate is 65 bpm, his muscles are relaxed, and he is difficult to arouse. Which stage of the sleep cycle is this client experiencing?
- A. Stage 1
- B. Stage 2
- C. Stage 3
- D. Stage 4
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client in this scenario is experiencing stage 3 of the sleep cycle. In stage 3, the individual has moved into deeper stages of sleep, making it difficult to arouse. Characteristics of stage 3 include relaxed muscles, a decrease in vital signs, and being very still. Stage 3 is a phase of non-REM sleep where the client progresses towards REM sleep and vivid dreams. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Stage 1 is characterized by light sleep, stage 2 is a slightly deeper sleep with sleep spindles and K-complexes, and stage 4 is the deepest stage of sleep with the slowest brain waves.
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