a physician may assess turgor when

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Actual Exam Test Bank

1. When is a physician likely to assess turgor?

A. When iron deficiency is suspected.
B. When heart and lung issues are suspected.
C. When dehydration is suspected.
D. None of the above.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Skin turgor is assessed when dehydration is suspected. To evaluate skin turgor, a physician pinches the skin and observes how quickly it returns to its normal position. If the skin stays folded for an extended period, it indicates dehydration. Assessing turgor helps determine a patient's hydration status. Choice A is incorrect because skin turgor is not used to assess iron deficiency. Choice B is incorrect as turgor is not related to heart and lung issues, but rather hydration status. Choice D is incorrect as turgor assessment is relevant when dehydration is suspected.

2. What is the most effective step in hand washing?

A. Using friction to remove potential pathogens.
B. Using hospital-grade soap.
C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.

3. Who is legally able to make decisions for the patient or resident during a patient care conference when the patient is not mentally able to make decisions on their own?

A. The patient or their healthcare proxy
B. Only the patient
C. Only the healthcare proxy
D. The doctor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is unable to make decisions due to mental incapacity, the healthcare proxy, designated by the patient in advance, has the legal authority to make decisions on the patient's behalf. In this situation, the patient lacks the capacity to make decisions independently. The healthcare proxy's role is to represent the patient's wishes and best interests. The doctor's role in a patient care conference is to provide medical expertise, offer recommendations, and assist in the decision-making process, but the final decision-making authority lies with the healthcare proxy, not the doctor.

4. What is the BEST blood collection location for a newborn?

A. the AC
B. the veins of the forehead
C. the heel
D. the fingertips

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When collecting blood from newborns, it is safest and most commonly done by collecting blood from the lateral or medial aspect of the baby's heel. This location is preferred due to the accessibility of the veins and the minimal discomfort caused to the newborn. Veins in the forehead are not commonly used for blood collection in newborns. The fingertips are not optimal for blood collection in newborns due to their small size and the potential for causing discomfort. The AC (antecubital) area, typically used in adults for blood collection, is not recommended for newborns due to the size of their veins and the potential risk of injury.

5. For a healthcare worker under normal conditions with unsoiled hands, effective hand hygiene between patients requires which of the following?

A. At least a 15-second scrub with plain soap and water
B. At least a 23-minute scrub with an antimicrobial soap
C. Use of an alcohol-based antiseptic hand-rub
D. Wearing a mask when scrubbing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective hand hygiene between patients for a healthcare worker with unsoiled hands involves using an alcohol-based antiseptic hand rub. This method is sufficient for cleaning hands that are not visibly soiled. The use of an antimicrobial soap or a prolonged scrubbing time is unnecessary and not recommended in this scenario. Wearing a mask is not required for routine hand hygiene and does not contribute to effective hand cleaning.