each small square on the ekg paper is

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. Each small square on the EKG paper is:

A. 0.04 seconds long and 5mm tall
B. 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall
C. 0.04 seconds long and 20mm tall
D. 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Each small square on an EKG paper represents 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall. This standardization is essential for accurate measurements. One large square on EKG paper consists of 5 small squares in length and 5 small squares in height, which equals 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall (0.5 mV). Choice A is incorrect because while the duration is correct, the height mentioned is not accurate. Choice B is incorrect as it provides the correct height but the duration is inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as the height mentioned is exaggerated, and the duration is correct but the height is not. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall.

2. Specific gravity in urinalysis:

A. compares the concentration of urine to that of distilled water
B. is useless when the patient is dehydrated
C. can only be measured using a refractometer
D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Specific gravity in urinalysis measures the concentration of solutes in urine compared to that of distilled water. This comparison helps in assessing the kidney's ability to concentrate urine properly. It is a valuable test even in dehydrated patients as it provides insights into renal function. Specific gravity can be measured using various methods, including a refractometer or reagent strips. Normal specific gravity readings of human urine typically range from 1.005 to 1.030. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes the purpose of specific gravity in urinalysis. Choices B and C are incorrect as specific gravity remains relevant in dehydrated patients and can be measured using different techniques, not solely a refractometer.

3. The nurse is reviewing concepts related to one's heritage and beliefs. Which concept refers to an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe?

A. Culture
B. Religion
C. Ethnicity
D. Spirituality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Religion refers to an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, as well as the attendance of regular services. Religion is a shared experience of spirituality or the values, beliefs, and practices into which people are either born or that they may adopt to meet their personal spiritual needs through communal actions, such as religious affiliation, attendance and participation in a religious institution, prayer, or meditation, and religious practices. Culture is a complex phenomenon that includes attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, roles, and values learned from birth through the processes of language acquisition and socialization. It does not refer to a belief in a divine or superhuman power. Ethnicity pertains to a social group within the social system that claims to possess variable traits, such as a common geographic origin, religion, race, and others. Spirituality is a broad term focused on a connection with something bigger than oneself and a belief in transcendence.

4. When caring for children with a different cultural perspective, what challenge may the nurse recognize?

A. Children have spiritual needs that are influenced by their stages of development
B. Children have spiritual needs that are direct reflections of what is occurring in their homes
C. Religious beliefs rarely affect the parents' perceptions of the illness
D. Parents are often the decision-makers, and they have no knowledge of their children's spiritual needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for children with different cultural perspectives, nurses should acknowledge that children have spiritual needs that are influenced by their stages of development. This understanding is crucial as children, like adults, have varying spiritual needs based on their age and the religious environment within their family. Recognizing and addressing these spiritual needs is essential for providing holistic care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the influence of children's developmental stages on their spiritual needs and the importance of considering these needs in their care.

5. While auscultating heart sounds, the nurse hears a murmur. Which of these instruments would be used to assess this murmur?

A. Electrocardiogram
B. Bell of the stethoscope
C. Diaphragm of the stethoscope
D. Palpation with the nurse's palm of the hand

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instrument to assess a murmur while auscultating heart sounds is the bell of the stethoscope. An electrocardiogram is used to measure the heart's electrical activity, not to assess murmurs. Palpation with the nurse's palm of the hand is a method to assess pulses or textures, not heart murmurs. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is typically used for high-pitched sounds like breath, bowel, and normal heart sounds, whereas the bell is more suitable for soft, low-pitched sounds such as murmurs or extra heart sounds.