the mordant in the gram stain procedure is

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Predictor Exam

1. In the Gram Stain procedure, which component acts as the mordant?

A. Crystal violet
B. Methyl alcohol
C. Iodine
D. Safranin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Gram Stain procedure, the mordant is Gram's Iodine. The purpose of the mordant is to form a complex with the crystal violet, enhancing its ability to bind to the cell wall. Crystal violet is actually the primary stain used in the Gram Stain procedure to initially color all cells. Methyl alcohol is the decolorizer that removes the crystal violet from certain cell types. Safranin is the counterstain used to stain those cells that did not retain the crystal violet stain after the decolorization step.

2. All of the following factors may contribute to client falls EXCEPT:

A. Contact dermatitis
B. Urinary frequency
C. Decreased visual acuity
D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Client falls can result from various factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic factors include health conditions like urinary frequency, which increases the need for bathroom visits, decreased visual acuity, and confusion. These factors can directly contribute to an increased risk of falls. However, contact dermatitis does not directly lead to falls. Contact dermatitis is a skin condition caused by contact with irritants or allergens and does not inherently predispose individuals to falling. Therefore, among the given options, contact dermatitis is the only factor that is not directly associated with an increased risk of falls.

3. A patient is bleeding profusely from an injury near her wrist. Which of the following first aid procedures would be MOST appropriate?

A. Place a tourniquet on her arm above the injury.
B. Place pressure on her brachial artery.
C. Place pressure on her radial nerve.
D. Cover the bleeding area with wet towels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate first aid procedure for a patient bleeding profusely from an injury near the wrist is to place pressure on her brachial artery. Applying pressure to the brachial pulse point will help slow down the bleeding. Placing a tourniquet on her arm above the injury is not recommended as it could potentially inhibit blood flow, leading to tissue necrosis. Pressing on the radial nerve or covering the bleeding area with wet towels are not effective in controlling bleeding and may not address the underlying cause.

4.

A. The patient is experiencing bradycardia.
B. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.
C. The patient's pulse rate is not normal"?no action is required.
D. The patient's next clinic visit should occur as scheduled.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.' A pulse rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia in adults, but it is not a concern in well-trained athletes like marathon runners. Bradycardia is a normal physiological response to aerobic conditioning. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute, which is not the case here. The low pulse rate in this scenario is a reflection of the athlete's cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, there is no need to notify the physician or schedule a follow-up visit based on these findings.

5. A client has died approximately one hour ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature has decreased in the last hour since their death. Which of the following processes explains this phenomenon?

A. Rigor mortis
B. Postmortem decomposition
C. Algor mortis
D. Livor mortis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Algor mortis occurs after death when the body's circulation stops, and the client's temperature begins to fall. The client's temperature will drop by approximately 1.8 degrees per hour until it reaches room temperature. During algor mortis, the client's skin gradually loses its elasticity. Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of the body after death due to chemical changes in the muscles. Postmortem decomposition is the breakdown of tissues after death. Livor mortis is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body, causing a purple-red discoloration.